Travel another way

Skiing all year long in the French Alps

If you love skiing to the point that you also picture your summer vacation  with ski-boots on, there are 2 places you will enjoy in the Alps: Tignes and Les Deux Alpes.

On the Glacier of La Grande Motte, in Tignes, you will be able to slide down the slopes for 20 kilometers, between 2750 m and 3 450m in altitude. Your ski level does not need to be excellent as the slopes are only “blue” and “red” ( which mean average to good levels on the French scale). But remember, skiing will only be enjoyable if you can wake up early; after 1pm, the snow starts to melt and turns into what we call “soup”: i.e. a soft melted snow that is everything but pleasant.

Now let’s talk seriously: I mean winter ski!

Most French skiing resorts are now open. I personally prefer small typical villages to the huge commercial sking town where hotels are almost skyscrapers and where there is no local atmosphere.

Here is my selection in the French Alps:

• Aussois : Yes, I broke my arm the last time I was there but it is a cute village in the Alps with a family atmosphere and a typical architecture and friendly villagers
• Villard de Lans: many activities are possible there (down hill, country skiing and sleigh) and it is quite close to Grenoble.
• The 3 valleys:  all the  villages of these 3 valleys are linked and represents the biggest ski domain in the world. Les Menuires + Courchevel +Meribel + Val Thorens are the main resorts there. You can ski for days without sliding on the same slope twice! Less cozy, of course.
• Isola 2000 is a nice skiing resort in the Southern Alps. It is nice if you like skiing in warmer places; it is the main resort on the Nice Winter Olympics application for 2018. (I swear I did not use “nice” 3 times on purpose!!!!)
• Finally, if you like luxury and exclusive places, Megève will be your choice. You’ll love it if you do not find outrageous to  spend 10 bucks for a tiny cup of coffee! The view is devine (chalets, glaciers …)

All pictures are from www.free.foto.com