France’s best off-piste – The hunt for the best snow

The search for the best snow is therefore a concept where you do not travel to a specific ski area. Instead, you have the opportunity to be flexible and go to the area where the best off-piste is while you are traveling with us. This of course requires that you have a base in an area where you can easily get to a lot of different ski areas. Therefore, our first trip with the concept of ‘hunting for the best snow’ was located in Innsbruck, which has over 200 ski areas within a radius of approx. 1.5 hour drive.

It is a local mountain guide who plans the skiing for the entire trip, to ensure you are in the best possible conditions. The mountain guide knows all the areas like the back of his hand, as well as all the hidden off-piste gems that most tourists don’t know about. It is also the mountain guide who is responsible for the transport to the various areas from day to day. The only thing you should take care of is to enjoy the journey and the beautiful descents.

The concept in Innsbruck has been a great success in recent years. We have therefore decided to expand the concept and create a similar concept in France. After some searching and visits to different ski areas, the final choice fell on Bourg Saint Maurice as the basis for the concept. Many of you probably do not know Bourg Saint Maurice as a ski resort, and for good reason, because it is not a ski resort. But why Bourg Saint Maurice? Bourg Saint Maurice is at the end of the valley before you drive up to some of Europe’s best ski areas. Within an hour you can get from Bourg Saint Maurice to Val D’isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere, Sante Foy, Val Thorens, Meribel, Courchevel, Val Morel and many other smaller places. Therefore, Bourg Saint Maurice offers the best opportunity to hunt the best snow in France in the shortest distance, so you get the most out of your skiing days.

Read more about the trips here:
The hunt for the best snow | Innsbruck area
The hunt for the best snow | France

Below we have written a brief history of Bourg Saint Maurice and the many ski areas it is possible to visit on the trip, as well as an explanation of some of the many off-piste routes they have.

Bourg Saint Maurice

Bourg Saint Maurice is a town located in the Savoie region of France, near the border with Italy. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Darantasia.

In the Middle Ages, Bourg-Saint-Maurice was an important trading town on the roads between Italy and France. The city was known for its production of cloth and textiles, which were traded throughout the region. During the Hundred Years’ War, the city was subjected to repeated attacks and looting by both French and English armies.

In the 18th century, Bourg Saint Maurice became part of the French Kingdom and became an important city in the region due to its strategic location. The city was an important center for trade and transport of goods from Italy and the rest of Europe. In the 19th century, the city became a popular tourist destination due to its scenic location in the Alps.

In the 20th century, Bourg Saint Maurice suffered two world wars that had a major impact on the town’s development. During the First World War, the city was attacked by the German armies, and many of the city’s buildings were destroyed. During World War II, the city was occupied by German troops for several years, which led to further destruction.

After World War II, Bourg Saint Maurice was rebuilt and modernized. The city continued to be an important trading town and tourist destination and also became an important center for skiing in the Alps. Today, the city is a popular destination for both summer and winter travelers due to its picturesque location and range of outdoor activities and culture.

Bourg Saint Maurice is also known for its historic architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city has several impressive buildings and monuments, including the church of Saint-Maurice, which dates back to the 17th century, and the ruins of the old Roman fort. The city is also known for its local food and wine, which are an important part of the region’s culture and traditions.

Today, Bourg Saint Maurice is a bustling and lively town with a population of around 8,000 people. The city continues to attract visitors from all over the world due to its unique location, culture and history.

Val d’Isere

Val d’Isère is a popular ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The town is part of the larger Espace Killy ski area, which it shares with the neighboring town of Tignes. Val d’Isère is known for its challenging pistes and fantastic snow conditions, making it a popular destination for ski tourists from all over the world.

The history of Val d’Isère dates back to the Middle Ages, when the valley was first inhabited. Originally, the town was an agricultural and mountain pass village, and the inhabitants supported themselves by farming and raising animals such as goats and sheep. This rural lifestyle continued for centuries until tourism began to develop in the early 20th century.

Skiing was first introduced to Val d’Isère in the 1930s when Charles Diebold, engineer and entrepreneur, decided to build a hotel and ski area in the valley. In 1934, the first ski lift opened in Val d’Isère, and the town slowly became a popular ski destination.

During World War II, the valley was occupied by German troops, which delayed the development of the ski resort. After the war and with the reconstruction of Europe, tourism began to flourish again. In the 1950s and 1960s, Val d’Isère experienced enormous development as more hotels, ski lifts and pistes were built. This led to an increase in the number of tourists and Val d’Isère became a popular ski resort for international visitors.

