Flying is perhaps the first thought when planning travel to the Three Valleys. Package holidays include flights and these will often fly into Geneva or Lyon. The transfers will also be included and it’s worth remembering that the transfer time is around 2.5 to 3 hours to the Three Valleys, and probably more if the traffic is bad. So, if you have any children prone to car sickness it’s worth remembering this. It is becoming more common to fly into Chambery or Grenoble for the ski resorts in the French Alps and the transfer times are less from these airports. If you’re looking for the closest airport then find a package that includes flights to Chambery.

If you’re travelling independently the main no frills airline fly into Chambery and Grenoble, so look out early for a good deal, unfortunately the prices don’t ever seem to be quite as good to these airports as others. If you’re arranging your own transfers, there are plenty of companies out there including Resort Hoppa. Transfers from Geneva and Lyon are going to be more expensive than transfers from Chambery or Grenoble, so factor that in when you’re comparing flight costs for the different airports.

Car hire can be a good option, giving you flexibility of when you leave, plus giving you the opportunity to travel to other resorts if you wish. One tip about car hire in Geneva is to book it on the French side, some people have had problems on the Swiss side.

Don’t forget to check the ski carriage allowance with your chosen airline. Most companies now charge for ski carriage, it usually costs around £100. Swiss Air currently aren’t charging any extra for skis, they fly into Geneva. Fly Baboo also don’t charge any ski carriage, they also fly to Geneva.

Also see our posts on driving to the Three Valleys and travelling by train to the Three Valleys.

As you’ll see it’s actually the largest ski areas that come out top in the value for money ranking. You’ll pay only €0.32 for every km of piste you have access to in the Portes de Soleil, compared to €1.77 for every km in the much smaller resort of Puy-St-Vincent. Obviously it’s highly unlikely that even the most experienced skiers will ski every one of the 650kms of piste in Les Portes du Soleil in a week and likewise for beginners the slopes of Puy may provide more than enough variety for a weeks skiing in which case the €133 price tag may be pretty appealing. If you’re after a mix of a reasonably priced lift pass coupled with plenty of piste then Les Sybelles looks to be a pretty good option.

Next time we’ll take a look at the resorts in Austria to see how they compare…

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French ski resorts are well-practised in catering to family holidays, with a whole host of activities on offer to keep youngsters entertained.  The”Famille Plus” label is given to resorts that offer much more than just the traditional snowball fight, toboggan rides and traditional skiing… nowadays it’s all about offering activities and services across the board, at the same time providing inspiration for their parents and ensuring happy families all round!

The “Famille Plus” label: a guarantee of efficient, friendly service . Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, this label is awarded to tourist sites and those working in the tourist industry for their considerable efforts in co-ordinating an extensive range of activities, reduced prices and services specifically targeted to children.

These resorts have 6 unique selling points

1. A friendly, personalised welcome for families
2. Entertainment specifically geared to visitors of all ages
3. Tailored prices for children and adults
4. Individual and family-based activities for youngsters and adults
5. Nearby medical facilities in the event of minor illness or injury
6. Supervision and tuition by professionally qualified staff
Resorts which have been given the “Famille Plus” classification

Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon, the jewels of the Vercors (Isère).

Superbly situated on the high plateaux of the Vercors mountain range, where visitors can enjoy limitless Nordic and downhill skiing, this “traditional town/high-altitude mountain resort” combination offers younger visitors a number of dedicated facilities including a toboggan run with full safety features, a kids’ centre (for children aged 3 to 12 with a full schedule of activities) in Corrençon, and a kids’ village in Villard.

Vaujany, at the heart of the Oisans (Isère)

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Situated at an altitude of 1,250m, this discreet village linked via a fast cable car to the huge ski area of Alpe d’Huez, boasts an “aquatic centre” (with a swimming pool, slide etc), organises “fairytale” evenings, and offers reduced rates for skiing and free admission to its three museums (heritage, Hydrelec, fauna).

Combloux, a pretty village close to Megève (Haute-Savoie)

Linked to the Megève ski area, and built in the same, well-preserved architectural style, this quiet village resort, with its superb views of the west-facing slopes of Mont Blanc, has long championed activities for children, with options that include horse-drawn sleigh treks, farm visits and tastings.

