Top 10 best ski resorts for skiing in the Northern Alps

Méribel offers you magnificent slopes linked with Courchevel, Val Thorens or Les Menuires. The ski area has around 150 km of runs (600 km with Les 3 Vallées), served by over 40 lifts, between 1100 and 2950 m altitude. The distribution of slopes (green, blue, red, black) ensures a balance by level.

To plan your stay, visit the official Méribel ski pass for example. Méribel's traditional architecture, with its wooden chalets and lauze roofs, will win you over with its authentic charm.

What's more, the range of accommodation varies from family residences to top-of-the-range hotels. As for activities, you'll find everything you need: a spa, an ice rink, restaurants and bars. Méribel also hosts international alpine skiing events and benefits from the family Plus label thanks to its child-friendly facilities. In short, the resort is ideal for :

• to families ;

• groups of friends ;

• for experienced athletes.

It's ideal for a week's stay or an extended weekend we also offer excursions to nearby resorts. To make the most of your days on the slopes, the trail map will enable you to organize your itineraries perfectly on the spot.

Courchevel is an iconic resort in Les 3 Vallées, renowned for its reputation and the quality of its infrastructure. It is divided into different villages (1850, Moriond, Village, Le Praz, La Tania), it boasts over 150 km of trails linked to the 600 km of the 3 Vallées ski area. Altitudes range from 1,300 to 2,740 m, and the diversity of slopes satisfies beginners and experts alike.

Remember also that Courchevel's reputation is built on its top-of-the-range services star hotels, gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques. But it's also family-friendly, with safe beginner zones and a wide range of activities. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a snowpark, off-piste runs and meticulously groomed slopes.

On the other hand, Courchevel is within easy reach of Méribel thanks to a direct connection. Nevertheless, the resort can cater for a wide range of profiles, from demanding skiers to family holidaymakers. You can therefore spend a week here, with a preference for busy winter periods.

At 2,300 meters above sea level, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. This exceptional location ensures reliable snow conditions and a season that stretches from November to May. The ski area, part of the renowned Les 3 Vallées ski domain, features modern and efficient lifts, allowing visitors to make the most of every run.

Remember also that track layout covers all levels with vast areas dedicated to freeride. The resort cultivates a modern, festive image. Indeed, the infrastructure is recent and the nightlife attracts a young and dynamic public. And there's plenty of room for the whole family, thanks to beginners' areas for young and old alike. Outside skiing, Val Thorens stands out with :

• its toboggan run ;

• its giant zip line ;

• wellness areas;

• a variety of events.

As such, the typical clientele includes young adults, groups of friends and ski enthusiasts. Multi-day stays are a must in parallel if you want to take full advantage of the altitude and the links to Méribel or Courchevel.

Perched at 1,850 meters above sea level, in the heart of the famous Les 3 Vallées ski domain, Les Menuires is a resort that offers direct access to a vast ski area for all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy specially designed zones, intermediate and advanced skiers will find a variety of runs, and thrill-seekers can explore the freeride areas.

The resort charms visitors with its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, dedicated children’s areas, and practical services for all ages. Les Menuires also offers a wide range of activities to create a balanced stay of both relaxation and excitement: sledding, snowparks, guided trails, and wellness facilities.

Ideal for families and groups of friends, the resort is also a strategic starting point for exploring Méribel, Val Thorens, and Courchevel, making the most of everything Les 3 Vallées ski domain has to offer.

Located in Isère, Alpe d’Huez sits at 1,860 m, with its skiable summit reaching 3,300 m. The resort spans over 250 km of pistes and enjoys exceptional sunshine, earning it the nickname the “Island of the Sun”. One of its standout features is the Sarenne run, known as the longest piste in Europe at 16 km. The variety of slopes caters to beginners while also offering challenges for expert skiers.

Snowparks complete the offer for freestyle enthusiasts. The resort also boasts magnificent panoramic views and easy access. It also hosts the International Comedy Film Festival. From another angle, Alpe d'Huez attracts families, sports enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy :

• paragliding ;

• sled dogs;

• spa or skating rink.

