If you are an intermediate skier looking to explore new resorts and improve your skiing, then look no further! We have rounded up some of the best ski resorts for intermediate skiers in France that offer a balanced mixture of terrain on which to build confidence and advance your technique. Whether it’s a lively après ski scene, a family-friendly atmosphere or challenging pistes that you are looking for, read on to discover our picks of the best ski resorts for intermediate skiers in France.
1. Tignes
Best for: Après Ski
Sitting at an altitude of 2,100m, Tignes is one of the best ski areas in the world for reliable snow cover. Linked with the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isère, the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy) offers 300km of diverse terrain to explore. The extensive ski area provides some incredible skiing for intermediate skiers, particularly in the Bellevarde and Solaise area. On top of its excellent skiing, Tignes has a vibrant après ski scene. The resort offers a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs, providing plenty of opportunities for evening entertainment. Popular après ski spots in Tignes include; Le Bolin for slope-side drinks and buzzy dj-sets, Grizzly Bar for a cozy and bustling atmosphere, Loop Bar for live music and beer by the jug, Cocorico for table dancing at dusk and Folie Douce for the ultimate piste-side party. Find out more about Tignes in our Ultimate Guide to Tignes.
2. Flaine
Best for: Skiing on a Budget
Flaine is a popular ski resort set in the heart of the Haute-Savoie region of France. Sitting at 1,600m, the high-altitude, snow-sure resort is almost entirely ski-in-ski-out and offers some incredible skiing in its snowy bowl with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Linked to Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval via an excellent lift system, Flaine offers 265km of well-maintained pistes, of which 78% are red or blue. Les Cascades is a thrilling 16km run that takes you from the top of Les Grandes Platières down to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and is one of the longest ski runs in Europe! Flaine’s ski pass prices are some of the cheapest in the French Alps and thanks to its proximity to Geneva, transfers are typically on the less expensive side, so it’s a great resort to visit in France if you are on a budget. Find out more about Flaine in our Ultimate Guide to Flaine.
3. Alpe D’Huez
Best for: Family-Friendly Fun
Alpe D’Huez is a high-altitude resort (1,860m) with reliable snow conditions and a lively atmosphere. It has a great lift system, accessible from 7 different locations in the town, meaning you will always be near a lift wherever you are staying. Alpe D’Huez is a great resort for families. It has designated learning areas and plenty of ‘beginners only’ runs that are ideal if you have children who are learning to ski. Beyond the beginner slopes, the resort offers varied, challenging terrain to keep the whole group entertained. An array of non-skiing activities are available in Alpe d’Huez including ice skating, swimming and crazy golf, which are all included with your ski pass! Due to its family-centric ethos and amenities, the resort has been awarded ‘Famille Plus’ status by the French Ministry of Tourism!
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4. Les Arcs
Best for: Adventure
Set in the heart of a 400-year-old pine forest, Les Arcs consists of four purpose-built villages; Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Ski-in-ski-out accommodation allows for easy access to the slopes and all that they have to offer! Les Arcs is linked to La Plagne by the valley-spanning Vanoise Express gondola, forming the Paradiski ski area. With access to 425km of pistes and two glaciers, adventurous skiers have much to explore including one of the most challenging ski runs in Europe; Aiguille Rouge. The 9km run starts at the highest peak in the Paradiski ski area (3,226m) and descends to Villaroger at 1,200m. Les Arcs also boasts two fantastic snow parks that cater to various skill levels. Booking a local guide or instructor on Maison Sport is a great way to safely discover the resort and advance your skiing, whilst feeding your sense of adventure!
5. Morzine
Best for: Accessibility
Morzine is the central resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area in France and is linked directly to Avoriaz and Les Gets via an excellent lift system. The resort has a lively, feel-good atmosphere and caters to all types of skier, with 650km of diverse skiable terrain to explore. The local Pleney area in Morzine is particularly great for intermediate skiers. Despite its low altitude, easy access to the Portes Du Soleil Ski area promises reliable snow conditions and more runs than you can ski in one trip! Morzine is located conveniently close to Geneva airport, with transfers taking as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes with good traffic! This makes the resort an excellent choice for shorter trips or if you are travelling with children. Find out more about Morzine in our Ultimate Guide to Morzine.
From the high-altitude, buzzy slopes of Tignes to the adventure playground of Les Arcs, choosing a resort tailored to your skills and needs will make your next ski trip one to remember! Maison Sport offers expert instructors in all of the above-listed resorts that can help you take your skiing to the next level and discover all that your chosen resort has to offer!
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