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Skiing in the French Alps

Thanks to the likes of Ryanair, easyJet, self-catering chalets and the Eurotunnel skiing and snowboarding holidays are now available to more than just royalty, the rich and the famous. There are many reasons why winter holidays are growing in popularity. Firstly, they are the ultimate social holidays; everyone is there to have fun and party. Secondly, they are the kind of holidays that suit families with children of different ages. Whether you have kids of three, seven and eleven or 20 and 24 there is something for everyone and you parents can get a break from the kids too. Finally, you are getting active, trying something new and becoming part of a worldwide community of people addicted to snow sports.

 However, the recession and global warming are taking their toll on the winter sport industry. Despite massive snow falls last year, bookings were down. Furthermore, although snowfall was impressive this year, the snow line, i.e. how far the snow reaches down into the valley is rising. This makes choosing the right resort at the right price even more important than ever.

Thankfully there are some solutions. Be picky about your resort. Go as high as possible, to resorts that have a good proportion of north facing slopes in case there is more sunshine than snowfall and look for glacial resorts. Luckily right on our doorstep in Europe we are spoilt for choice and you could so worse than to look at the classic crowd pleasers in the French Alps.

Chamonix is home to Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc and with 90% of its slopes above 2000m it is one of the world’s most snow-sure resorts. This is one of the big hitters as far as world-class skiing both on and off-piste goes and should be top of the list for any avid skier and snowboarder.

Meribel is another high-altitude resort located in Les Trois Vallees region of France. It has something for everyone from beginners to advanced levels as well as access to Couchevel and Val Thorens and some of the best nightlife in the Alps.

Morzine and Les Gets are also predominantly over 2000m so snow conditions are good, plus they have retained most of the pretty, quaint French charm and are great options for beginners and intermediates.

But surely these top-end resorts come with a top-end price tag? Well thankfully, not necessary. Igoski.co.uk offer ski weekends to all four destinations so you can get your snow fix without spending a fortune.