Experience winter differently in the French Alps
Winter transforms the French Alps into a spectacular playground where snow-covered peaks, charming mountain villages and world-class ski resorts create the perfect setting for unforgettable holidays.
Today, a winter mountain holiday is about far more than skiing. It is an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, discover the rich flavours of Savoyard cuisine, relax in a luxury chalet with a swimming pool or spa, and simply admire breathtaking alpine scenery from a sunny terrace.
At Pointe de Sel, we create tailor-made holidays in some of the finest ski resorts in the French Alps. Whether you are looking for a ski-in/ski-out chalet, an all-inclusive winter escape or exclusive mountain experiences, we carefully select exceptional properties in Courchevel, Méribel, La Plagne and Les Arcs.
Together, the Three Valleys and Paradiski ski areas offer more than 1,000 kilometres of pistes, allowing every guest—from first-time skiers to experienced enthusiasts—to design the holiday that suits them best.
👉 Discover our selection of the Top 10 Luxury Ski Resorts in France.
Why choose the French Alps for your winter holiday?
The French Alps are among the world’s most prestigious winter destinations.
Their reputation is built on an exceptional combination of vast ski areas, reliable snow conditions, authentic Alpine villages, modern lift systems and a unique mountain lifestyle that attracts visitors from around the globe.
Alongside outstanding skiing, you’ll enjoy luxury accommodation, renowned gastronomy, wellness facilities and a wide variety of activities for both skiers and non-skiers.
Whether you want to spend every day on the slopes or combine skiing with relaxation and fine dining, the French Alps offer a winter holiday tailored entirely to your wishes.
Why our guests love winter in the Alps
- Over 1,000 km of pistes across the Three Valleys and Paradiski.
- Ski resorts suitable for families, beginners and experienced skiers alike.
- Luxury chalets featuring swimming pools, saunas, hammams and hot tubs.
- World-famous Savoyard cuisine.
- A wide choice of après-ski activities.
- The perfect setting for unforgettable holidays with family or friends.
Why choose a chalet rather than a hotel?
For many travellers, a luxury chalet represents the ultimate Alpine experience.
After a day on the slopes, everyone naturally settles into their own rhythm. Some unwind in the outdoor hot tub, others relax beside the fireplace, while children enjoy the cinema room or spend time together in the lounge.
Meals become memorable moments shared around a large dining table, and without hotel schedules to follow, every day unfolds exactly as you wish.
Whether you’re travelling with friends or several generations of the same family, a private chalet offers space, comfort, privacy and complete freedom.
Many of our properties also feature premium wellness facilities, including heated indoor swimming pools, saunas, hammams and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the mountains.
Which ski resort should you choose?
The French Alps are home to an extraordinary variety of ski resorts, each offering its own unique atmosphere and character.
At Pointe de Sel, we have chosen to focus on four exceptional destinations located within the two largest interconnected ski areas in the world: The Three Valleys and Paradiski.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Alpine charm, endless skiing, family-friendly facilities or luxury experiences, you’ll find the perfect resort for your winter holiday.
Méribel: authentic Alpine charm in the heart of the Three Valleys
With its elegant wood-and-stone chalets blending seamlessly into the mountainside, Méribel is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the French Alps.
Ideally located in the centre of the Three Valleys, it provides effortless access to Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, while retaining the welcoming atmosphere of a traditional mountain village.
During winter, Méribel appeals equally to passionate skiers and families thanks to its extensive ski area, renowned ski schools, excellent mountain restaurants and wide range of winter activities.
Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday or returning year after year, Méribel offers the perfect balance between world-class skiing and authentic Alpine lifestyle.
👉 Discover our destination guide:
👉 Explore our selection of Winter Activities in Méribel
Courchevel: the ultimate luxury ski destination
Known around the world, Courchevel represents the very best of luxury Alpine living.
Its five villages each have their own personality, from the authentic atmosphere of Le Praz to the elegance of Courchevel 1850, home to Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques and some of the most prestigious chalets in Europe.
Beyond its refined lifestyle, Courchevel enjoys direct access to the entire Three Valleys ski area, offering hundreds of kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes suitable for every ability.
Whether you come for the skiing, gastronomy, shopping or wellness, Courchevel delivers an exceptional winter experience.
👉 Read our destination guide:
👉 Discover our guide to Skiing in Courchevel
La Plagne: the perfect resort for families and adventure
Comprising eleven villages spread between 1,250 and 2,100 metres, La Plagne is one of France’s favourite family ski destinations.
Connected to Les Arcs by the spectacular Vanoise Express cable car, it forms part of the vast Paradiski ski area, with more than 425 kilometres of slopes.
