Skiing in Francea popular choice for UK familiesSkiing in France is a popular choice for UK families. In fact, it is so popular with the British that there are some places we deliberately avoid visiting.We much prefer to visit places where you won’t hear many other people speaking English. That's just a personal choice because we like to practice trying to speak French, and like the children to experience as much of the country as possible. France's popularity as a ski destination is a good thing – it means that you’ll be spoilt for choice finding a resort for your family ski holidays. Where can I go skiing in France?The most extensive is the Alps or Alpes to the east of the country bordering Switzerland and Italy. The Pyrenees to south bordering Spain and Andorra are a smaller mountain range in comparison. Nevertheless, there are several decent-sized areas resorts to tempt you – such as Cauterets or La Mongie.
Why is skiing in France popular with UK families?Simply, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for something in particular from your family ski vacations, you’ll have such a wide variety of resorts to choose from. Large or small, high or low altitude, village or town - the choice is yours.Skiing in France – trail gradingSki runs or trails are called pistes here, and the grading system uses colours:
Generally, each piste has corresponding coloured poles at intervals at each side, plus a sign in the same colour with the name of the run. Useful phrases for skiing in FranceThese are words and phrases that you’re very likely to see when you’re in resort.Getting organised
forfait = lift pass location de ski = ski hire horaires d’ouverture = opening hours plan des piste = trail map Kids zone
jardin de neige = kids ski area l’ecole de ski = ski school Ski lifts
teleski = drag lift dernier depart = time of last lift horaires d’ouverture = opening hours Out on the slopes
retour station = route to return to resort croissiment = crossroads, two pistes crossing each other debutants interdit = beginners not allowed (e.g.on steep drag lifts chute de neige = snowfall glace = ice Directions
gauche = left droit = right tout droit = straight on Popular food in resortYou can find a mixture of wonderful regional dishes plus wider favourites when you visit French ski resorts. Look out for items marked 'produits regionaux' if you're looking for something tradionally local. It goes without saying that you'll find a boulangerie (bread shop) nearby for delicious croissants.Other things to try:
Top tip for skiing in FranceWithout doubt, the best time of day to ski is at lunchtime. The French do like a long, leisurely lunch, and the slopes are much quieter between midday and two o'clock.Return to France ski vacation. Return from the skiing in France page to family ski vacations home page. |
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Thanks for the great website - very handy. We are planning our first ski trip for us and our 5 kids!Chrisna
Skiing tips for families. Written by an English couple who love to ski and play in the snow with their children.
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