France ski holidays 2008

France is the most popular ski destination for British skiers offering high altitude resorts, a touch of Alpine glamour and many of the best known locations on the ski map.

One of the most popular regions is the Rhone-Alpes - which includes the ski areas of Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Val Thorens (Les 3 Valleès), and Autrans.

The large purpose-built resort of Val d'Isère, which is known for its all-round appeal, will be opening its season with two events over the first weekend of December - Premières Traces and mens and womens races with the Critérium de la Première Neige.

Chamonix, located at the foot of Mont Blanc by the Swiss border, has a reputation for a lively après ski scene and attracts walkers, foodies, mountaineers as well as skiers.

The resort's season runs from December to May and it has three main ski areas (Brévent/Flégère; Grands Montets; Balme) and three smaller ski areas, more suited to beginners and younger skiers.

Another popular ski area in the country is Les 3 Valleès - which is made up of eight resorts, among the best known of which are Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel.

The highest of the resorts is Val Thorens at 2,300 metres, with most of the remaining eight ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 metres, with the exception of the lower altitude Orelle and Brides-les-Bains.

Not so high-altitude, but opening at the same time as Val d'Isère (December 1st), is Autrans, a ski resort with quality snow cover that has two ski areas, which between them have over ten ski lifts and almost 20 runs.

For more information see the ski pages of the French regions of Rhone Alpes and the Franche Comté.