Chamonix
Chamonix is a favorite winter sports resort town, loved by skiers, snowboarders and discriminating travelers the world over. Chamonix and the Italian town of Coumayeur share the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest European mountain west of Russia. The ski areas of Chamonix offer reliable snow, miles of runs, limitless off-trail backcountry opportunities and spectacular mountain views. There are fabulous experiences for everyone. If you enjoy adrenaline try speed skiing with a parachute or base jumping in a wing suit. For non-skiers try snowmobiling, ice hiking, snowshoeing, sleigh riding or dog sledding.
Le Brevent is directly above Chamonix and connected to La Flevere by cable car. Both are excellent for intermediate skiers. La Flevere also offers beginner slopes. Le Tour and Vallorcine, le Domaine de Balme, are ideal for families, beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers appreciate the challenges of Les Grands Montets.
Take an unforgettable cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi, ride on the red cogwheel train that climbs from Chamonix to the base of the beautiful Sea of Ice, the Mer de Glace glacier, in only 20 minutes.
Closest major airport: Geneva
Nearest TGV station: Bellegarde or Annecy
If you are booking a package, we can arrange return transfers by car or minivan.
Courchevel
Courchevel may be the best and most luxurious ski resort in Europe. High in the Alps, this alpine town attracts royalty, celebrities, movie stars and the rich and famous.
The ski runs of Courchevel are magnificent, and there is never a wait for a ski lift. The Grand Couloir may be one of the most challenging black runs in the world. The hotels are exclusive and prestigious. Many have five-star ratings, a few have six. Courchevel has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other ski resort. The shops carry the very best in high quality luxury goods, including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Zilli and Chanel.
Closest major airport: Geneva
Nearest TGV station: Moutiers
There is a small airport in Courchevel. Private plane and/or helicopter service is available.
If you are booking a package, we can arrange return transfers by car, minivan, helicopter or private plane.
Megève
The magical village of Megève is nestled in the French Alps facing Mont Blanc. It is considered the most beautiful ski resort in Europe. After World War I, Baroness Noémie de Rothschild transformed Megève from an alpine farming village into the chic destination for high society it remains today.
Megève offers almost 280 miles of the best ski terrain in Europe, prestigious ski schools, heli-skiing, and downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities for every level. It also offers more indoor and outdoor activities than any other ski resort, including spas, a casino, concerts, remarkable restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs and a full range of high-quality entertainment. You will also enjoy strolling in the pedestrian town center with its medieval cobblestone streets.
Closest major airport: Geneva
Nearest TGV station: Gare de Sallanches
There is a small airport in Magee. Private plane and/or helicopter service is possible.
If you are booking a package, we can arrange return transfers by car, minivan, helicopter or private plane.
Val d’Isère and Tignes
Skiers and snowboarders flock to Val d’Isère and Tignes. These two ski resorts in the French Alps are linked together as the Espace Killy, one of the most varied ski areas in Europe. Named after Jean-Claude Killy, the area offers more than 300 kilometers of groomed and patrolled slopes, excellent off-piste backcountry opportunities, excellent runs for all levels, 44 kilometers of cross-country skiing, two terrain parks, two glaciers and 90 ski lifts. The ski lift system is extremely efficient. You spend your time on the slopes, not on line.
Of the two resorts, Val d’Isère is particularly interesting for intermediate, advanced and expert skiers. Beginners are welcome, however. In fact, the beginner slope in the center of the pedestrian village and many of the beginner ski lifts are free.
Both resorts offer every winter sport imaginable from dog sledding, horseback riding on snow, snowshoeing and heli- skiing to ice diving, ice skating and snowmobiling. Guides and
instructors are available.
Après ski is an art form here. Start your evening off with a quiet drink in the Hotel Blizzard bar and end it at 4 a.m. at Dicks Tea Bar. Enjoy the astonishing variety of excellent restaurants that range from casual to super fancy.
Closest major airport: Chambéry
Nearest TGV station: Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Private helicopter service is available from Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon and Grenoble.
If you are booking a package, we can arrange return transfers by car, minivan, helicopter or private plane.
