Thinking of taking your first French ski trip in winter 2020/21, or even the next season?
It’s never too early to plan ahead and since the logistics of a snow sports holiday perhaps require a little more coordination than the average beach break, a little forethought never goes amiss.
Whether you’re a raw recruit and don’t know where to start or have skied previously but need a refresher before you travel with kids in tow, these five top tips for planning a French snow skiing trip should provide peace of mind.
- Choose a snow-sure resort
If you want to ski or snowboard then snow is the essential ingredient, but some resorts are more snow reliable than others throughout the season. A high-altitude is usually a good indicator that a resort is snow-sure, but north-facing slopes hold their snow as they’re shaded from the sun and geographical position means some areas benefit from their own microclimates.
Tip: check this Telegraph article on snow-sure Val Thorens.
- Consider everyone’s abilities
Practically every resort will have a range of runs to suit beginner skiers, intermediates and experts, and even locations which are weighted more towards a certain level of skier will often have accessible connections to neighbouring resorts in the same ski area with a wider choice. However, if you’re in a mixed ability group it makes sense finding a resort with a good balance of green, blue, red and black runs.
Tip: The green, blue and red runs that dominate Samoëns suit beginners, intermediates and families.
- Weigh up accommodation types
There are several types of accommodation available for your French Alps ski holiday, so choosing carefully is conducive to every member of your party having a fantastic time. If you’re a large group which prioritises privacy and exclusivity, a standalone chalet is the way to go, but a ski apartment can be just as plush. Alternatively, as well as comfy suites, ski hotels usually have inhouse spas and restaurants.
Tip: snowports gurus Erna Low can advise on the best accommodation for skiing holidays in France.
- Remember the cuisine
If you have foodies, fussy eaters, veggies or vegans in your group, you’ll need to be satisfied that the resort you choose has a diverse range of eateries to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Most Alpine destinations offer a range of restaurants serving local fare and international cuisine, but check rating and recommendation sites to be sure.
Tip: If you’re yearning for haute cuisine, Courchevel has many Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Think about child-friendliness
A child-friendly resort should have well-groomed nursery slopes, but it should also have trusted ski schools, dedicated fun areas and off-slope entertainment activities aplenty. Furthermore, if self-catering makes it easier to ensure that younger kids can maintain their usual healthy diets as reliably as possible, a resort with this accommodation provision should be first choice.
Tip: adventurous kids love The Lil-Stash forest adventure park in Avoriaz.
Follow these five tips and every member of your family will have a holiday to remember during your next fantastic French ski trip!