Thanks to a landscape high in contrasts, France has always been a destination of choice for skiers of various abilities. Catering to a public with diverse interests, numerous resorts can be found in the mountain ranges of the Alps and the Pyrénées, the Massif Central, the Vosges and the Jura.

The investment in skiing facilities over the last two decades has been of colossal proportions. As a result, France offers skiers one of the best infrastructure in terms of access, expanses of ski areas, heights of vertical runs, number of modern lifts, diversity of accommodations and versatility of both winter and summer activities.

For many, Chamonix, a stone-throw from the Mt Blanc, has always been the center of alpine sports. While this certainly remains true, a number of resorts, however, have pooled their resources and offer today integrated facilities where skiers can hop from one resort to another, often without having to the take their skis off. Tignes and Val d'Isère are among those. So are the Trois Vallées of Méribel, Courchevel, and Val Thorens..

Skiers of all stripes should find in France the perfect set-up to enjoy a memorable vacation. Operators, such as Bon Ski in Val d'Isère or Adventures on skis, propose a great variety of snow packages. Ryder/Walker will take you on excursions led by experience guides de montagne along the path of the Haute Route, one of the most significant landmarks for Telemark and randonnée skiers.

Of course, French resorts are also famous for their après-ski. Though all of them are attached to their particular characteristics and take great pride in their own distinctiveness, one should find in anyone of them a cornucopia of recreational activities that is sure to please those even with the most unusual and specific interests.

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