Our top 5 best ski and winter sports resorts in the Alps!

Are you planning a winter holiday in the Alps but unsure which resort will best suit the whole family or your friends? With a mix of beginners, expert skiers, and those who prefer non-skiing activities, the decision can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together our top 5 ski resorts in the Alps, guaranteed to make everyone happy! From Chamonix to Val d’Isère, with stops at Courchevel, Méribel, and Megève, let us take you on a quick tour through the Alps!

If you’re already familiar with Agency 1786, you likely know that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is our favorite—our go-to, our safe haven. And for good reason! It appeals to everyone: from beginner to seasoned and expert skiers, to travelers looking for unique winter activities beyond skiing.

The Chamonix Valley boasts three main ski areas: Brévent-Flégère, facing the Mont-Blanc massif, Grands Montets, near the village of Argentière, and Balme Vallorcine, near the Swiss border. Nearby, you can also explore the Les Houches ski area. Chamonix is also an excellent family resort, with safe, gentle slopes like those at Les Planards and Les Chosalets, ideal for kids learning the basics.

For the most experienced skiers, the Vallée Blanche is a true thrill, especially when guided by a high-mountain expert. This legendary glacier descent spans 22 km from the Aiguille du Midi to the Mer de Glace—a must for passionate adventurers! However, it’s worth noting that this route features crevasses and icefalls, so a guide is essential, along with the necessary technical equipment. As local experts, we can organize this extraordinary experience for you, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey. Feel free to reach out to us!

Looking for other activities during your winter stay in Chamonix? Don’t miss the iconic Aiguille du Midi, towering over the town at 3,842 meters, or the valley’s other unmissable landmark, the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in the French Alps.

For more outdoor adventures, Chamonix also has a beautiful cross-country skiing area, with trails running beneath Mont Blanc and through snowy forests—a magical escape! If you’d prefer to forgo skis altogether, the snowshoeing opportunities are exceptional, offering quiet moments in the mountains to spot animal tracks and enjoy remarkable views of the pristine peaks.

And after the day’s efforts, treat yourself! As evening falls, enjoy the tastes of the Alps with a Trapper’s Night dinner off the beaten path. Or indulge in a Food Tour through Chamonix’s streets, combining culinary delights with a guided visit—a unique way to learn more about the history of the international capital of mountaineering.

We told you—Chamonix is our favorite!

But the others are not to be outdone! Among our top 5 ski resorts in the Alps is the charming and vibrant Méribel. Spread across several villages, the area extends from 1,100 to 1,700 meters in altitude. Its ski area offers nearly 150 kilometers of slopes, catering to all skill levels. Experienced skiers can tackle runs that reach nearly 3,000 meters, with the highest point at 2,950 meters. Just imagine the breathtaking panorama of the Alps and surrounding massifs that awaits you! Thanks to its location and layout, Méribel enjoys excellent snowfall throughout the season, lasting from December to mid-April in the best-protected areas.

What truly sets Méribel apart, however, is its inclusion in the world’s largest ski area: the 3 Vallées. With neighboring resorts like Courchevel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Orelle, and Val Thorens—which has won "Best Ski Resort" eight times and is Europe’s highest resort—you’ll have access to over 600 kilometers of slopes... Enough to make your head spin, right? That’s why we offer a guided 3 Vallées ski safari led by an experienced guide, who will tailor the experience to your preferences and skill level, taking you along the most scenic routes.

During your week in Méribel, are you looking to try other outdoor and unique activities? Indulge in the thrills of ski touring, cold yoga, or fat scootering! You can also put on snowshoes to explore the stunning snowy landscapes of the Tueda Nature Reserve.

In the evening, soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of Méribel village, perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploration. Looking for a more intimate and unique family experience? Try an aperitif under an igloo!

Wondering how to get to Méribel from the airport or train station? Agency 1786 offers private transfer services to Méribel from the airports in Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble, as well as from all the main train stations in the region.

