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Which Resorts?
Below are a few pointers when choosing a resort from those easily
accessed by train. They are all major resorts so will have skiing and
boarding for all ability levels and a good choice of English speaking
ski schools &childcare.
France
Mostly purpose-built resorts, so often very high for good snow conditions and well-linked slopes. Not always very attractive. Resort links open the resort homepage.
Courchevel (3 Valleys)
Courchevel is generally considered the most chic and the most expensive resort in France. It also happens to have outstanding skiing. There are four quite separate villages at different altitudes. 1850 is the highest and where it gets its expensive reputation, so if you can’t afford 1850, then 1650, 1550 and 1300 (Le Praz) gives you the same skiing for lower bar prices. Very French.
Getting there: Train to Moutiers. Altibus (£5 return person) or taxi (£25 each way). 35 mins to 1850. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. (book sleeper Snowtrain or Eurostar overnight seat only). Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6pm. (book Eurostar)
Méribel (3 Valleys)
Meribel is in the middle valley, sandwiched between Courchevel and Val Thorens, hence excellent access to the other resorts. It is split in two between the village (1400) & Mottaret (1800). With a predominance of chalets, it also has plenty of oldworld charm, with few high rise blocks. Popular with the Brits.
Getting there: Train to Moutiers. Altibus (£5 return person) or taxi (£25 each way). 20 mins to Meribel. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6pm.
Val Thorens (3 Valleys)
The Val Thorens glacier offers the highest skiing in Europe so good snow is the norm. Little bit further from Moutiers as it’s so high. Architecturally a sad sight, but lots to do after a days skiing.
Getting there: Train to Moutiers. Altibus (£5 return person) or taxi (£25 each way). 40 mins to Val Thorens. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Les Arcs (Paradiski)
A number of different levels and lower villages accessible like x. Main resort at 1800.
Getting there: Train to Bourg St Maurice . Vernicular (tube train) goes to 1800 (£5 return person) or taxi (£25 each way). 15 mins on vernicular. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
La Plagne (Paradiski)
A resort on six different levels from 1800 to 2100, plus some lower villages. Main resort at 2000.
Getting there:
Train to Aime La Plagne, then Altibus (£5 return person) or taxi
(£25 each way). Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain
arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Famous for its challenging skiing (not really a resort for beginners). Very traditional and therefore more picturesque than many of the purpose-built French resorts, but this means it’s a bit spread out. Car-free, but a free bus runs between the various lifts.
Getting there: Train to Chambery then to Chamonix via Annecy & Saint Gervais Les Bains. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Megève (Mont Blanc)
Megève vies with Courchevel 1850 for the title of France's smartest resort. Three main ski areas, and welcomes ‘families and intermediates’; more serious skiers should head to nearby Chamonix. It has Alpine ambience, superlative designer hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, and sophisticated nightlife. Much loved by Parisians, apparently.
Getting there: Train to Chambery then to Saint Gervais Les Bains via Annecy. Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Argentière (Mont Blanc)
Beautiful glacial scenery and rugged off-piste beneath the soaring peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. This is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche, a 15 mile descent past crevasses & house-sized ice boulders. For serious skiers only.
Getting there: Train to Chambery then to Chamonix via
Annecy & Saint Gervais Les Bains. Taxi from Chamonix (£30 each
way). Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort
10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Another chic French resort with excellent skiing for all levels, though it is also known for its excellent off-piste potential. Good snow record gives a long season. Two main areas, but lots of access points so doesn’t appear busy. Links with Tignes. Popular with British.
Getting there: Train to Bourg St Maurice. Taxi (40 minutes / £40 each way) or Altibus (70 minutes / £15 ecah way). Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
Tignes (Espace Killy)
Good snow record with offer of summer skiing on glacier. Four main areas, all purpose-built so not a lot of Alpine charm. Links with Val d’Isere. Popular with the French.
Getting there: Train to Bourg St Maurice. Taxi (40 minutes / £40 each way) or Altibus (70 minutes / £15 ecah way). Leave St Pancras Friday on 5pm overnight Snowtrain arrive resort 10am. Daytime train leaves Saturday 9am, in resort by 6.30pm.
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