French resorts offer some of the most exciting skiing in Europe. From high-altitude mega-resorts like Val Thorens to small French villages with real character like Valloire and St Sorlin d'Arves – here is a selection that TO Holiday recommends…

Alpe d’Huez

This is fast becoming a resort to rival the best. The village is more convenient than charming but the scenery is outstanding and sure to keep photographers busy. The recent growth in popularity is attributed to an increase in quality chalets and big investment into the lift system. Alpe d'Huez is a genuine all-rounder in all aspects, runs to suit every level, good childcare, plenty of party atmosphere and lots of on and off snow activities.

Chamonix

Much renowned as the ‘Grand Master' in the ski industry, Chamonix is not considered convenient and a car is useful. Not a place for the faint hearted! As you'd expect for a resort dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc, the scenery is impressive, the skiing and boarding extreme and the partying hardcore!

Courchevel

Although best known for Michelin starred restaurants, swanky hotels and expensive boutiques, there is plenty to discover in the exclusive third valley that doesn't require a platinum card.

Les Sybelles - St Sorlin d' Arves & St Jean d'Arves

Les Sybelles encompasses 6 resorts and a newly linked 310km ski area. Opened in December 2003, the development has propelled the region from unknown status to a relative superstar, as the ski area becomes one of France's top 5 largest. Both St Jean and St Sorlin are quaint and traditional villages sharing the valley of the L'Arvan. St Sorlin is the main resort area, whilst it's smaller sister St Jean, is more of a small and friendly hamlet with everything conveniently nearby. A 5 minute ski bus journey links up the 2 villages.

Chamrousse

Chamrousse is a resort that is just waiting to pop back into the limelight. A firm favourite with all the locals from Grenoble, just 30 minutes away, this is a resort with an illustrious history and a bright future. Just the right size so you don't get lost, but big enough to keep the most demanding intermediate happy for the week, the resort offers a range of activities and events throughout the season to make this a great overall holiday experience.

Peyragudes

Nestling in the Pyrenees National Park, not far from the Spanish border, Peyragudes dominates the valleys of Louron and Larboust. Whilst being welcoming and lively, Peyragudes remains a traditional resort offering high quality snow coverage and fantastic forest skiing on its two mountains, (Peyresourde and Agudes) at the heart of a nature reserve and with summits of over 3000m, the Pyrenees are pure pleasure!

Valloire

A gem of a resort combining the best of ‘real' France with a ‘real' ski resort, the delightful village competes with the best in the scenic league and has some exceptionally fine skiing to boot. An impressive old church, weekly market, fromageries, reasonable prices, and in common with other less famous resorts, powder than can stay untracked for days. There are trees, motorways, bumps and real French food on this mountain. There has been significant investment into the lift system in recent years and lax visitors can expect to be impressed.

Skiing with TO HOLIDAY

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