In winter, visitors can enjoy far more than alpine skiing. Snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and dog sledding are all available throughout the season.
La Plagne is also home to one of the Alps’ most unique winter experiences.
It is the only resort in France where visitors can descend a genuine Olympic bobsleigh track, originally built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic Games.
Whether you choose the family-friendly Bob-Raft, the exhilarating Speed Luge or the unforgettable experience of riding in a real four-man bobsleigh piloted by a professional driver, it is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your holiday.
👉 Discover our guide to Winter Activities in La Plagne
👉 Experience the Olympic Bobsleigh Track in La Plagne
Les Arcs: a paradise for passionate skiers
Overlooking Mont Blanc, Les Arcs is renowned for its outstanding variety of terrain.
Beginners appreciate its dedicated learning areas, while experienced skiers enjoy long descents, challenging off-piste routes and high-altitude sectors offering reliable snow throughout the winter.
Linked directly to La Plagne, Les Arcs provides access to the entire Paradiski ski area, making it one of the largest ski playgrounds in Europe.
The resort is equally famous for its distinctive architecture, designed by Charlotte Perriand, its vibrant après-ski scene and its welcoming atmosphere for both families and groups of friends.
Whether you’re seeking exhilarating skiing or relaxed mountain living, Les Arcs combines modern comfort with spectacular scenery.
Unforgettable winter experiences
Although skiing remains the main reason many visitors come to the Alps, a winter holiday today offers so much more.
From thrilling adventures to peaceful moments surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
Ski some of the world’s largest ski areas
The Three Valleys and Paradiski allow you to explore new pistes and breathtaking scenery every day without ever skiing the same route twice.
Beginners, families and expert skiers alike will find terrain perfectly suited to their level.
Ride an Olympic bobsleigh track
Few winter activities deliver such an adrenaline rush.
At La Plagne, you can experience the only Olympic bobsleigh track in France, still used today for international competitions.
Several options are available, from the accessible Bob-Raft experience to the unforgettable opportunity to ride in a real competition bobsleigh driven by a professional pilot.
Discover the mountains on snowshoes
Away from the ski slopes, snowshoeing offers a completely different perspective on the mountains.
Guided walks take you through silent forests, snow-covered alpine meadows and panoramic viewpoints while introducing you to Alpine wildlife and local mountain traditions.
Experience a dog sled adventure
Comfortably seated behind an experienced musher, you’ll glide through snowy landscapes pulled by a team of energetic Nordic dogs.
A magical experience that is particularly popular with families and anyone looking to discover the mountains in a different way.
Relax and unwind in an exceptional chalet
A winter holiday is no longer just about skiing.
After a day on the slopes or exploring snowy landscapes, returning to the comfort of your private chalet becomes an experience in itself.
Imagine relaxing in a heated indoor swimming pool overlooking snow-covered mountains, soaking in an outdoor hot tub beneath a star-filled sky, enjoying the warmth of a sauna or hammam, before gathering around the table for a gourmet dinner delivered directly to your chalet.
These moments of relaxation are often among the most memorable parts of a mountain holiday, allowing everyone to enjoy the Alps at their own pace.
👉 Discover our guide to Luxury Chalets with Private Hot Tubs
👉 Compare our 9 Most Beautiful Chalets with Swimming Pools in the French Alps
👉 Not sure which chalet to choose? Read our guide:
How to Choose a Chalet with a Swimming Pool
For a glimpse of what an exceptional Alpine wellness experience looks like, discover the Chalet du Bois Melay Wellness Experience.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in the mountains
Spending Christmas or New Year in a luxury chalet is an unforgettable experience.
Snow-covered villages, Christmas markets, torchlit ski descents, roaring fireplaces and traditional Savoyard dinners create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Whether you’re celebrating with family or a group of friends, a private chalet allows you to enjoy the festive season in complete comfort and privacy while making the most of the French Alps’ finest ski resorts.
👉 Discover why Christmas in a Chalet is such a magical experience.
Spring skiing: one of the Alps’ best-kept secrets
Many travellers assume that the ski season ends after February.
In reality, March and April are often among the best times to visit.
Longer days, sunny terraces, quieter slopes and excellent snow conditions at higher altitudes create ideal skiing conditions across both the Three Valleys and Paradiski.
Spring is also the perfect season to combine skiing with outdoor lunches, wellness experiences and panoramic mountain walks.
👉 Discover the benefits of Spring Ski Chalet Rentals
Can you enjoy the mountains without skiing?
Absolutely.
More and more visitors choose the mountains even if they never put on a pair of skis.
