Chic Chamonix or Marvellous Méribel? Find Your Perfect Ski Resort!

If you’re new to skiing, you might be a little daunted by the choice of ski resorts on offer. Of course, with us you’re always sure to get the very best when it comes to luxury ski chalets, but how do you ensure that you find the perfect ski resort for your needs? We’ve collated a load of info on four of France’s biggest and best resorts, including their vibe, so all you need to do is pick a favourite and pack your salopettes…

Chamonix

Chamonix’s reputation often precedes it, especially if you’re a seasoned skier and snowboarder – and it’s often cited as a resort that doesn’t go easy on those who brave a trip down its challenging slopes. Beginners definitely won’t get as much out of Chamonix as those who are comfortable tackling a black run.

That’s not say Chamonix is totally unromantic, just that skiing is a higher priority than anything else here. The scope and challenge of both on- and off-piste runs is arguably the best in Europe, but this brings its own share of problems. You can often be stymied when queueing up for lifts, and travelling between the various areas by bus or car can often make it feel like you’re wasting valuable powder time. The skiing when you get up to the heights is well worth it though, even if you’ll have to get up pretty early in the morning to find fresh tracks.

And as one of the oldest ski resorts in the world, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied once the skiing is over at the end of the day. There are plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging from five that boasts a Michelin Star to the kind of places where you can just grab something cheap and tasty to line your stomach for the apres-ski – and rest assured there are dozens of great bars and clubs to choose from! The shopping is excellent too, so make sure you save a few euros to spend in some of Chamonix’s most exclusive boutiques.

Courchevel

Courchevel forms the easternmost part of the world famous Trois Vallées, and owes much of its popularity to how well connected it is to some great skiing – not to mention a great lift system that cuts down queues. This is especially handy considering the reliability of good snow in Courchevel Valley, meaning you’ll get to spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting around.

Another thing that’s made Courchevel famous is its reputation for exclusivity and an A-list clientele. Truth is, this is only really applicable to one of the four areas that Courchevel Valley comprises of – namely Courchevel, formerly known as Courchevel 1850. It’s true that the prices here really are as high as the mountain tops, but heading further down the valley to Courchevel Moriond, Courchevel Village and Courchevel La Praz means you’ll be able to find much more affordable accommodation. Fair warning though – the restaurants everywhere are fairly pricey, but more often than not it’s well worth it. Courchevel is easily one of the best ski resorts for eating in France.

The bars here are a good mix of casual and upmarket bars, so there’s plenty for all tastes to enjoy when it comes to après-ski. One thing that’s definitely worth bearing in mind is Courchevel’s relative lack of things to do for those who don’t ski. There are a couple of sports and spa facilities (and some hotels will let you use their leisure services, albeit at a price) and surprisingly, there are relatively few shops considering the resort’s reputation for hosting big spenders and fashionistas.

Méribel

Méribel may well be the picture-postcard idea of a ski resort, thanks mainly to the insistence on maintaining chalet-style architecture throughout the town – you won’t find any concrete or tacky blocks of flats here. This gives Méribel a quaint, almost fairytale atmosphere, and it’s easily the most romantic looking of the resorts around the Trois Vallées.

Having said that, the snow at Méribel may not be quite as challenging or as robust as that found at Chamonix or Courchevel, and while there’s a great mix of difficulties for all skiers (and undoubtedly many miles of piste) the afternoon sun can cut things short on west-facing slopes – and untouched powder is rare unless you’re willing to get up at the crack of dawn. That’s not to say that the skiing at Méribel is bad (quite the opposite), it’s just that what the resort might lack in piste perfection it more than makes up for with other amenities – including a fantastic lift system that will rarely leave anyone waiting.

The après-ski scene at Méribel is also top-notch, but that’s hardly surprising considering many of the bars are owned and run by ex-pat Brits (who certainly know how to party!) A night on the tiles can err on the expensive side, but if you’re looking to let your hair down and have a truly electrifying night you’ll be well served.

Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere stands out against other Alpine ski resorts thanks to the sheer quality of everything on offer. High altitude slopes means the skiing is consistently good (on the downside, bad weather can occasionally mean they close), there’s a charming village vibe about the place and the surrounding mountain landscape is arguably some of the most beautiful in the world.

But there’s a catch. Val d’Isere isn’t the best choice if you’re just finding your feet on the snow. While there are a good number of green slopes available, beginners may well find themselves challenged. Still, on the flipside, this makes Val d’Isere one of the top choices for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders, with a choice of terrain that’ll keep you interested however long you stay. And thanks to the resort’s proximity to Tignes those who love the excitement of off-piste will be in their element, thanks to the abundance of guides and lifts to the top of amazing off-piste runs.

And to go with some of the most exciting and picturesque skiing in France, down in the villages you’ll find some amazing bars and restaurants – and what better way to celebrate conquering that tricky black run than by indulging in some equally entertaining après-ski?

Once you’ve made up your mind, have a look at our gorgeous chalets, or give our lovely concierge team a call to get started.