Skiing

Ski school 

Ski school is an important part of most people's skiing holiday whether they are beginners or just wish to improve style and technique. The Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) is by far the largest and longest established. It is always worth pre booking your ski school, especially at peak times in order to avoid possible disappointment. All ESF ski schools have English-speaking instructors.

Popular ski Resorts in the French Alps 

		ALPE D'HUEZ  Access to 250km of pistes, with a well-integrated lift system. Varied skiing for all, excellent for beginners and big vertical. Sunny, friendly, ski resort, with a lively atmosphere. Great for family skiers and snowboarders, with many other activities. Read ski journalist Patrick Thorne's review of Alpe d'Huez.
		FLAINE – Grand Massif A compact and convenient resort offering something for everyone Excellent nursery slopes right in resort centre, served by free lifts Fantastic snow records - Flaine is very often called "the big snowy bowl” Very close to Geneva airport
		LA PLAGNE– Paradiski  Popular ski destination for families Range of quality apartments, ski-in/ski-out convenience Extensive and varied intermediate skiing Linked to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express
		LA ROSIERE – Tarentaise Valley Charming, south facing ski village offering stunning views Quality experience both on and off the slopes Great facilities for families Ski to La Thuile in Italy for lunch
		LES ARCS – Paradiski Made up of Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 Each resort offers something different Excellent skiing for all abilities Linked to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express
		VAL THORENS – 3 Vallees Car-free ski resort, designed with skiing in mind Recently built Luxury ski apartments Gentle nursery slopes with top facilities for children Lively après-ski The best base for the 3 Vallees overall
		TIGNES – Espace Killy High specification self-catering accommodation Perfect experience for the winter sports fanatics Snow guaranteed glacier skiing Take your teenagers to the home of the X Games, they’ll love it!
		LES MENUIRES – 3 Vallees Considered one of the best intermediate ski areas in the world Great choice of quality self-catering accommodation Ski-in/ski-out convenience Quick and easy access from

View here for more information on skiing in the French Alps

Ski Resorts in the Pyrenees 

Saint Lary (Hautes Pyrenees) 

- Traditional and lively Pyrenean town with plenty to do
- 3 ski zones to choose from (Aulian, Bederet and the Combe de Piet)
- Charming medieval and 19th century village with plenty of character and charm
- Accommodation to suit all: ski enthusiasts, families, groups, couples



Val Louron (Hautes Pyrenees)

- Perfect for families and novices
- Access to the “Balnea” thermal spa – relaxation or fun for the family
- The extreme beauty of the traditional Pyrenean villages in the Louron Valley



Cauterets (Hautes Pyrenees)

- The most snow sure resort in the Pyrenees
- Elegant “Belle Epoque” style spa town
- Natural Cirque snow bowl – ideal for powder days
- Cross country and snow shoeing amidst the stunning waterfall trails of “Pont d’Espagne”



Luz Saint Sauveur (Hautes Pyrenees)

- 3 ski areas to choose from (Aulian, Bederet and the Combe de Piet)
- Charming medieval and 19th century village with plenty of character and charm
- Accommodation to suit all: ski enthusiasts, families, groups, couples
- Easy access to other resorts and towns of interest which are a short drive away




Les Angles (Catalan Pyrenees)

- Authentic mountain village with Catalan roots and a big heart
- One of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees with direct village access
- Stunning Pyrenean scenery and lake views
- The Animal park at Pla del Mir is an animal and nature lover’s dream


View here for more information on skiing in the Pyrenees