In parallel, satellite villages offer a complementary ambience more intimate. A week's stay is the ideal length of time to explore the entire estate.

Renowned for its sporty character, Tignes offers a 300 km ski domain connected to the famous resort of Val d’Isère. Its altitude ranges from 1,550 to 3,450 m with access to the Grande Motte glacier, you're guaranteed skiing even in summer. Remember that the slopes are evenly distributed:

• beginners' areas ;

• snowparks ;

• freeride zones.

Tignes also boasts a distinctive atmosphere, with its contemporary architecture and complementary villages.The resort also attracts a varied public but remains a favorite with sports enthusiasts, young adults and active families.

For what concerns non-skiing activities these include ice diving, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You'll also need to keep your one-week stay to make the most of Tignes and its entire ski area.

Val-d'Isère is one of the world's top ski resorts. Linked to Tignes, it offers 300 km of varied runs between 1850 and 3450 m. International competitions add to its prestige, as does the quality of its ski schools. The resort welcomes both experts in search of a challenge and families who enjoy specially adapted areas.

Its charm also lies in its traditional architecture, with a village that retains its Savoyard identity. When not skiing, Val-d'Isère offers elegant boutiques a variety of restaurants and wellness areas. Recommended stays range from a full week to a long weekend.

In Haute-Savoie, La Clusaz combines authenticity and dynamism. Its ski area reaches approximately 125 km of trails between 1100 and 2600 m. The layout includes zones for beginners and intermediates, as well as a renowned cross-country ski area.

What's more, the village retains its traditional spirit with its Savoyard gastronomy and local markets. Families and groups of friends can enjoy a friendly and accessible environment. What's more, the non-skiing offer includes spa, hiking, tobogganing and local entertainment.

Its proximity to Annecy is an added bonus to vary your experiences. Keep in mind, however, that stays of a week or a few days are optimal for enjoying both skiing and cultural discoveries.

The Paradiski area comprises 3 major resorts: Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne. It has 425 km of trails between 1200 and 3226 m linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express cable car. The diversity of pistes also caters for all levels, with snowparks, long runs and freeride zones.

The ambience varies from site to site authentic villages in Peisey-Vallandry, modernity in Les Arcs, family-friendliness in La Plagne and much more. Off-ski activities include bobsleigh, snowshoeing, ice caves and dog sledding. On the other hand, your choice of accommodation depends on your expectations: festive immersion at Les Arcs, a family stay at La Plagne or tranquillity at Peisey. Afterwards, you can stay for a week, for example to make the most of the estate.

With 580 km of pistes, the Portes du Soleil is one of Europe's largest cross-border ski areas, linking France and Switzerland. Visit altitudes range from 900 to 2460 m with renowned villages such as Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.

Note that the distribution of slopes favors families and snowboarders, with play areas like "The Stash" in Avoriaz. Avoriaz's unique architecture and pedestrian character make it a very attractive resort. As for Morzine and Les Gets offer a more traditional spirit and warmth.

In parallel, a wide range of non-skiing activities these include a swimming pool, spa, sled dogs, horse-drawn carriages, children's activities and a lively nightlife. As for the resort's appeal, it's based on its cross-border dimension and accessibility. A week's stay is a must to take full advantage of the 12 connected resorts.

Each station has its own identity. Méribel is distinguished above all by its savoyard charm and its family spirit. The resort boasts a ideal central position with direct access to the slopes of Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Its harmonious architecture, composed of wood and stone chalets has a warm, traditional atmosphere. In terms of activities, Méribel focuses on diversity : skating rink, spa, snowshoe hikes, yoga classes and torchlight descents.

Val Thorens attracts fans of guaranteed snow and strong sensation. Its altitude allows you to enjoy extended ski season often until the spring, and of a varied field for dynamic skiers.

Courchevel embodies the refinement and luxury. Renowned for its high-end chalets its michelin-starred restaurants and its careful welcome the resort attracts a demanding clientele in search of excellence. But beyond its prestige, the resort offers an exceptional ski area and a wide range of activities for all levels.

For a balance between centrality, diversity and authenticity, Méribel remains a safe bet. But it's important to make sure best time to go to the mountains !