A Skier's Guide to the French Alps
The French Alps stands as one of the premier destinations for skiers from around the world due to its quality of ski runs and accommodation as well as nightlife and value for money. Easily accessible thanks to its excellent airway and railway connections, you'll be hard pushed to find a better place in Europe to hit the white stuff and catch a breath of refreshing mountain air.
Accommodation - Choosing your accommodation is key as you need to be sure it's the right type for you. This can range from all inclusive hotels to self catering apartments, each with its own merits and shortcomings. Chalets are good if you want a bit more privacy and flexibility as they're usually self catering and whilst you can rent a chalet which includes a chef, this comes with the obvious added expense. All inclusive hotels often work out to be the cheapest option but if you go for one of these then be sure that it's near the slopes, otherwise you'll have to come back or risk wasting the money you've already paid. Half board is a good option as you can have breakfasts and dinners included, and indulge in one of the slope-side cafés for a good lunch before hitting the snow once more.
Equipment - If you're going skiing for the first time and think it might be something you'll keep up then investing in your own jacket, trousers and thermal clothing is well worth it as you'll save money in the long run because you won't have to rent clothing. In terms of skis, boots and poles you can rent these for a very reasonable price in all resorts. You should be looking at no more than £80 for a week's hire, and again if you reserve your equipment early online you could save money and not have to worry about sorting it all out when you arrive at your destination.
Resorts -The French Alps spoil you for choice with a wide range of resorts - from small and quiet to big and busy. Better known ones such as Val D'Isere, Tignes and Courchevel are more pricey but do offer more slopes and if you think you'll make use of a great deal of them you'll certainly get your money's worth. There's also the usual après ski activities and collection of restaurants and bars to keep you happy when you're not on the slopes. Smaller resorts such as La Rosiere work out cheaper, largely because the lift pass can work out to around £100 less, and the accommodation is generally cheaper too. In smaller resorts you might not have such a number of slopes, but for most skiers this is fine and you'll certainly enjoy what the smaller resorts have to offer in terms of restaurants and après ski.
Try Alpine Elements, the adventure holiday specialists, for ski deals in the French Alps.