The French mountains welcome an average of 10 million tourists each year to the 320 alpine and Nordic ski resorts or sites in France according to France mountains. Besides the stations well known to the general public, there are many secret nuggets to discover in 2022.
From the Northern Alps to the Southern Alps via Isère and the Pyrenees, here are five charming resorts where you can enjoy snow and skiing in a family and authentic atmosphere.
Oz-en-oisans, in isère
Less known than its neighbor Alpe d’Huez, Oz-en-Oisans has it all. Located less than an hour from Grenoble, in the heart of the Oisans massif, in Isère, it combines authenticity and great skiing. This family resort, in the pedestrian center, located at 1350 meters, gives access to two areas, which will allow you to hit the slopes at your own pace and according to your wishes.
Suitable for beginners and moderate skiers, its Oz-Vaujany area has 75 kilometers of varied slopes. For lovers of the great outdoors, it is also at the gates of the large Alpe d’Huez ski area and its 250 km of slopes easily accessible by cable car. The opportunity to take one of the longest tracks in the world: the Sarenne and its 16 km of descent.
Arêches-Beaufort, in Savoie
Well known to top athletes, since it has hosted the Pierra Menta every year since 1986 – a major international competition that brings together the elite of ski mountaineering – Arêches-Beaufort is one of the resolutely authentic Savoyard family resorts. Located 20 kilometers from Albertville, it spans its 50 kilometers of tracks over two sectors between pines and peaks.
Cradle of ski touring but also popular and recognized freeride site, the resort quite logically offers to learn about these practices supervised by professionals. It will also host for the first time next February a stage of the Freeride world qualifier, making Arêches-Beaufort a small resort that has everything big.
Piau-Engaly in the Pyrenees
Highest resort in the Pyrenees located at 1,860 meters, Piau-Engaly is not the most famous. Benefiting from a high mountain backdrop and guaranteed snowfall, it is surrounded by national parks offering an exceptional skiing environment. Car-free resort, located at the foot of the slopes and with an integrated architecture, it offers more than 100 hectares of skiing. And for even more pleasure thanks to the Pyrenees 2 valleys pass, giving access to four resorts (Piau, Saint-Lary, Val Louron, Peyragudes) 250 km of slopes await skiers.
Réallon in the southern alps
Located at the gates of the Parc des Ecrins, half an hour from Gap, Réallon is one of the last resorts to have emerged in the Alps. Overlooking the Serre-Ponçon lake and located in the heart of the Aiguilles de Chabrières cirque, this human-sized resort offers a unique panorama. With its 30 kilometers of slopes, it offers an ideal setting for family skiing.
A spectacular nature to be discovered also on snowshoes. Several hikes are organized from Réallon, with in particular the possibility of observing the lake of Serre-Ponçon from the heights.
The Abondance chapel and the doors of the sun
A village resort at the gates of one of the largest ski areas, this is what La Chapelle-d’Abondance has in store. Located in Haute-Savoie and among the twelve resorts giving access to the Portes du Soleil area and its 600 kilometers of slopes, this village, with its large typical wooden farms, cultivates its authentic charm while offering a real experience of great skiing .
A town located in the Abondance Valley, labeled Country of Art and History since 2003, cradle in particular of two well-known cheeses, Abundance of course, but also Vacherin.