FRANCE SKI INDEX
French skiing features some of the best terrain in the Alps, largest areas in Europe, wonderful food and lodgings, and a long tradition harking back to the first winter Olympics in Chamonix. Off piste with, at least in the beginning, a mountain guide is the way to go for intermediates and up.
Brides-Les-Bains* The old spa town of Brides-les-Bains was the Olympic Village.
Chamonix Mt. Blanc High drama among Europe's highest peaks.
Courchevel Gourmet skiing and boarding - and it needn't cost a fortune.
Les Deux Alpes Twin attractions of snow and fun.
Les Menuires * Lift our eyes to the mountains - and keep them there.
Méribel* The best-looking base for the wonderful Three Valleys.
Photo credit: O.T. Chamonix Mont. BlancMegève* Megève is the essence of rustic chic.
Morzine Morzine is a long-established French resort, popular for its easy road access, traditional atmosphere and gentle tree-filled slopes, where children do not get lost and bad weather rarely causes problems.
Tignes The appeal of Tignes is simple: good snow, spread over a wide area of varied terrain.
Val d'Isère Val-d'Isère is one of the world's best resorts for experts - attracted by the extent of lift-served off-slope - and for confident, mileage-hungry intermediates.
Val Thorens Europe's highest resort, with guaranteed good snow.
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