Ski Areas in the Alps
France offers a wide variety of excellent ski resorts that can meet everyone’s ski holiday expectations. Whether you are looking for a series of blue runs, an outdoor pool or the friendly atmosphere of a mountain holiday club, the Alpine range will not disappoint. Whether you stay in a hotel, in one of our holiday villages or in holiday residences at the foot of the slopes, the Alpine ski resorts are among the best in the world and both skiers and snowboarders will love the wide choice of superb runs on offer. From traditional Alpine villages to modern ski-in ski-out resorts, the French Alps have something to please everyone.
- The Three Valleys is a world-famous ski area that brings together 8 main ski resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens.
- In the heart of the French Alps, the Paradiski area offers uninterrupted skiing between La Plagne and Les Arcs.
- L’Espace Killy is one of the most popular ski areas in France, linking Tignes and Val d’Isère.
- Les Portes du Soleil and the Forêt Blanche area are other outstanding ski areas in France.
If you are still hesitating between renting in the Alps or spending a few nights in the Pyrenees, bear in mind that snow conditions in both the Northern and Southern Alps are almost always better!
Snow conditions in the Alps
The quality of the snow in French ski resorts can vary from one resort to another, but overall the winter snow conditions are excellent. Ski areas in France are generally located higher than in other French ski ranges (Massif Central, Vosges), so the resorts benefit from better snow cover and longer seasons. Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and Avoriaz regularly records the heaviest snowfalls in France.
Après-ski activities in resort
The Alps offer a superb and varied après-ski scene. The extraordinary Folie Douce is well known for its flamboyant, giant afternoon ski parties. This nightclub giant now has bars in many French ski resorts, including Val d’Isère, Méribel, Val Thorens and Alpe d’Huez. French après-ski has something for everyone: whether you are looking for a mountain bar on the slopes, a bistro with a sunny terrace, a chic cocktail bar or an Alpine pub, you will be spoilt for choice in many French ski resorts, whether you are staying in a hotel, a holiday club or a holiday village.
Accommodation and ski rentals
SOWELL offers a wide choice of holiday rentals in French resorts, including hotels, holiday residences, serviced apartments (Appart’Hôtels), as well as properties that operate as genuine ski holiday clubs for the whole family. If you prefer a more relaxed, informal atmosphere during your ski holiday, renting in a holiday residence or a holiday village is a very popular option. We offer a wide range of Alpine ski holiday packages in all the major ski resorts. Take a look at our SOWELL properties.
You can also book a hotel stay with an all-inclusive formula. This truly all-inclusive ski break is an excellent way to enjoy your ski holiday without having to worry about organisation. There are many hotel options to book, always at the best price when you book directly on the official website. In some cases, these hotels offer entertainment and services very similar to those of a holiday club, which is particularly appreciated by families.
It couldn’t be easier: simply choose your ideal accommodation by entering your arrival date and number of nights, then start your ski holiday search. Our offer is broad: you will find many stays of up to 21 nights for your winter holidays, whether in a hotel, a holiday residence or in a property similar to a holiday village.
The only type of stay we do not offer is chalet rental. Our available accommodation is mainly in hotel or residence format.
At SOWELL, we are very flexible! In addition to the traditional Saturday-to-Saturday ski holiday rental, we offer winter stays for one or several nights, which is very convenient if you want a short break, to ski outside weekends or to come during the week to enjoy the slopes without the crowds.
As you can see, for a successful ski holiday in the Alps, SOWELL is the go-to address for the perfect rental – in a hotel, holiday club, holiday village or holiday residence – in the ski resort of the Northern or Southern Alps that will suit the whole family.
Getting to the Alpine ski resorts
Transfer times between airports and ski resorts can range from one to four hours in the Alpine resorts, depending on your arrival airport and chosen ski resort. The main airports are Geneva and Chambéry for ski holidays in the Northern Alps, and Marseille for the Southern Alps.