In 1968, Val d’Isère gained even more recognition when legendary French skier Jean-Claude Killy, who grew up in the town, won three gold medals at the Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Espace Killy, the large ski area that includes Val d’Isère and Tignes, is named after him.

The most famous off-piste routes in Val D’isere
Val d’Isère is known for having some of the best off-piste opportunities in the French Alps. This area offers a wide variety of terrain to suit off-piste skiers of various levels.

Here are some of the best off-piste areas in Val d’Isère:

Le Fornet is an extremely popular off-piste area located in the upper part of Val d’Isère. It is known for its high alpine, steep slopes and deep powder snow. Le Fornet is easily accessible by cable car and is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers.

Solaise is another popular off-piste area in Val d’Isère. It is close to the Solaise cable car and offers a variety of off-piste routes of varying difficulty. Skiers can choose between steep couloirs, open slopes and forested areas.

The La Pissaillas Glacier is located near Le Fornet and is an excellent location for off-piste skiing at higher altitudes. The glacier offers a wide variety of terrain and long, open slopes perfect for off-piste skiers.

The Tour de Charvet is a classic off-piste route in Val d’Isère that starts from the top of the Bellevarde cable car. This route offers an exciting challenge for experienced off-piste skiers, with steep slopes, narrow couloirs and stunning views.

Col Pers is another iconic off-piste route in Val d’Isère that starts from the top of the Grand Vallon cable car. Col Pers offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, narrow passages and steep rock formations.

Tignes

Tignes is a ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Together with Val d’Isère, Tignes forms the large ski area Espace Killy. Tignes is known for its modern architecture, high location and a wide range of pistes for all levels.

Tigne’s history goes back to the 13th century, when the village was first mentioned in written records. In the following centuries, Tignes grew slowly and remained a small rural village, where the inhabitants made a living from agriculture and animal husbandry.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the sport of skiing was introduced in Tignes, which led to an increased interest in the area as a tourist destination. In 1936, the first ski lift was built in Tignes and several slopes were opened. This development, as with Val d’Isère, was interrupted by the Second World War, and Tigne’s development as a ski resort was delayed.

After the war and in connection with the reconstruction of Europe, a dam was built in the valley to create an artificial lake and generate electricity. This project resulted in the old village of Tignes being flooded and a new town having to be built higher up in the valley. This created the basis for the modern Tignes that we know today.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Tignes experienced rapid development with the construction of many new hotels, apartment complexes and ski lifts. The town was designed with a functional and modern architecture that some love, while others find it lacking in traditional alpine charm.

In 1992, Tignes hosted the free-skiing events at the Winter Olympics in Albertville, further strengthening the town’s reputation as a first-class ski resort. Today, Tignes is a popular destination for ski tourists from all over the world who enjoy the long ski season and the wide range of pistes and activities the town has to offer.

Here are some of the best off-piste runs in Tignes:

La Grande Balme is located between Tignes and Val d’Isère and is known for its steep slopes and deep powder snow. This area is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers and offers a variety of runs.

The Couloir des Périades is a classic off-piste run in Tignes that offers an exciting challenge for experienced skiers. This steep couloir requires technical skill and a good understanding of the snow, but rewards skiers with a great experience.

Le Vallon de la Sache is a long and scenic off-piste descent that starts from the summit of Aiguille Percée and leads down to the village of Tignes Les Brévières. This area is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, narrow forest roads and steep rock formations.

The Col du Chardonnet is a high alpine off-piste course located near the Glacier de la Grande Motte. Known for its stunning views and deep powder, this area offers a variety of terrain for experienced off-piste skiers.

The Les Brevieres off-piste sector is located near Tignes Les Brévières and offers several off-piste runs of varying difficulty. Here, skiers can enjoy both open slopes and forested areas, which provides a varied and exciting off-piste experience.

Les Arcs

Les Arcs is a ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley just like Tignes and Val d’Isère. It is part of the larger Paradiski ski area, which also includes the neighboring town of La Plagne. Les Arcs consists of four capitals: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, where the numbers represent the height in meters above sea level. The ski resort is known for its modern architecture and a wide range of pistes for all levels.

The history of Les Arcs began in the 1960s, when French architect Roger Godino and urban planner Robert Blanc decided to create a new and innovative ski resort in the French Alps. They wanted to build a sustainable and modern ski resort that would respect the environment and the natural surroundings.

