Skiing in France - Top Travel Options

A holiday skiing in France is a dream come true for many people. The rich culture and history coupled with the excellent snow of regions like the famous Three Valleys provides quite the experience for the intrepid sportsperson or hobby skier.

But, if like most people, you're on a time budget, choosing the right kind of travel options will determine whether you make the most of your limited time or waste hours running around chasing your tail.

Self-Driving – If you know your way around the country, or are quite adept at reading maps, then you can simply rent a car and drive yourself wherever you want to go. The obvious downside to this idea is if you are unfamiliar with the area or when you simply want to kick back relax. If you have the patience to learn the various ins and outs of France’s roads, though, then self-driving is an option that gives you significantly more freedom to move around as you wish.

Airport Transfers – This simply involves hiring both a vehicle and a driver to take you from the airport to your chosen accommodation. This option is a very effective one if skiing in France is the sole reason for your trip, as you won't waste any valuable time. You can even negotiate beforehand with your travel agency to provide transfer services that double as mini tours. It will cost more, of course, but taking the scenic route and stopping by some of the more famous landmarks is a great idea if it is you want to take in as much of the countryside as you can.

Trains – Eurostar has a line straight from London to Paris, which is a great way to get to the country. Once you are in Paris, you can then take the SNCF line to the Three Valleys area. This whole process is a significantly more affordable option if you want to cut costs for a holiday skiing in France, but you will have travel light as you won’t have your own vehicle to carry your luggage for you. You may also want to brush up on your French; English signs abound, but it will be a big help if you can communicate directly for help.

Buses – Buses are always available once disembarking from airports and train stations, and they are sometimes the most feasible public transport to and from the more remote areas of the country. There are bus connections from Chambéry-Aix and Lyon airports – as well as the Moûtiers Salins Brides les Bains train station – to the Three Valleys. These are really the most important routes you'll need to know. There are also private minibus services that provide on-demand transport, although you will have to spend quite a bit more if you choose to use these.

One last thing: never underestimate how far you can get under your own steam! Skiing in France is not limited solely to the pistes; it is, in fact, a valid way of getting from one point to another in the Three Valleys region - so don’t be afraid to explore!

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays skiing in France, staying in a catered or self catered chalets in fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value break and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.