Our ski specialists don't just sell the French Alps, they ski them. On recent research trips, Emily A, Emily P, George and Mason skied Val Thorens, Méribel and Courchevel, inspected the hotels, ate their way across the 3 Vallées and found the après worth booking. This is what they loved, what surprised them and what they'd tell a friend.
The short version: book a guide, ski the mornings, stay ski-in ski-out if you can, and save an afternoon for La Folie Douce.
"It's completely re-shaped my opinion on skiing in Europe."
Emily A, MySnow ski specialist, March 2026
Real photos and clips from our ski specialists' research trips to the French Alps.
Skiing
Skiing
Mountain guide
Lessons
Skiing
Mountain guide
Views
Skiing
Views
Après
Dining
Food
- Emily A skied Val Thorens and Méribel in March 2026. Her highlight was taking on L'Eclipse, the run built for the 2023 World Championships.
- Emily P snowboarded Val Thorens and Méribel with Emily A in March 2026, including lessons with a local instructor.
- George explored Val Thorens and Méribel with a mountain guide in January 2025, and became our resident La Folie Douce expert.
- Mason snowboarded Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel and Val d'Isère in January 2024, and found our favourite hidden run.
Map: the French Alps
| Resort | The team that have been | Team verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens | Emily A, Emily P, George, Mason | Best for ski-in ski-out and snow-sure skiing |
| Méribel | Emily A, Emily P, George, Mason | Best for families and authentic village vibes |
| Courchevel | Emily A, Mason | Best for quiet, perfectly groomed runs |
Val Thorens was Mason's favourite ski area of the whole trip. At 2,300 m it's the highest ski resort in Europe, and the team had bluebird skies and excellent snow, especially in the mornings. Almost every stay is ski-in ski-out, which Emily A says is the way to go.
- The run to Orelle. Mason's hidden gem, with fresh powder over groomed runs and barely another person on them.
- Lunch at Chalet de la Marine. Nautical décor at 2,500 m, at the top of the Cascades chairlift, with a sunny terrace.
- Dinner at Le Diamant Noir. The restaurant at Koh-I Nor was the fanciest meal of Mason's trip. He felt like he was eating artwork.
- Sledging and snow tubing. Mason would happily give up half a day on the slopes for the long sledging runs.
- An afternoon at La Folie Douce. DJs, dancing on the terrace and a lively crowd until the lifts close.
Where we'd stay: Pashmina for luxury, Fahrenheit Seven or Hotel Le 3 Vallées for couples and groups, and Résidence Montana for families who want more space.
"The ski runs from Val Thorens to Orelle had a thick layer of powder on top of the perfectly groomed pistes and was super quiet! A true hidden gem."
Mason, MySnow ski specialist, January 2024
Méribel won the team over with its chalet architecture and walkable main street. Emily A loved that there were no big chains, just authentic local spots, and Mason rates it the best choice for families with young kids.
- The Lego room at La Chaudanne. Emily A's top tip for families, and a guaranteed hit with kids.
- Beefbar at Le Coucou. Emily A's favourite restaurant of the whole trip.
- Skiing with a mountain guide. George spent his days following a guide, and it's the best way to find the quiet runs.
- The hotel spas. After a big day, the spas were a highlight for the whole team.
- Lunch at La Folie Douce. A live show over lunch, with world-class après to follow.
Where we'd stay: Le Coucou was Mason's favourite hotel, with ski-in ski-out access, spacious rooms with French flair and an amazing breakfast. Le Kaila is a standout five-star for couples, La Chaudanne is perfect for families, and our Méribel chalets suit groups, from room only to fully catered with your own chef.
"La Chaudanne in Meribel because lego room is LIT."
Emily A, MySnow ski specialist, March 2026
"Spa spa spa spa spa spa so many good spas."
Emily A, MySnow ski specialist, March 2026
Courchevel delivered Emily A's biggest thrill of the trip. With an instructor leading the way, she took on L'Eclipse, the run built for the 2023 World Championships. It starts high on the ridge between Méribel and Courchevel, so it's an easy ski over from Méribel.