The first town, Arc 1600, was founded in 1968, and the first ski lifts and slopes opened the same year. Arc 1600 was designed with a modern and functional architecture that had to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape. In the following years, more towns were built and the ski resort expanded.

Arc 1800 was founded in the 1970s and is today the largest and most popular of the towns in Les Arcs. This town was followed by Arc 2000, which was built in 1979 and is known for its elevated location and good access to the ski slopes. The newest town, Arc 1950, was built in 2003 and is a luxury village designed in traditional Alpine style.

Today, Les Arcs is a popular ski resort that attracts visitors from all over the world. The ski resort offers a wide range of pistes and activities for all ages and levels, and its modern architecture and sustainable approach make it a unique and forward-thinking ski resort in the French Alps.

Here are some of the best off-piste routes in Les Arcs:

Aiguille Rouge is the highest point in the Les Arcs ski area and offers a number of off-piste slopes for experienced skiers. From the top, you can choose between several routes that lead down steep slopes and through narrow couloirs with fantastic views.

The Grand Col is a popular off-piste area located between Arc 2000 and Arc 1950. This area offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. The Grand Col is suitable for skiers of different levels and offers several exciting runs.

Vallée de l’Arc is a long and scenic off-piste hill that stretches from Aiguille Rouge to the small village of Villaroger. This route follows the valley and offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Vallée de l’Arc is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers looking for a challenging and scenic descent.

Les Envers des Aiguilles Rouges is located at the back of the Aiguille Rouge and offers steep and challenging slopes for experienced skiers. Les Envers des Aiguilles Rouges offers deep powder and varied terrain, including steep couloirs, rock formations and open slopes.

The Malgovert forest lies between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 and is a popular area for off-piste skiing in forest areas. This area offers a variety of routes to suit skiers of different levels and offers a unique and scenic experience.

La Plagne

La Plagne is also located in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region and, like Les Arcs, is part of the larger Paradiski ski area. La Plagne consists of several towns, including Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne 1800, Belle Plagne, Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Aime 2000, Montchavin and Les Coches. The ski resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a wide range of pistes for all levels.

The story of La Plagne began in the 1960s, when the development of ski resorts in the French Alps was in full swing. The goal was to create a modern and functional ski resort that could attract visitors and generate economic growth in the region. The first town, Plagne Centre, was founded in 1961, and the first ski lifts and slopes opened the same year.

In the following years, more towns and villages were built and the ski resort grew rapidly. La Plagne was designed with modern architecture and planning to be practical and easy to navigate for visitors. This made the resort a popular choice for families and skiers of all levels.

In 2003, the ski resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs were connected by the Vanoise Express cable car, creating the large Paradiski ski area. This ski area includes more than 425 km of pistes, making it one of the largest and most versatile ski areas in the world.

La Plagne also has an interesting history as a training ground for bobsleigh and skeleton athletes. The city has hosted several international competitions, including the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. La Plagne has a permanent bobsleigh and skeleton track that is still used for both training and competition.

Here are some of the best off-piste routes in La Plagne:

Bellecôte Glacier is a popular off-piste area in La Plagne, offering steep slopes, deep powder and spectacular views. From the top of Bellecôte, skiers can choose between several off-piste slopes that lead down the glacier and through scenic couloirs.

Les Lanchettes is a challenging off-piste area located between La Plagne and Les Arcs. This area offers steep slopes and narrow balls that require technical skill and experience. Les Lanchettes is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers looking for an adrenaline-filled experience.

Mont Saint Jacques is an off-piste area located near Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne. This area offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Mont Saint Jacques is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers several exciting descents.

La Plagne North Face is a challenging off-piste area located on the north side of the ski resort. This area offers steep slopes, deep powder snow and a series of couloirs that require technical skill and good snow understanding. La Plagne North Face is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers looking for an exciting and demanding experience.

Champagny-en-Vanoise is an off-piste area located in the southern part of the La Plagne ski area. This area offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Champagny-en-Vanoise is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers several scenic and exciting runs.

La Rosiere

La Rosière is another ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region, close to the Italian border. The ski resort is connected to La Thuile in Italy and forms the international ski area Espace San Bernardo. La Rosière is known for its sunny location and a wide range of ski slopes for all levels.

La Rosière was founded in the 1960s as a response to the growing demand for ski resorts in the French Alps. The ski resort was developed with the aim of creating a family-friendly and sunny ski area that could offer a unique experience compared to the larger and more famous ski resorts in the Tarentaise Valley.

