Make the most of the incredible spring skiing in France, with Ski France

This year, many European ski resorts have seen an abundance of snow. Val d’Isère, for example, received more than 60 cm in one day and Méribel saw more than 30 cm fall overnight. All this snowfall means the base is deep and strong and should last long into spring.

There are numerous benefits to booking a late-season skiing or snowboarding holiday. Aside from the warmer weather, the slopes are quieter, there are more discounts available, longer days allow visitors to discover more outdoor activities and there are many open-air events to choose from. Plus, Ski France offers flexible arrival days and does not mind how long (or short) your visit might be; guests can expect to save even more money (and time).

Tempted? Here are five top resorts in France to choose from…

Save more than 50% at Alpina Lodge, in Val d’Isère
More Britons head to Val d’Isère than anywhere else in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The popular resort, linked to Tignes, offers 300 km of pistes – many of which sit above 3,000 m – a top beginner area, first-class restaurants plus lively après-ski. And, if that’s not enough, a £170 million redevelopment, Le Coin de Val, has been announced, which will see many new buildings, including a guest arrival centre, shops and eateries being built over the next five years. New to Ski France last season, the 4* Alpina Lodge offers beautiful self-catered apartments in the heart of the buzzing town, just 500 m from the main ski lifts. Each accommodation comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher and cafetière, plus visitors can make use of the television and Wi-Fi throughout. During the day, explore the extensive slopes – suited to all levels of skiing – before returning to the cosy home-from-home holiday apartments to rustle up some food in the kitchen and settle down on the comfy sofas. Guests can also hire local cooking equipment – such as raclette grills – for a special evening in, but there are multiple dining-out options in Val d’Isère too. Join the locals at La Baraque, which provides good food and drink, head to Avancher Hotel & Bar, known for its expansive wine list, or enjoy a fully-French meal at Restaurant La Casserole. Party animals can also dance the night away at well-known Dick’s Tea Bar or the zany Doudoune hidden beneath the pistes under vibrant Cocorico, a popular après-ski venue.
A week’s stay, from 7 April 2018, costs from £199 pp (£399 total – was £849 total, saving 53%) for a studio apartment sleeping two. Accommodation only, return flights, transfers, ski hire, lift passes and food extra.

Save more than 40% at Hotel Le Mottaret in Méribel-Mottaret
Ski France’s flagship hotel, 3* Hôtel Le Mottaret, offers guests inviting accommodation with doorstep skiing in the centre of Méribel-Mottaret. Based in the heart of the Three Valleys at 1,750 m, guests have access to the world’s largest ski area with 600 km of pistes reaching more than 3,000 m. The resort is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want easy access to the vast slopes of The Three Valleys. Situated close to many amenities, with a ski hire shop next to the hotel and ski instructors who meet clients in the lobby of Hotel Le Mottaret, there is also a free shuttle bus that connects visitors to the vibrant Méribel Centre. Owned by Ski France for more than 20 years, the hotel rooms have all been renovated and the cosy lounge bar extended, meaning more space for socialising after a day on the slopes, with the possibility of enjoying pool or a fun board game on the low coffee tables. Outside, guests can find a sunny (and often snowy) terrace, home to a bubbling Jacuzzi, in which guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne. Plus, the lower terrace is home to Café del Mott, a barbeque restaurant where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a warming, affordable lunch accompanied by talented musicians overlooking the mountains. New this season is the ‘Kids Go Free’ offer: Ski France is offering free board to all children aged 17 and under on the same board basis as their parents.
A week’s stay, from 8 April 2018, costs from £227 pp (£910 total – was £1,545 total, saving 41%) for a superior-plus family room for four with the Kids Go Free offer, including buffet breakfast every morning and a three-course dinner every evening. Return flights, transfers, ski hire, lift passes and other meals extra.

