We have rounded up some of the best ski resorts for intermediate skiers in France that offer a balanced mixture of terrain on which to build confidence and advance your technique. Whether it’s a lively après ski scene, a family-friendly atmosphere or challenging pistes that you are looking for, read on to discover our picks of the best ski resorts for intermediate skiers in France.
What Makes a Ski Resort Suited to Intermediate Skiers?
The ideal ski resort for intermediate skiers balances progression and adventure, offering a mix of diverse terrain, well-groomed trails and accessible amenities. These are some of the key features to consider when searching for intermediate-level ski resorts:
- Lots of blue and red runs
- Access to a variety of lifts
- Quiet ski areas to build confidence
- Longer runs to build stamina
- Ski-in-Ski-out accommodation
- Good grooming and piste maintenance
- Well-signed ski areas
- On-mountain dining and rest options
Best Ski Resorts for Intermediate Skiers in France
1. Tignes
Best intermediate ski resort for Après Ski
View from the top: Tignes Ski Resort, France, with stunning alpine slopes below. Photo by Gaspard Guillod, via Unsplash.
Tignes, located at an altitude of 2,100m, is one of the best ski areas in the world for reliable snow cover. Linked with the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isère, the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy) offers 300km of diverse terrain to explore. The extensive ski area provides some incredible skiing for intermediate skiers, particularly in the Bellevarde and Solaise areas. In addition to its excellent skiing, Tignes has a vibrant après ski scene. The resort offers a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs, providing plenty of opportunities for evening entertainment. Popular après ski spots in Tignes include Le Bolin for slope-side drinks and buzzy dj-sets, Grizzly Bar for a cosy and bustling atmosphere, Loop Bar for live music and beer by the jug, Cocorico for table dancing at dusk and Folie Douce for the ultimate piste-side party. Find out more about Tignes in our Ultimate Guide to Tignes.
2. Flaine
Best intermediate ski resort for Skiing on a Budget
Snow-capped peaks beneath a clear blue sky at Flaine, Arâches-la-Frasse, France, offering breathtaking alpine views. Photo by Pierre Guerin on Unsplash.
In the heart of the Haute-Savoie region of France, Flaine is a popular ski resort for intermediate skiers. Sitting at 1,600m, the high-altitude, snow-sure resort is almost entirely ski-in-ski-out and offers some incredible intermediate skiing in its snowy bowl with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Linked to Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval via an excellent lift system, Flaine offers 265km of well-maintained pistes, of which 78% are red or blue. Les Cascades is a thrilling 16km run that takes you from the top of Les Grandes Platières down to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and is one of the longest ski runs in Europe! Flaine’s ski pass prices are some of the cheapest in the French Alps, and thanks to its proximity to Geneva, transfers are typically less expensive, so it’s a great resort to visit in France if you are on a budget. Find out more about Flaine in our Ultimate Guide to Flaine.
3. Alpe D’Huez
Best intermediate ski resort for Family-Friendly Fun
Children learning to ski with an instructor in the Alps, gaining confidence on the snow-covered slopes. Image by Piro from Pixabay.
With reliable snow conditions and a lively atmosphere, Alpe D’Huez is a high-altitude resort (1,860m) perfect for intermediate skiers. It has an excellent lift system, accessible from 7 different locations in the town, meaning no matter where you stay, you will always be near a lift. Alpe D’Huez is a great intermediate ski resort for families as it has designated learning areas and plenty of ‘beginners only’ runs, which are ideal for children learning to ski. Beyond the beginner slopes, the resort offers varied, challenging terrain to entertain the whole group. An array of non-skiing activities are available in Alpe d’Huez, including ice skating, swimming and crazy golf, which are all included with your ski pass! Due to its family-centric ethos and amenities, the resort has been awarded ‘Famille Plus’ status by the French Ministry of Tourism!
4. Les Arcs
Best intermediate ski resort for Adventure
Snow-covered Arc 1,800 at Les Arcs, France, viewed from above. Photo by Jean Baptiste N., via Pixabay.
Les Arcs consists of four purpose-built villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Set in the heart of a 400-year-old pine forest with ski-in-ski-out accommodation, this resort allows easy access to the slopes, restaurants, bars and off-slope activities! Les Arcs is linked to La Plagne by the valley-spanning Vanoise Express gondola, forming the Paradiski ski area. With access to 425km of pistes and two glaciers, adventurous intermediate skiers have much to explore, including one of Europe's most challenging ski runs: Aiguille Rouge. The 9km run starts at the highest peak in the Paradiski ski area (3,226m) and descends to Villaroger at 1,200m. Les Arcs also boasts two fantastic snow parks that cater to intermediate skiers. Booking a local guide or instructor on Maison Sport is a great way to safely discover the resort and advance your skiing while feeding your sense of adventure!
5. Morzine
Best intermediate ski resort for Accessibility
Skiers carving down the pristine slopes of Avoriaz at Morzine Ski Resort, France, surrounded by stunning alpine peaks. Photo by Eduard Delputte on Unsplash.
Morzine is the central resort in France's Portes du Soleil ski area and is linked directly to Avoriaz and Les Gets via an excellent lift system. The resort has a lively, feel-good atmosphere and caters to all types of skiers, with 650km of diverse skiable terrain to explore. The local Pleney area in Morzine is particularly great for intermediate skiers. Despite its low altitude, easy access to the Portes Du Soleil Ski area promises reliable snow conditions and more runs than you can ski in one trip! Morzine is conveniently close to Geneva airport, with transfers taking as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes with good traffic! This makes the resort an excellent choice for shorter trips or if you are travelling with children. Find out more about Morzine in our Ultimate Guide to Morzine.
From the lively, high-altitude slopes of Tignes to the exciting terrain of Les Arcs, picking the right resort for intermediate skiers can make your next trip unforgettable! Expert instructors at Maison Sport are available in these resorts to help you improve your skills and explore everything your chosen destination offers.
You might also like this article: Top 10 Most Sustainable Ski Resorts in Europe