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5 of the best ski resorts in France for beginners
Are you booking your first ski holiday? We know there's lots to think about. You want to pick the perfect resort: easy, gentle slopes, the best ski schools for lessons, and - of course - plenty of fun with friends and family. Well, pop the kettle on and relax, because our Heidi experts have done the hard work for you. From tried and tested winners to uncrowded hidden gems, read on for five of the best beginner skiing holidays in France to book this season.
Whether you’re just getting started or travelling with someone who is, France is arguably the crème de la crème when it comes to beginner skiing trips. The ultimate combo of fun, relaxed slopes, short flights and transfers, excellent ski schools and heaps of convenient accommodation - not to mention jaw-dropping Mont Blanc views - make it one of the best places for beginner skiing worldwide.
Here are five of the best ski resorts for beginners in France we recommend for those just getting started:
1. Avoriaz
At the heart of one of the highest and most magnificent ski areas of the French Alps sits the spectacular resort of Avoriaz. One of our bestsellers, this alpine resort is a paradise for young families with its car-free roads and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options. Purpose-built in the 1960s, the unique slanted roofs and wooden shingles mimic the surrounding mountains. Its easy-to-reach nursery slopes and wide green runs are the ideal starting point for first-timers.
Begin your first day on the Ecoles and Dromonts pistes before gaining confidence on nearby greens and cruisy blues. Once you’ve found your ski legs, head to Portes du Soleil for even more fun. Worried about the forecast? Don't be! Avoriaz is as snow-sure as they come, with the most snowfall of any French resort.
Avoriaz is also heaven for non-skiers. Once you're done slope-side, try ski-jöering (being pulled on skis by a horse), go Avokarting down the pistes at night, or literally throw yourself in the deep end with underwater ice diving at Lake Montriond. As night descends, dance away to pop-rock anthems fuelled by delicious cocktails and rounds of beers at Avoriaz’s clubs and bars - you’ve earned it!
When to go: Quiet slopes in January and heavy snowfall in February are ideal for a post-Christmas jaunt or half-term escape.
2. La Clusaz
Meaning “passage between two mountains”, La Clusaz is located in the snow-spun altitudes of Aravis, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Geneva airport. Ideal for those looking for quiet slopes away from the larger resorts, this is a sweet spot for mixed-ability groups with high-altitude pistes and incredibly accessible skiing. Start with easy runs close to the village before heading to sunny Beauregard for cruisy greens and Manigod for forest-lined blues.
A popular choice for weekend ski breaks, the Haute-Savoie village of La Clusaz is one of the prettiest resorts in France, complete with traditional Savoyard chalets and a warm alpine feel. We recommend a day trip to visit the iconic 200-year-old church and bell tower, swiftly followed by laid-back après and epic Mont Blanc views.
After a day on the slopes, ditch your gear back at the chalet and head to one of the resort's restaurants to feast on hearty Savoyard mountain dishes. Think cheese fondue, mouth-watering raclettes, and heaped charcuterie boards - all washed down with a glass of Vin Chaud. Sante!
When to go: Book at Christmas to soak up the festive vibes with the sensational Pestacles street theatre festival, sizzling fire shows, and a visit from Père Noël.
3. La Plagne
An excellent choice for beginners and families, La Plagne was purpose-built to make skiing easy and enjoyable. We're talking plenty of accommodation, slope-side ski hire, and no long bus queues. Result!
A long-time favourite, Brits have been flocking to the slopes of La Plagne for years. With its iconic red bobble hat and sunglasses logo, this resort knows how to bring fun, relaxed vibes. Beginners will be spoilt with a generous supply of steady piste groomers and bright pink ‘CoolSki’ newcomer zones. With no less than 18 magic carpet lifts, plus wide, well-groomed greens and blues, there's plenty to get stuck into. And there’s no need to worry about having enough of the white stuff, as at 1800m, this is one of France's most snow-sure resorts.
Looking for some post-slope fun? La Plagne has it in spades. Come here to experience France’s only bobsleigh and skeleton track, alongside a purpose-built ice tower for climbers. If you got some energy left, head out on the town for chilled-out bars and clubs that will keep you raving 'til dawn.
When to go: Christmas and New Year bring festive fun for families, while January and February give out the best snow conditions of the year - ideal for a half-term escape.
4. Val Thorens
A dreamy base for a first-time ski holiday, Val Thorens is the king of convenience, with plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation for easy access to the slopes. Start your first day at the beginner area. With its 11 gentle green runs, excellent ski schools, and efficient modern lift system complete with four free magic carpet lifts, it's the perfect place to master your snow plough.
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, sitting at a lofty 2300m. Surrounded by dramatic pure white peaks, it's home to some of France's most reliably snowy pistes. For those looking for a different winter adrenaline rush, we recommend whizzing down Europe’s highest zipline - ‘Tyrolienne' - or taking on Europe’s longest toboggan run.
A top spot for foodies, Val Thorens is the home of 'snow bistronomy', meaning good humour and well-being for the taste buds - bon appetit! As night rolls in, the nightlife here is nothing short of legendary. With some of the liveliest parties in the French Alps, wrap up your first day in style with raving DJ sets and frothy mountain beers.
When to go: Plan a trip in January for crowd-free pistes and some of the best powder of the season.
5. Morillon
If your idea of a perfect first ski holiday is cruisy, uncrowded slopes amid the serenity of the mountains, then the alpine village of Morillon is the spot for you. Just an hour from Geneva airport, this charming resort - complete with a 16th-century church and cosy wooden chalets - offers a quiet slice of the mountain away from the hustle and bustle.
Ideal for a short ski break, Morillon has several fantastic beginner areas in the Morillon 1100, with incredible wide cruisy greens like The Marvel Run and laid-back blues winding through snow-capped forests. The great value accommodation and wooden chalet-style residences will let you live the mountain life, whilst lively-yet-relaxed après will keep you well-fed and watered ready for another day on the slopes.
There’s a mountain of activities to take part in as well as skiing. Set off hiking with snowshoes, explore snowy plateaus on a pony trek, get hearts racing on fat bikes, or feel the mountain air through your hair as you descend the slopes via wicked-fast ‘Yooner’ luges.
When to go: Beat the winter blues with an early escape in January and February to coincide with Morillon’s best snowfall.
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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