Save more than 55% at Les Chalets de L’Altiport in Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski
Although the resort is known as ‘The Island in the Sun’ due to having mainly south, or south-west facing slopes, the Sarenne and Signal de l’Homme offer good conditions later in the season, and there are multiple snow cannons too. Situated on the slopes, just 500 metres away from the centre of Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski, Les Chalets de L’Altiport are an ideal base for families and groups of friends. Each accommodation (sleeping 12-16 people) is decorated in the traditional Savoyard style, with large crackling fireplaces, wood and stone interiors and deep, rich colours, to create a warming atmosphere. The open-plan living area is an ideal place to socialise and the kitchen comes with all the modern amenities, so guests can cook and eat as and when they wish. Alternatively, new for the 17/18 ski season, visitors can opt for a catered break instead, which includes a three-course dinner with wine, full-English breakfast and afternoon tea for six days (minimum of six people, maximum of 16). After a day exploring the mountains, relax in the private sauna or hot tub. Plus, guests can feel spoiled with the many little extras, including cuddly bathrobes, soft slippers, a selection of board games, a welcome basket full of local produce on arrival and fresh bread and croissants delivered to the door on the first day. The free shuttle bus to the town centre means guests can visit the restaurants, leisure centre, ice rink and cinema nearby easily.
A week’s stay, from 7 April 2018, costs from £132 pp (£1,583 total – was £3,682 total, saving 57%) for a five-bedroom chalet sleeping 12. Accommodation only, return flights, transfers, ski hire, lift passes and food extra.

Save more than 35% at Ibiza Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
Home to the highest glacier skiing in France, the snow-sure resort of Les Deux Alpes is an ideal resort for a late-season break. The pistes reach an altitude of 3,600 m, plus there are more than 200 km of slopes for keen skiers and snowboarders, many of which are north facing (so they retain snow for longer). Located at the end of the valley, not far from the village centre, the recently renovated 3* Ibiza Hotel offers stylish décor with a modern twist. The extensive lifts can be reached by a short 15-minute walk or by the free-shuttle bus. After a day on the slopes, relax in the spacious lounge, sip an après-ski drink on the large, south-facing terrace, or dive into the indoor heated pool and swim a few lengths before making the most of the sauna and hammam. A large proportion of the rooms at the hotel (60 in total) are south facing, with full-length windows leading out on to balconies that offer glorious views of the spectacular peaks in the Ecrins National Park (twin, double and family rooms are all available). And for guests wanting a break from skiing, there are many alternative activities available, including ice hockey, bowling, tobogganing, dog sledding and paragliding alongside a trip to the Ice Caves, where a wide range of incredible sculptures can be admired. New this season is the ‘Kids Go Free’ offer: Ski France is offering free board to all children aged 17 and under on the same board basis as their parents.
A week’s stay, from 7 April 2018, costs from £249 pp (£998 total – was £1,601 total, saving 38%) for a duplex suite for a family of four with the Kids Go Free offer, including breakfast every morning. Return flights, transfers, ski hire, lift passes and other meals extra.

Save more than 55% at Résidence Les Terrasses de Veret in Flaine
The purpose-built resort of Flaine, which is part of the expansive Grand Massif, reaches heights of 2,500 metres and usually stays open until late April. Its 265 km of pistes are ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, although beginners and experts can enjoy themselves too. The Résidence Les Terrasses de Veret is located in the centre of the town, next to the Grands Vans chairlift and the ESF ski school. Each apartment offers a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, living room and a balcony, or terrace, with magnificent outlooks over the resort. After a day on the slopes, relax in the indoor heated swimming pool, unwind in the outdoor Jacuzzi or cosy up next to the crackling fire in the communal living room. Alternatively, make the most of the many bars and restaurants within easy reach, such as the friendly Pente à Jules or the suave Brasserie les Cîmes in Forum. And those after an adrenalin-fuelled activity can try the ice-driving circuit, where visitors can experience the thrills of controlling a car on an icy track.
A week’s stay, from 7 April 2018, costs from £79 pp (£316 total – was £719 total, saving 56%) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four. Accommodation only, return flights, transfers, ski hire, lift passes and food extra.

NB: Ski France can arrange transfers, ski passes and ski hire, information available on request. Plus, for all self-catering stays in these destinations, linen and towels will be provided.

Flights to Geneva cost from £47 pp with easyJet.
Flights to Grenoble cost from £63 pp with easyJet.

To find out more call Ski France on 0203 475 4756 or visit www.skifrance.co.uk.