In the following years, La Rosière grew rapidly and became a popular ski resort for families and skiers of all levels. The ski resort was designed with a traditional alpine architecture and layout that would be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and local culture.

In 1984, the ski resorts of La Rosière and La Thuile in Italy were linked together to form the international ski area Espace San Bernardo. This ski area includes more than 160 km of pistes, making it one of the larger ski areas in the region.

Espace San Bernardo is also known for its historical connection with Napoleon Bonaparte and his army crossing the pass between France and Italy in 1800. Today, visitors to the ski area can experience this historical connection by exploring the old military roads and monuments found in the area.

La Rosière offers a variety of off-piste options for skiers of different levels. Here some of them.

Mont Valaisan is the highest point of the Espace San Bernardo ski area and offers a number of off-piste slopes for experienced skiers. From the top, you can choose between several trails that lead down steep slopes and through narrow couloirs with fantastic views of the valley.

The Col de la Traversette is a popular off-piste area located between La Rosière and La Thuile. This area offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. The Col de la Traversette is suitable for skiers of different levels and offers several exciting runs.

Fort de la Redoute Ruinée is located near the historic Fort de la Redoute Ruinée, dating back to the Napoleonic era. The area offers a variety of terrain, including open slopes and forested areas, and is suitable for skiers of various skill levels.

Les Zittieux is an off-piste area located near La Rosière and offers a series of steep slopes and narrow couloirs. This area is suitable for experienced off-piste skiers looking for a challenging and adrenaline-filled experience.

Les Suches is an off-piste area located on the Italian side of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, near La Thuile. This area offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Les Suches is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers several scenic and exciting runs.

The 3 valleys

The 3 Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is the world’s largest interconnected ski area, located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The area consists of eight individual ski resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, La Tania, Orelle and Brides-les-Bains. Altogether, the 3 valleys cover over 600 km of pistes and 183 ski lifts.

The history of De 3 Dale dates back to the 1920s and 1930s, when pioneers and visionaries began to discover the area’s potential as a ski resort. One of the first ski lifts was installed in 1938 in Courchevel, opening the door for future development in the area.

After the Second World War, the ski resorts in the 3 Dales began to grow and develop. In 1946, Méribel was founded by a British skier named Peter Lindsay who wanted to create a ski area that was in harmony with the landscape and local architecture.

Val Thorens was founded in 1971 and is the highest ski resort in Europe with an altitude of 2,300 meters. Les Menuires was founded in 1967 and La Tania followed in 1990 as a smaller and more environmentally friendly ski resort.

The development of De 3 Dale was driven by a combination of local contractors, architects and engineers who worked together to create a network of slopes and lifts that would connect the ski resorts in the area. In 1973, the first connection between Courchevel and Méribel was established, paving the way for a larger interconnected ski area.

Today, De 3 Dale is the world’s largest interconnected ski area and offers a wide range of pistes for skiers of all levels. The area is known for its fantastic snow safety, modern lift systems and luxury ski resorts.

The 3 Valleys continues to evolve and innovate to remain one of the most attractive ski destinations in the world. New lifts, piste and infrastructure projects are planned and built continuously to improve the skiers’ experience and maintain the area’s position as the world’s leading ski area.

Here are some of the best off piste routes in The 3 Dales:

Couloir Tournier is a classic off-piste route in Courchevel that offers steep slopes and challenging terrain. The route starts from the top of the Saulire lift and requires technical skill and a good understanding of the snow.

Mont Vallon is the highest point in the Méribel Valley and offers a series of off-piste descents with stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. From the top, skiers can choose between several routes that lead down steep slopes and through scenic balls.

Combe de Rosaël is a popular off-piste trail in Val Thorens that starts from the top of the Cime de Caron lift. The route offers open slopes, deep powder snow and fantastic views of the 3 valleys and the surrounding mountains.

Pointe de la Masse is an off-piste area located near Les Menuires that offers a variety of terrain including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Pointe de la Masse is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers several exciting runs.

The Vallon du Lou is an off-piste area located near Saint-Martin-de-Belleville that offers a variety of terrain, including open slopes, forested areas and steep rock formations. Vallon du Lou is suitable for off-piste skiers of various levels and offers several scenic and exciting runs.

Hope you liked our perhaps somewhat history-heavy blog post about some of the many ski resorts that can be visited when you are part of the “The Hunt for the Best Snow – France“.