Skiing is a particularly emotive subject, with many skiing fanatics favouring one resort over all the others. But if you have never ventured on to a French mountain side, how do you know where to go?
Earlier this year, the reputable magazine Condé Nast Travelers published an article on its readers’ favourite top 20 resorts in the European Alps, with five ski stations from France figuring in this elite list.
And here they are, complete with details of how you can travel to the top 5 resorts in ultimate style by luxury helicopter:
- Val d’Isere
The first French resort to feature in Condé Nast Travelers’s Top 20 is the skiier’s paradise of Val d’Isere which is one and a quarter hours journey from Monaco by luxury helicopter. The resort has an extensive skiing domain which boasts 158 runs serviced by just under one hundred lifts. The après ski scene is as impressive as the snow-sure slopes, and accommodation is second to none.
- Chamonix – Mont Blanc
This is one of the most famous resorts in France, and the site of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924. Unsurprisingly, the skiing here is world-class with 106 runs, the longest of which is 12 miles, as is the quality of hotels, restaurants and bars. There are charter helicopter flights from all major ski resorts and alpine airports to Chamonix if you are in a hurry to get on the slopes.
- Courchevel
There are four villages in the Courchevel ski domain, with the highest – and most luxurious – being at 1850. The resort is hugely popular with the international jet set, with every conceivable facility from upscale boutiques to gourmet restaurants lining the streets to satisfy the upmarket demands. Arriving in helicopter is a common occurrence, with regular services from all local airports and major cities.
- Megeve
Megeve boasts some of the most scenically gorgeous skiing in Europe, as well as some of the best food. It is also very accessible from the south of France, being only 1 hour 20 minutes by luxury helicopter from both Monaco and Cannes.
- Meribel
The last French resort in the Alps to make it onto this elite list is the delightful restart of Meribel, part of the famous Three Valleys skiing domain. Here you will chocolate box wooden chalets, a great apres ski scene as well as some of the most extensive skiing in Europe. At just over one hour’s helicopter ride from Monaco it is also extremely accessible.
