March 27, 2026

Skiing in the US this winter has been very sad. Very little snow, icy conditions, and just a downer all around. My family got very lucky when we went to Telluride for MLK weekend – up until that weekend there was no snow AND the resort workers were on strike, closing down everything. And then it snowed, they worked things out, and we got great skiing! But most people weren’t so lucky. So if you’re thinking about skiing in the French Alps for the first time, I understand why. And you’ve come to the right place.

I’m here to tell you that there are so many more options outside of the US that will not only provide you with amazing skiing – it will also allow you to experience another beautiful country as well as their culture, and I help people plan these types of vacations all the time. Since I leave for the French Alps in 2 days (eek!), I wanted to write a quick post outlining the basics of what I recommend and why. I will be traveling with Purple Ski, who host luxury ski chalets. Check out that post here.

Where To Stay

Let’s talk areas. I’m staying in Meribel, which is central, the best access to all ski areas, and if you are traveling as a family, I will likely be suggesting this area. Next up, Val d’Isere is where I had clients traveling for Spring break. They LOVED it. It skews toward more serious skiers and is known for some of the best Apres Ski, and I would steer a couple here or Courchevel. Courchevel is like the Aspen of the French Alps (I will confirm), but I know it’s ultra-luxury and polished (but comes with a price tag to match).

As far as who I typically send to the French Alps generally: couples (think milestone birthday celebration in a chalet like the below), families with teens (they will be old enough to handle the long journey there and understand that it’s worth it), first time Europe skiers, who will appreciate the vast and unique differences from the US.

Getting There

How about getting to the French Alps. I think it’s why more Americans aren’t flocking there as they do to Colorado. First you take a long, usually overnight, flight to Geneva or Lyon. Next you can take a private 2.5+ hour transfer to the mountain – a great time to nap and enjoy the scenery on the way up. Even though it is quite a journey to get there, I would suggest making it more than just a French Alps vacation.

Switzerland is the easiest add on and a great opportunity to lean into the mountain experience and see another part of the world. Also Paris is just a 2-hour train ride away from Lyon or a one-hour flight. After skiing hard, you can walk, eat and shop to your heart’s content. Another option is heading to the French Riviera after Spring break skiing (March/April) and experience the beautiful coastline. It won’t be crowded but may still be chilly (55-70 degrees). All of this to say that there are so many options – and I’m here to make your Euro Ski dreams a reality.

How much does a French Alps ski trip cost?

Lift tickets are a lot less expensive than in the US. Typically they are about 75-95 euros per day, but there are discounts for kids, multi-day and it varies depending on how much of the mountain you will be accessing. The image below shows you the breadth of the 3 Vallées. Renting your equipment is also fairly simple and inexpensive. Many resorts have equipment rentals in the hotel, and chalet rentals include someone who will come to you with everything you will need. This is something you need to check on and understand in advance of your trip, and I can help you.

Lessons are different than what we typically see in the US. I won’t go into too much detail here, but there is a large company that acts as the official French Alps ski school (ESF). And then there are private ski school companies, such as Oxygéne and New Generation. They operate with smaller groups or private lessons and are more boutique but with a higher price tag. I would recommend booking a private ski lesson on the first day to get the lay of the land and understand the idiosyncrasies of French Alps skiing.

Where To Stay In The French Alps

There are so many options. Chalets, resorts, and all inclusive (sometimes an add on) to include food as well as lift tickets and ski lessons. Club Med is an excellent example, and might be a great option for a family who wants a simple option. Ski in/ski out resorts and chalets are less common than in the US, however shuttles are everywhere to get you where you need to go. I will go into more detail on my next post.

What Surprises People

• How big the ski areas really are. It will feel more like a ski universe than a ski resort.
• Lunch is a big event and a highlight. Think multiple courses (no grab and go burgers), champagne, and beautiful people.
• It can be more affordable than in the US. Lift tickets and food can be cheaper. Depending on where you stay, prices can be similar. And longer runs mean better value.
• It’s not just for experts – There are wide, groomed runs, amazing ski schools and options for all levels from beginner to expert.
• Logistics matter more than you might think, and this is where I come in. Understanding transfer times, choosing the right area to stay in and matching location to experience can make a French Alp vacation exceptional.
• It’s more than just skiing. The scenery, Aprés ski, food and surrounding areas make the French Alps a premium destination for anyone wanting a bucket list vacation.
• Booking your resort or chalet is best done by professional. There are nuances, and the resorts are closed down and empty off season. If you book a resort online, you may get confused by the occupancy rules; which could result in showing up to a hotel that is fully-booked and will not allow all of your family to stay in the room that you booked.
  

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Let’s Talk

If you’ve been thinking about the French Alps, but aren’t sure where to start, I’m always happy to help map it out in a way that actually fits how you want to travel. Reach out to chrissy.jenkins@fora.travel or if you’re ready to start, simply fill out this intake form and we can go from there.