Choosing your French Ski Style

France has long been one of Europe’s hot spots during the ski season.  You might have visions of the Eiffel Tower in your head, but did you realize that France has some of the most diverse set of ski runs and is one of the more reasonably priced areas for ski in continental Europe?

When deciding where to go and what to do for a French ski getaway, there’s a lot of choices.  So, to help you narrow down and find the perfect spot for you and your family (or special someone), here are three things you need to think about before booking your ski break.

Choose Your Accommodation

Over the last 10-20 years the ski property market has really developed, and yet there is still a difficulty in finding a property just for you.  Here’s a list of the things that I think about before I make a booking – the answers can change depending on who I’m with and our plans while there:

• Do you want to mostly eat out or do you want to have a place with a kitchen so you can cook?  This can be fun and saves money too.
• Do you want to be able to ski in and ski out of the resort? If you plan on almost exclusively skiing, this might be nice.
• Are you wanting that rustic ‘ski chalet’ feel or is a ‘standard’ hotel also fine too?  Chalets can also provide a bit of privacy if you’re planning on some romance.
• Do you want a view or are you happy to soak up the views while you’re out and about?
• Would you rather be out in the countryside (quiet) or in a more urban area (easy access, walk to dinner)

As you can see, giving it some thought is important instead of just booking whatever comes up first or cheapest in the search engines!

Choose Your Ski Level

Now that you know more than you ever wanted to know about the French property options, let’s talk about your skills. I’ll be frank – most people fall into one of three categories:

• Ski Bunny:  You’re up for a ski lesson and for hopping around on the easiest slopes you can find, but you aren’t into serious hardcore skiing.  You’ll want to shake things up with some shopping trips, maybe some wine tastings or other fun activities, and definitely want to hang out for drinks in the lodge.
• Ski Aficionado: You definitely know how to ski, and you’d like to brush up on your skills.  But you are here on holiday, so don’t mind a bit of sightseeing or relaxing on the side.
• Ski Junkie:  You’re here for the snow pack, and nothing else.  All that matters is getting in as many good solid runs as possible.  It’s a ski break, right?

Each of these people has different needs, and if there are more than one of you, is everyone a bunny or do you have an assortment?  It might really affect where you decide to stay.  Bunnies don’t do well out in a hidden chalet with nothing to do, and junkies will get annoyed at having to lug their equipment clear across town.  So be considerate for everyone before choosing a style.

Choose Your Region

Believe it or not, this will be just as difficult as the other choices in crafting your French ski bonanza.  There are over 59 ski regions/resorts in France, which can make choosing seem like agony.  Short of handing your itinerary to a travel agent and letting them choose, here are a few suggestions:

Photo by Nick

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Erna Low; the opinions expressed herein are those of the author.