European Ski Resorts
Les Arcs
An altitude of 1800m to 4000m guarantees that the French snow resort, Les Arcs, will have quality snow all season. Les Arcs is linked with La Plagne to create the incredible Paradiski area. However even standing alone, Les Arcs offers some of the best ski and board conditions in Europe. Ski France gave Les Arcs the “P’tits Montagnards’ award – a certificate that promises excellent facilities for children and families. Visitors to Les Arcs can marvel at the spectacular mountain views and also enjoy the remarkable sunshine that floods the resort. Les Arcs is divided into five areas, each at their own altitude. The lowest area, 1600, is relaxed and is where most of the chalets lie, nestled between the hundreds of trees. For a party atmosphere there are clubs and bars at the higher 1800 level. The high level, 1950, has access to a huge waterfall. Les Arcs is an extremely popular resort as it caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders but its large size means you can still find quiet slopes to explore at your leisure.
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Champagny
Champagny’s altitude is between 1500m and 3900m so it’s reliable to have good snow conditions all season. Champagny makes up part of a massive ski area known as Paradiski but it makes a pretty formidable resort in its own right with 225km of pistes and a snow park complete with half-pipe for snowboarders. For the families there are nursery slopes and a variety of restaurants which overlook them. First time and unsure skiers will love the fantastic Blue runs as they are wide and open as well as covering a nice bit of distance. Experienced skiers and snowboarders looking for a fast thrill can jump on board the Carella chair lift. The Carella lift is a high speed lift which takes you to one of the highest points in the resort, Roche de Mio. The slopes of Champagny are picturesque with tree lined runs and spectacular mountain restaurants.
Courcheval
This mega-resort boasts altitudes between 1550m and 3950m and has a reputation as being one of the most exclusive resorts in the Trois Vallees. You can depend on Courcheval to provide quality snow on your ski holidays. Courcheval boasts luxurious hotels, chalets and restaurants as well as world class runs and ski schools. Courcheval is also divided into stations that reflect their altitude; 1850, 1650 and 1300. The stations combine to make a resort that offers 65 lifts and over 100 runs. There’s also an impressive vertical skiable drop of over 1400m. Courcheval boasts a fashionable nightlife with glamorous hotels, bars and clubs.
Meribel
Meribel is also sure to get good snow in season with an altitude of 1450m to 3950m. Nestled in the Trois Vallees, this Olympic resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in the world. The statistics are formidable; 200 ski lifts, 600km pistes, 400 instructions and before 2011 it regularly hosted the massively popular Altitude Festival. Meribel’s terrain suits both beginners and those wanting something more challenging. Meribel has a very British vibe with many visitors and inhabitants coming from the United Kingdom.
Chamonix
Chamonix enjoys an altitude of 1035m to 3835m. Chamonix is located between Mont-Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains and coupled with its high altitude you can rely that there’ll be snow here all season. One of the most famous resorts in the Alps, Chamonix still excites even the experienced snow lover with its rough off-piste terrain and its lift-accessed vertical drop of 2807m – the world’s biggest skiable drop. Chamonix is also home to one of the longest ski runs on the globe, the 22km long Vallae Blanche. There is an undeniable charm about the resort with the main town’s many bars, eateries and shops providing a lively atmosphere. Chamonix is open all year around as it’s a great place for hiking and rambling in the warmer months.
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