While some members of the family spend the day exploring the slopes, others prefer to discover the Alps at a slower pace.
Popular alternatives include:
- snowshoe hikes through peaceful Alpine forests;
- dog sled adventures;
- the Olympic bobsleigh experience in La Plagne;
- spa treatments and wellness facilities;
- heated swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs;
- mountain restaurants accessible by pedestrian lifts;
- discovering traditional Alpine villages;
- shopping in Courchevel;
- gourmet dining;
- panoramic cable car rides.
The wide variety of activities makes the French Alps an outstanding destination for mixed groups where not everyone skis.
👉 Discover our guide to Family Après-Ski Activities
Why choose tailor-made winter experiences?
No two winter holidays are the same.
Some guests want to spend every day exploring the slopes, while others prefer to alternate skiing with wellness experiences, gourmet dining or discovering Alpine villages.
At Pointe de Sel, every stay is entirely personalised.
Before your arrival, our concierge team can organise:
- lift passes;
- ski and snowboard equipment hire;
- private ski instructors;
- guided snowshoe walks;
- dog sledding;
- Olympic bobsleigh experiences;
- in-chalet dining;
- private chefs;
- massages and wellness treatments;
- airport transfers;
- childcare.
Every detail is tailored to your group, allowing you to enjoy a seamless holiday from arrival to departure.
All that’s left for you to do is enjoy your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the French Alps?
The winter season generally runs from December to April.
Christmas offers a magical festive atmosphere, February usually provides excellent snow conditions, while March and April combine longer days with quieter slopes and outstanding spring skiing.
Which ski resort is best for families?
La Plagne and Méribel are particularly popular with families thanks to their excellent ski schools, varied slopes and wide range of winter activities suitable for all ages.
Which resort offers the most luxurious experience?
Courchevel is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s most prestigious ski destinations, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, luxury hotels and exceptional private chalets.
Can you enjoy a winter holiday without skiing?
Absolutely.
Snowshoeing, dog sledding, bobsleigh, spas, fine dining, shopping and wellness experiences make the Alps an exceptional destination even for non-skiers.
How do I choose the right chalet?
It depends on your priorities.
Some families look for a chalet with a swimming pool, others prefer a private hot tub, direct ski access or spacious living areas for larger groups.
Our team will help you find the property that perfectly matches your expectations.
How should I prepare for my ski holiday?
We recommend booking your lift passes, equipment hire and the most popular activities several weeks before arrival.
👉 Read our 10 Tips for Preparing Your Ski Holiday
Plan your Winter Holiday in the French Alps
Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday, a family reunion, a special celebration or a luxury getaway with friends, Pointe de Sel helps you create a tailor-made winter experience in the French Alps.
Our carefully selected collection of luxury chalets combines exceptional comfort with personalised services, allowing you to enjoy everything the mountains have to offer—from world-class skiing and gourmet dining to unforgettable moments of relaxation.
Explore our guides and discover everything you need to plan the perfect winter holiday.
Luxury ski resorts
Discover our guide to the Top 10 Luxury Ski Resorts in France.
Winter destination guides
Explore our complete guides to four of the French Alps’ most prestigious ski resorts.
Winter activities
Looking for inspiration beyond skiing?
Discover our guides to the best winter experiences in the Alps.
Winter Activities in La Plagne
Olympic Bobsleigh in La Plagne
Seasonal inspiration
Planning a festive getaway or a late-season ski holiday?
Discover our seasonal guides.
Wellness and luxury chalets
Experience the French Alps in complete comfort.
Luxury Chalets in the French Alps
Luxury Chalets with Private Hot Tubs
Compare our Chalets with Swimming Pools
How to Choose a Chalet with a Swimming Pool
Chalet du Bois Melay Wellness Experience
Prepare your ski holiday
Planning ahead makes every holiday more enjoyable.
Read our practical guide:
10 Tips to Prepare Your Ski Holiday
Create unforgettable winter memories
Winter in the French Alps is about much more than skiing.
It is about sharing precious moments with family and friends, discovering spectacular landscapes, enjoying authentic Alpine villages, tasting exceptional cuisine and relaxing in the comfort of a luxury chalet.
Whether you dream of skiing across the vast slopes of the Three Valleys, exploring Paradiski, experiencing the thrill of an Olympic bobsleigh run or simply unwinding beside a roaring fire after a day in the mountains, Pointe de Sel creates bespoke holidays designed entirely around you.
Our carefully selected collection of luxury chalets, combined with personalised concierge services and local expertise, allows you to experience the very best of the French Alps in complete comfort.
We look forward to welcoming you for your next unforgettable winter holiday.