Courchevel, neighboring Méribel in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, offers a charming and authentic allure. Courchevel can be enjoyed both on the slopes and through the narrow streets of its six villages, which range from 1,100 to 1,850 meters in altitude. Traditional wooden and stone chalets, renovated alpine cabins, and dense forests create an enchanting, postcard-perfect atmosphere. Courchevel captures the charm of the Alps just as you’d imagine it!

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape in renowned 5-star hotels celebrated for their stunning decor, high-end comfort, and gourmet dining, or are eager to explore nearly 150 kilometers of slopes within the 3 Vallées area, Courchevel delights everyone!

For a unique way to experience Courchevel’s slopes and the vast 3 Vallées area, we offer an original Ski Food Tour, combining the joy of skiing with tastings of local delicacies! And for thrill-seekers, don’t miss the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Vanoise region through a ski-touring adventure with one of our passionate guides.

Val d’Isère is the last French ski resort before the Italian border, nestled at the end of the Tarentaise Valley. Together with Tignes, the two areas—known as Espace Killy—make up France’s sixth-largest ski domain, with 300 km of pure skiing bliss! Its most legendary run, the Face de Bellevarde, hosted the 1992 Albertville Olympics, the 2009 World Championships, and every December, the Critérium de la Première Neige, a major event that gathers the world’s top skiers. In this Alpine resort, one thing is certain: snow is guaranteed throughout the winter season.

Not to compare too closely, but Val d’Isère is just as picturesque as Courchevel! The heart of the village is home to beautiful stone and wood buildings that exude charm. It’s a pleasure to savor a coffee on a terrace or indulge in a Savoyard specialty surrounded by this traditional architecture.

While it’s a true paradise for alpine skiing and ski touring, Val d’Isère also offers plenty for non-skiers, with stunning snowshoe trails through the pristine landscapes of the Vanoise National Park. Adventurers can experience the thrill of ice climbing on frozen waterfalls or enjoy a cozy evening with a Trapper’s Night, dining under the stars at a charming mountain restaurant.

To round out our top 5 ski resorts in the Alps, let’s talk about the enchanting Megève. Like Courchevel and Val d’Isère, it captivates with its authentic chalets, cobbled streets, and the magic it exudes at Christmastime. Discover the charm of the village center by horse-drawn carriage, with the Christmas tree proudly standing in the main square. Book a cozy wooden chalet where a crackling fire sets the mood for family game nights or the excitement of exchanging gifts left by Santa under your beautifully decorated, twinkling tree.

For an unforgettable Christmas in the Alps, refer to our special article (lien), featuring the most magical spots to visit during the holiday season.

Megève is part of the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, along with Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Combloux, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, and La Giettaz, offering 400 km of slopes ranging from 1,110 to 2,350 meters in altitude. With 43 green and 65 blue runs, it’s ideal for families or beginners. Non-skiers will love the snowshoeing trails, building igloos, and the unique experience of an aperitif in an igloo!

Don’t wait any longer—discover all our activities in Megève.

Still have questions about booking your ski holiday in the Alps? Here you’ll find some additional information to help you plan.

Beyond the 3 Valleys, Tignes-Val d’Isère, Chamonix, and Megève, ski enthusiasts will no doubt want to hit the slopes at Les Portes du Soleil (including Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Morzine, and the Abondance Valley), Les Arcs and La Plagne, Les Sybelles, Flaine and Samoëns, as well as Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes, and La Clusaz near the Annecy region.

Val d’Isère enjoys excellent snowfall throughout the winter season, as do Tignes, Val Thorens, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Courchevel, and Méribel.

Awarded the title of the largest ski area in the world—and therefore the largest in the Alps—the 3 Valleys is also recognized as one of the most beautiful. It truly hits the jackpot! Close contenders include Les Portes du Soleil, Espace Killy, and Évasion Mont-Blanc. And of course, we say this with complete objectivity!

For all your private transfer requests, tailor-made stays, and activities in the ski resorts of the Alps, contact Agency 1786 for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the mountains!