Top 10 best Northern Alps ski resorts

Méribel offers wonderful skiing linked to Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. The area comprises 150km of ski slopes (600km in total in the 3 Valleys), served by over 40 ski lifts from 1100m to 2950m altitude. The variety of different types of piste (green, blue, red and black) provides an excellent balance between levels.

To plan your ski holiday, click to see the official ski pass prices for Meribel. Meribel will captivate you with its traditional architecture: wooden chalets with tiled stone rooftops which conserve the authentic charm.

In addition, the variety of accommodation ranges from good value family residences to top-of-the-range hotels. In terms of activities, you can find everything you need here: a spa, ice rink, restaurants and bars. Méribel also hosts international ski events and benefits from the French Famille Plus certificate thanks to the facilities designed to accommodate children. In summary, the resort is suitable for:

• Families

• Groups of friends

• Experienced sports people

The resort is ideal for a weekend ski trip or a week-long holiday with the possibility of exploring the nearby resorts. To optimise each day’s schedule, the piste map helps you to organise your routes around the area.

Courchevel is one of the iconic resorts of the 3 Valleys, recognised as being a flagship destination and for the quality of its infrastructure. Spread across different villages (1850, Moriond, Village, Le Praz and La Tania) it includes over 150km of ski slopes linking with the rest of the 3 Valleys area which totals 600km. The altitude varies from 1300m to 2740m and the variety of ski slopes pleases beginners as much as experts.

The reputation of Courchevel 1850 is also down to its high-end services: luxurious hotels, gastronomic restaurants and designer boutiques. However, it is also popular with families, thanks to its secure beginner zones and variety of entertainment/activities. Thrill seekers will enjoy the snow park and off piste as well the meticulously groomed ski slopes.

In addition, you can easily ski between Courchevel and Méribel thanks to the direct links. The resort is suitable for all profiles of skier, from the expert to family groups, so you can enjoy a week-long stay during the long winter season.

At 2,300m altitude, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. This exceptional location guarantees top quality snow and a long season from November to May. The ski area, integrated within the celebrated domain of the 3 Valleys, features modern and efficient ski lifts to ensure you can make the most of each descent.

You should know that the distribution of ski slopes covers all levels with vast spaces dedicated to freeride. The resort cultivates a modern image and reputation for partying. The infrastructure is up-to-date and the nightlife attracts a dynamic, young crowd. Families and new skiers can also find their feet in the beginners’ areas suitable for children or adults.

Aside from the skiing, Val Thorens offers:

• A toboggan run

• A giant zip line

• Wellbeing centres

• Events and entertainment

The typical clientele includes young adults, groups of friends, and ski enthusiasts. Multi-day holidays are recommended if you want to take full advantage of the altitude and connections to Méribel or Courchevel.

Perched at 1850m altitude in the heart of the famous 3 Valleys ski area, Les Menuires is a ski resort that offers direct access to a huge network of pistes for all levels. Beginners can enjoy specially designed areas, intermediates and advanced skiers will find a variety of descents and thrill-seekers will find adventures in the freeride sectors.

The resort is attractive for its convivial and family atmosphere, the zones dedicated to children and the practical facilities for all the family. Les Menuires offers numerous activities for a holiday which balances adrenaline with relaxation: sledging, snowparks, marked itineraries and well-being spaces.

Ideal for families and groups of friends, the resort is also a strategic base for exploring Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel, to make the most of everything on offer in the 3 Valleys.

In the Isère region of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez culminates at 1860m reaching a summit of 3300m. The area extends over 250km of ski slopes and enjoys an exceptionally sunny location, earning it the name “The Island in the Sun”. Among its highlights is also the piste Sarenne, the longest in Europe at 16km! The distribution of pistes allows beginners to progress and experts to be challenges.

Its snowparks complete the offering for freestylers. Note also that the resort is also attractive for its grandiose panorama and ease of access. It also hosts the International Comedy Film Festival. Alpe d’Huez attracts families, sporty people and those who enjoy the outdoors. Aside from skiing you could try:

• paragliding

• husky sledding

• spa or ice skating

Its satellite villages offer a more intimate setting. A week-long stay is ideal to explore the whole ski area.