Mason found Courchevel the quietest resort in the 3 Vallées. Many guests come for the luxury rather than the skiing, so the beautifully groomed runs often feel almost empty.
"Intimidating but a highlight! Got to watch the instructor take it on like a pro, then had no choice but to go down myself."
Emily A, MySnow ski specialist, March 2026
"Courchevel was incredibly quiet and had amazing snow grooming."
Mason, MySnow ski specialist, January 2024
If there's one thing George wants you to know about the French Alps, it's to save an afternoon for La Folie Douce. There are two venues in the 3 Vallées, and they're very different experiences.
- Méribel is a live show. Book lunch at La Fruitière, enjoy the performers and stick around for world-class après.
- Val Thorens is an afternoon party. Expect DJs, dancing on the terrace and a lively crowd until the lifts close.
Mason called it a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list experience. His one warning: take it easy on the ski home at closing time, when everyone heads down at once.
"Lunch at La Folie Douce turned into a three-hour show, and nobody at our table was complaining. Book La Fruitière for lunch and don't make plans for the afternoon."
George, MySnow ski specialist, January 2025
"You can ski home, but the real legends may need to take the gondola down."
George, MySnow ski specialist, January 2025
Top Tips from Our Team
- Book a private guide or lesson. The 3 Vallées is huge, and a guide shows you far more in the time you have. (Emily A)
- Ski the mornings. The snow is at its best early, and crowds build around the villages at lunchtime and mid-afternoon. (Emily A)
- Stay ski-in ski-out if you can. In Méribel the short walk to the lifts can feel a lot longer at the end of the day. (Emily A)
- Use the free shuttles. They run about every 15 minutes, and many hotels will pick you up on request. (Mason)
- Have a plan B for windy days. Emily A's zip line was cancelled by wind, so keep a spa or sledging session up your sleeve.
- Book La Fruitière for lunch. And don't make plans for the afternoon. (George)
- Try the local food. Escargot in garlic butter if you're brave (Mason), and a stop at a Beaufort cheese stall (George).
"Get. A. Private. Lesson/Guide. We would never have seen as much as we did in the time we did without it."
Emily A, MySnow ski specialist, March 2026
What Surprised Us
- The snow. Emily A had only skied Austria before, and the snow, terrain and variety in France completely changed her view of skiing in Europe.
- How different each resort feels. Mason was struck by how much each resort has its own personality, which makes it easy to match a resort to the traveller.
- The après crowd. There's something for everyone, and you'll meet plenty of fun-loving Brits along the way.
- The shopping. It's very European, so expect different brands to Japan or North America. Val Thorens has the most variety.
"The diversity between each resort is fantastic. Each resort has its own flare and feel."
Mason, MySnow ski specialist, January 2024
Is La Folie Douce worth it?
Our team says yes. In Méribel, book lunch at La Fruitière for a live show followed by après. In Val Thorens, it's an afternoon party with DJs and dancing on the terrace until the lifts close.
Which is better for après, Val Thorens or Méribel?
Val Thorens is livelier, with a younger crowd and La Folie Douce's afternoon party. Méribel has a more authentic village feel, with local bars and La Folie Douce's live show at lunch.
Where should families stay in the 3 Vallées?
Our team recommends Méribel for families with young kids. La Chaudanne is a favourite, thanks to its Lego room, and our Méribel chalets suit larger family groups.
Do you need a ski guide in the 3 Vallées?
It's not essential, but every member of our team recommends one. A guide helps you see far more of the huge ski area and find the quiet runs, especially in poor weather.
What food should I try skiing in France?
Our team's picks are escargot in garlic butter, local Beaufort cheese, Beefbar at Le Coucou in Méribel and Le Diamant Noir at Koh-I Nor in Val Thorens.
Our ski specialists have skied these resorts themselves and can match you with the right resort, hotel and lift pass for your France ski holiday.
Call us on 1300 697 669 and tell your ski specialist what you're after, or request a quote and our team will put together a personalised itinerary.
Want the facts at a glance? Read our Where to Ski in France guide, or compare the Alps in our France vs Switzerland comparison.
Blog Written by Lauren Robinson.
Posted: October 2026