La Clusaz, with its decor of beautiful chalets (Haute-Savoie)

Nestled amid the superb landscapes of the Massif des Aravis, this charming resort offers a wide range of facilities and an extensive programme of activities specifically geared to children. One particular example is the Christmas “Pestacles” festival.

Samoëns, the pearl of the Grand Massif (Haute-Savoie)

Situated in the Haut-Giffre, Samoëns is unique in being the only ski resort which is officially classified as a “town or village of art and history”. With its traditional village feel and wonderful regional heritage (e.g. farm visits), it is the perfect family destination. Not forgetting the superb skiing opportunities in the nearby Flaine, les Carroz and Morillon ski areas, which can be accessed using the reasonably priced “Pack Famille” ski pass.

Les Menuires, at the heart of the 3 Vallées (Savoie)

One of the four main resorts in the huge 3 Vallées ski area, Les Menuires has made significant steps to halt its urbanisation, which now offers a more practical feel for visitors and an extensive range of après-ski activities. The resort also organises an impressive calendar of shows and events, such as Carnival Week, the Boule de Notes festival etc.

Serre-Chevalier, a leading Alpine ski area

This major resort in the Southern Alps consists of three urbanised sites in the Guisane valley (as well as plenty of picturesque villages nearby), with links to the listed town of Briançon, the “Cité Vauban”. Facilities for kids here include the inexpensive Piou-Piou clubs in Chantemerle and Villeneuve, the Jardin des Neiges in Le Monêtier, as well as specially designated and safe “beginners’ areas” located throughout the ski area, both in the valley and in the surrounding mountains.

Orcières 1850, in the sunny Hautes-Alpes

With its remodelled ski area (making it easier for families to get around), igloo village, where youngsters can experience traditional “Eskimo adventures” (including a magical night “under the ice”), and an extensive and fully equipped sports complex featuring an ice skating rink, swimming pool, spa etc, Orcières 1850 in the Champsaur Valley is an ever-popular winter destination for kids.

Massif du Sancy: Super-Besse/Mont-Dore, the jewels of the Auvergne

Both resorts offer good leisure facilities for youngsters, including a ski rink (each with their own appearance and style), a safe and secure area for toddlers, hiking paths that are suitable for pushchairs, plus discounts on “Pack Famille” ski passes.

Saint-Lary-Soulan, an attractive resort in the Pyrenees

Nestled in an unspoilt valley, this small town full character comes to life in winter as visitors flock to the high ski slopes above the town (Soulan, Plat d’Adet). The Maison de l’Ours (Bear Centre) and the “Spa and Well-Being” complex are popular alternative options for children and parents alike after a day or two on the slopes!

Other new ideas and initiatives in the Savoie and Mont Blanc areas

- Le Monde de Vardachou, a snowshoe trek for kids, following the trail of the little squirrel, Vardachou, in Arêches-Beaufort (Savoie).
- Le Territoire du Grand Cry in Les Gets (Portes du Soleil), with its re-creation of an Indian village (suitable for children aged 5-12).
- Toboggan runs for specific age groups (2 to 6, 6+), in Châtel (Portes du Soleil).
- Build your own igloo in Megève (Pays du Mont Blanc)

Le Semnoz overlooking Lac d’Annecy

A renowned ski playground in a grandiose setting which has developed a big following with snowkiters, in particular. Avoid Sundays if you can, when locals take to the slopes.

Le Sappey in the Chartreuse region

Despite its proximity to the city of Grenoble, visible from its slopes, Le Sappey stands in a wild and unspoilt setting at the heart of a “parc naturel régional”. The ambience here is much more intimate, characterised by family-run hotels, cosy bed & breakfasts, a few drag lifts and several cross-country skiing trails through the surrounding forests.

Saint-Véran, in the Queyras

This picturesque, well-protected village, the highest “old” village in Europe (2,042m), is connected via several drag lifts and one ski lift to Molines, an equally charming and quiet village, where families can explore thirty or so downhill runs. With its cross-country ski trails and welcoming inns, this corner of the Queyras has its own distinct atmosphere.