Ski pass packages for Alpine resorts
Remember that you do not always need a full ski pass for the whole stay; think about how much skiing you are actually going to do and whether you need a weekly, daily or half-day pass. You can book your ski pass in advance in your customer area, or buy it on site at the lift pass office when you arrive in resort at the start of your stay, once you have collected your accommodation. The price of the ski pass will depend on the resort’s reputation and the size of the ski area: for example, it is more expensive in Val d’Isère or La Plagne than in the Pyrenees, but the size of the ski area will necessarily be smaller there in return.
Also think about ski equipment! It represents a significant part of the budget, and you almost always get better prices and conditions if you book it in advance. With SOWELL, you can book it at the same time as your ski holiday and we have partnerships with the best-known ski hire companies, Intersport and Skiset. Our offer covers different levels with a choice of ranges from eco to premium. By booking accommodation, ski pass and equipment at the same time, you benefit from an all-inclusive ski holiday and will have all the services you need for your stay in the Alps, in line with your budget.
Which Alpine resort should you choose for a successful ski holiday?
The best ski resorts for families – Mainly in the Northern Alps: the resorts of Méribel, Les Menuires and Courchevel in the Three Valleys, as well as La Plagne and Les Arcs in the Paradiski ski area, are perfect for families, with many runs for all levels. We have a wide selection of properties there, with or without catering, in classic hotels, holiday residences or accommodation operating very much like holiday villages. Les Gets and Avoriaz, in the Portes du Soleil ski area, are also ideal family resorts, especially Avoriaz, which is completely car-free with pistes running right through the heart of the resort. All these resorts have excellent childcare facilities.
The best for après-ski – There are so many resorts with amazing après-ski and parties, but the very best include Val Thorens, Méribel, Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez, not forgetting Pra Loup in the Provencal Alps.
The best ski resorts for groups – For groups looking for versatile resorts suitable for all ski levels, Isola 2000, Tignes, Les Arcs, Méribel, Courchevel, Alpe d’Huez and Morzine are the ones to go for! Whether you are travelling with friends, extended family or as a group in a holiday club or a holiday village, you will easily find accommodation to suit everyone.
Ski holidays for everyone!
Family ski holidays: peace of mind with Sowell
Organising a ski holiday with children requires flawless logistics. At Sowell, we make your stay easier by offering residences and serviced apartments close to the slopes and services (ski schools, childcare). In resorts renowned for their family-friendly welcome (such as La Plagne, Les Arcs or car-free Avoriaz), our properties often offer spacious family rooms and tailored services. Choose our all-inclusive formulas for a controlled budget covering meals and entertainment. And do not forget to book your equipment and ski passes directly with your Sowell stay to guarantee truly “ski-in/ski-out” holidays without stress for the whole family.
Ski holidays for couples: the romantic getaway
For a getaway for two, the French Alps provide an idyllic setting. If you are looking for a stay that combines skiing, relaxation and special moments, Sowell offers charming hotels and residences in resorts renowned for their refined atmosphere (Courchevel, Méribel or Val d’Isère). After a day on the slopes, enjoy the wellness facilities in our properties or the lively après-ski scene for memorable evenings. Thanks to the flexibility of our bookings, it is easy to arrange a short stay of a few nights in the middle of the week, away from the weekend crowds, and make the most of the mountains together.
Christmas ski holidays: festive magic in the mountains
Spending Christmas on the slopes is an unforgettable experience. Resorts in the Alps are decked out with their finest lights and offer magical events throughout the festive season. To guarantee a white Christmas and optimal snow conditions, choose high-altitude resorts such as Val Thorens or Tignes. Our Sowell properties welcome you in a warm atmosphere, often with Christmas Eve dinners included in the all-inclusive formulas. As demand is very high at this time of year, we recommend booking as early as possible and taking advantage of our options to include ski passes and equipment from the moment you book.
Last-minute ski holidays: flexibility and great deals with Sowell
A last-minute change of plans? A sudden urge to hit the slopes? Sowell gives you the chance to go skiing at the last minute thanks to our flexible booking policy. We offer stays from just one night, so you can seize an opportunity without being tied to the traditional Saturday-to-Saturday format. Check our last-minute offers for great prices and make sure the slopes are open. With options to book accommodation, equipment and ski passes in just one click, heading off on a spontaneous ski break in the Alps has never been easier.
Also discover the Alps in summer.