Known for attracting adventurous types, Tignes together with Val d’Isère offers 300km of linked skiing in the Northern Alps. Its altitude extends from 1550m to 3450m including access to the Grande Motte glacier which guarantees skiing even during summer. The pistes are balanced between:

• beginner zones

• snowparks 

• freeride areas

Furthermore, Tignes is notable for its contemporary architecture and its variety of villages. The ski resort attracts a diverse crowd, but remains popular with sports enthusiasts, young adults and active families.

For anyone looking for activities besides skiing, these include ice diving, snow-mobiles or snowshoe expeditions. If you want to make the most of your trip to Tignes and the whole ski area, a week’s stay is recommended.

Val-d’Isère is one of the world’s most celebrated ski resorts. Linked with Tignes, it offers 300km of varied ski slopes between 1850m and 3450m. International competitions reinforce its prestige, as do the quality of its ski schools. The resort attracts experts seeking challenges and families wanting to enjoy the specially designed ski zones.

The resort’s charm lies in the traditional architecture of the village which retains its Savoyard identity. Away from the slopes, Val d’Isère has elegant boutiques, a range of restaurants and well-being centres. Recommended length of stay is between a long weekend to a week.

In the Haute-Savoie area of the Northern French Alps, the ski resort of La Clusaz combines authenticity and energy. The area comprises around 125km of ski slopes between 1100-2600m altitude. The slopes range from beginner zones to intermediate areas and it also has a reputation for cross country skiing.

The village retains its traditional roots with Savoyard gastronomy and local markets; your family and friends will enjoy this convivial and accessible location. Away from the skiing, you’ll find a spa, hiking, tobogganing and local entertainment.

Its proximity to Annecy is also an advantage to add an excursion and experience something different during the holiday. The optimum length of stay is a few days or up to a week to enjoy the skiing and cultural activities.

The Paradiski area unites three major ski resorts: Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry et La Plagne. The total area covers 425km from 1200 to 3226m altitude linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express cable car. The diversity of pistes is suitable for all levels, and there are snowparks, long descents and freeride zones.

The character of the area varies between locations: authentic villages in Peisey-Vallandry, modernity in Les Arcs and family conviviality in La Plagne. As for the activities, these include bobsleigh, snowshoeing, ice caves and husky sledding. The accommodation choices depend on your requirements: the party atmosphere in Les Arcs, family ambience in La Plagne or a peaceful stay in Peisey. You could stay a whole week in order to make the most of the area.

With 580km of ski slopes, the Portes du Soleil are one of the largest cross-border ski areas in Europe, linking France and Switzerland. The altitudes vary from 900m to 2460m across the famous resort villages of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.

You should know that the pistes are most suitable for families and snowboarders, with fun zones like “The Stash” in Avoriaz. This destination is renowned for its unique architecture and pedestrianised centre. Morzine and Les Gets offer a warm and traditional atmosphere.

There are lots of additional activities: swimming pool, spa, husky sledding, horse and carriage, kids entertainment and animated nightlife. The appeal of the area lies in its cross-border location and accessibility. A week's stay is recommended to fully enjoy the 12 connected areas.

Each of these French resorts has its own unique identity. Méribel stands out from the crowd for its Savoyard charm and family atmosphere. The resort benefits from an ideal central location allowing direct access to the slopes of Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. It’s harmonious architecture of wood and stone chalets preserves the welcoming and traditional atmosphere. In terms of activities, Méribel offers a whole range: ice skating, spa, showshoe hikes, yoga sessions and torchlit descents.

Val Thorens attracts those seeking guaranteed snow and adventurous thrills. Its altitude also means a long ski season often until spring, and a varied domain for dynamic skiers.

Courchevel is the epitome of sophistication and luxury. Reputed for its top quality chalets, fine dining restaurants and refined welcome, it attracts a demanding clientele seeking excellence, but away from this prestige, the resort is home to an exceptional ski area and a range of activities for all levels.

For a balance between central location, variety and authenticity, Méribel is a winner. So now you just need to make sure you choose the best time to go to the mountains!