Reallon

Réallon overlooking Lac de Serre-Ponçon

Clinging to the slopes of the Aiguilles de Chabrières, in the Embrunais, this resort on a human scale boasts superb views of France’s largest man-made scale.

Chabanon a haven in the Alpes de Haute-Provence

Located in the unspoilt Vallée de la Blanche, not far from the Ubaye river, this ski resort stands amid a wild and grandiose landscape perfect for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts who are keen to get away from it all.

Gavarnie-Gèdre, at the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées

Nestled in the famous Cirque de Gavarnie (an impressive natural amphitheatre crowned by lofty mountain peaks), this ski area is renowned for its excellent snow conditions.

Artouste, an attractive corner of the Béarn

Tucked away in the delightful Vallée d’Ossau, south of Pau, this resort renowned for its spectacular mountain train which runs in summer, also boasts a number of attractive pistes, a “kidpark” and “snowpark”.

Le Schnepfenried, in the Vosges

This attractive, “miniature” ski resort, one of many similar resorts in the Vosges mountains, is surrounded by a number of welcoming farm-inns (renowned for their cheese specialities) on the Alsatian side of the Munster Valley. The perfect location for a quiet family ski holiday far from the madding crowds.

Chalmazel between the Auvergne and Forez

During winters with abundant snowfall, this ski area hidden away in the forests of the Monts du Forez (north of Saint-Etienne) is popular with young freestylers. Despite being a long way from some of the country’s trendier ski areas, the dynamic freestyle ski club here is hugely popular.

Grand Massif: 2 new 6 men high speed chair lifts have been installed in the Grand Massif, Les Molliets has been replaced with a new 6 man chairlift and the new Chariande Express, replacing Chariande 1, will give direct access to the top of Saix in just 9 minutes.

Val d’Isere: A new leisure centre has opened in Val d’Isere and with 5000m2 of sporting equipment,, including 780m2 of different swimming pools there is plenty for everyone to choose from:

a 250m² swimming pool

a 430m² leisure pool

a 135m² climbing area

a 575m² multi-activity sports hall

a 209m² weights room

2 x 64m² squash courts

225m² well-being area with sauna, steam bat, spa, cold baths and hydro-massage (ooh sounds good!)

On the slopes a new freestyle bag (a giant air mattress!) has been installed on the slopes so that you can try out new aerials without worrying about a painful crash landing!

St Anton: The new Rendlbahn is still on track to open in Devember with the base station having ben moved to a new location close to the Galzigbahn. A new 8-seater gondola, with heated seats, will be able to carry up to 2000 people an hour in only seven and a half minutes, making it over a third faster than the original 1974 Rendlbahn.

Nakiska: The New Monster Glades at Nakiska will give skiers and riders more access to gladed terrain with the widening of trails and increased runs in the trees.  Other trail improvements include the widening of three runs to 60 metres and extending the core training run “Mapmaker” by 650 metres. In addition to this the new Gold Chair Express, a high speed quad lift, will take skiers to the top of the mountain in less than five minutes.

What’s new in ski resorts 2009/10 part 1 and part 2 can be found here.

If you know of any more resort developments do let us know!

The Ski Resort Report investigated the costs of lift passes and equipment hire together with meal and drinks prices in 14 ski destinations across Europe and North America – both for individuals and families.

Foreign currency for all the destinations covered in the Ski Resort Report is available at the Post Office – the UK’s largest bureau de change provider.

Total costs of ski passes and equipment hire together with meal and drinks for one, with 2008 position in brackets. 
 

Of course this is just an overview using only 14 resorts, so can’t be completely used as a guide to the cheapest resorts, however it gives a good overview of the cheapest areas to ski. There’s no major surprises here, although seeing Courchevel go down is a bit of a surprise.

So first off, it’s the French rail network. Ok so most of you probably know now that getting to many French ski resorts is really easy by train. If you get the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris, and then change to a day or overnight train to the Alps from Gare du Lyon or Gare d’Austerlitz. It’s really easy to do, and can take about the same time as a flight if you live down south.

But……….. why on earth can the French rail network get it’s act in gear and release the tickets further in advance? Currently you can only book 3 months in advance, meaning you have to purchase your Eurostar tickets earlier (released 4 months in advance) to ensure you get the best price, which leaves you open to issues with the French train prices.

As far as I know, the French trains to the Alps have been running on practically exactly the same timetables for years now, so it’s not like they don’t know when they’re going to go, so why not get a grip and release them at the same time as the Eurostar, 4 months in advance! They’re supposed to be encouraging travel through Europe now from the UK by train, but if they can’t get such a simple thing as timetable release dates correct then I do wonder!!

Right, moan over. Seriously it’s a great way to travel, just remember to go online exactly 3 months before your trip and book your French trains on the Rail Europe website.

The Sybelles ski area includes Le Corbier and St Sorlin D’arves, both of which appear in some of the tour operator catalogues. Of the three main villages, St Sorlin D’Arves ski resort is probably the prettiest, but a bit out of the way for the main skiing. Le Corbier is the most convenient, but least pretty. La Toususire sits somewhere in the middle, not a beauty, but not an eye sore either, and relatively central too. 

We decided to go self catering this year (credit crunch and all) and booked an apartment through a local letting agency for a bargainous 300 Euros. Our apartment was on the main drag and just opposite the pistes. 

The skiing in La Toussuire itself consists mainly of bowl skiing with the majority of runs being blue or red. There are some beginner slopes, but the blues are nice and wide and perfect for beginners too. There are some harder reds around but no blacks in La Toussuire itself. There’s also plenty of safe off piste, not for the experts, but perfect for those just venturing into off piste and want a safe area to practice. The lift system is pretty good, there are just a few older slower lifts around, one particular 2 seater calf banger is certainly a relic!

There is probably enough skiing for a week in La Toussuire ski resort itself if you are a beginner with up to 3 weeks under your belt. For improvers, intermediates and experts I recommend buying the Les Sybelles lift pass. The skiing in Le Corbier is similar to La Toussuire with bowl skiing, with mainly blue and red runs, plus there’s one black. St Sorlin D’Arves contains possibly the most challenging skiing of the area, with several blacks and plenty of difficult reds. Watch out for the hazard signed button lifts in St Sorlin D’Arves, they were the scariest I’d seen, extremely steep and long! It’s a little bit of a hike over to Sorlin, but well worth it at least once in your week.

St Colomban des Villards, another of the linked resorts, is one that I wouldn’t advise unless you’re truly bored of everything else on offer. A long windy red / blue takes you into the resort, not recommended for beginners, and once you’re in the main area of the resort there just isn’t enough to keep you entertained for long. The hike back up to La Toussuire then takes a while. St Colomban looks a lovely little village though so if you want somewhere to go to for a lazy lunch it could be worth it.

La Toussuire itself is quite a charming French village just make sure you polish up on your French because there won’t be many English speakers there. There’s plenty of accommodation, mainly self catering, but also a couple of good hotels including Les Airelles and Les Soldanelles, both of which are right on the piste.

There isn’t a lot of nightlife, one nightclub, but there are plenty of restaurants that serve drinks in the evening and many that do takeaway pizza also. So, if like me, you’re happier sinking a few glasses of wine over dinner than dancing the night away then La Toussuire definitely fits the bill.

I’d recommend La Toussuire ski resort and the Sybelles ski area for beginners and improvers who want some challenging reds. I’ll definitely be adding it to my list of must visit agains.

Being a lesser known resort has lots of advantages, no queues, cheaper lift passes, deserted slopes and hardly any Brits! For those of you that want to go out partying every night it’s probably not the place to go but if you want great skiing without the crowds in a friendly resort then you should really give it a go.

We went with Crystal and stayed at the Chalet Vannoir, a lovely catered chalet about 5 minutes walk from the slopes and the bars.

Grand Motte glacier

The funicular takes you from Val Claret to the Le Panoramic restaurant which is open all summer providing the ideal location  for a well earnt bite to eat and drink.

The lifts open at 07.15am so make sure you don’t drink too much vin rouge the previous night.  The top cable car is open and the drag lifts and two chairlifts are due to open, depending on conditions.   Last lift is at 13.00pm giving you plenty of time to try out other activities or catch up on your sleep.

For more information take a look at ski-tignes website.