Albertville
The host city to the 1992 Winter Olympics, Albertville in the French Alps is home to about 20,000 people. Despite having hosted the Olympics, Albertville's focus is more on industry, rather than on tourism. The ice rink from the Olympics remains in use, as do some of the other sports venues built for the event.
Chambery
The capital of France's Savoie region, Chambery is a major transportation hub, with motorways and railroads linking the city to the rest of France, as well as to neighbouring Italy and Switzerland. Once home to the House of Savoy, today the city is home to 100,000 people.
Espace Killy
Named after the skier Jean-Claude Killy, Espace Killy is a ski resort in the French Alps. It offers more than 300 kilometres of downhill and cross-country ski slopes.
La Maurienne
Surrounded by the Alps on all four sides, La Maurienne is chiefly a winter sport destination. About 20 ski resorts — for downhill, cross-country, and even snowboarding enthusiasts — are in the area. The village is home to 5,000 year-round and home to as many as 15,000 during the winter. The village is accessible by main motorways and by train.
La Plagne
A ski resort town in the French Alps, La Plagne was created in 1961. Its ski area is spread out throughout four different communities and offers 225 kilometres of slopes. A bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track were built in La Plagne for the 1992 Winter Olympics in nearby Albertville.
La Rosière
A ski resort in France's Alps, La Rosiere offers 150 kilometres of ski slopes catering to all abilities. Developed in the 1950s, La Rosiere was linked with the nearby Italian ski resort of La Thuile in 1984.
Lake Bourget (Aix les Bains)
One of France's largest and deepest lakes, Lake Bourget lies 10 kilometres north of Chambery. The River Leysse flows into the lake.
Le Grand Domaine
Le Grande Domaine Ski Area in the French Alps enables skiers from beginners to experts to try out 140 different slopes. A lift pass allows skiers to ski or snowboard in any of three resorts.
Les 3 Vallees
This French Alp ski resort translates to “The Three Valleys” and is home to the largest ski area in the world. It offers more than 600 kilometres of downhill ski slopes. Additionally, there are 120 kilometres of trails for cross-country skiers. Les 3 Vallees is close to Vanoise National Park, France's first national park.
Les Arcs
A ski resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs has been in business since the late 1960s. Today, it is reputed to be one of France's mega-resorts. It is well-liked for having unique “avant-garde” modernist architecture, as opposed to traditional ski resort architecture. It also boasts 106 ski runs, accommodating skiers of all levels. There is also a ski school on site. Snowboarders are also welcome here.
Les Saisies
A ski resort in the French Alps 30 kilometres from Albertville, Les Saisies is sometimes called the “French Tyrol.” It offers downhill and cross-country skiing — encompassing 185 kilometres of slopes, at five different resorts. Other activities include snowmobiling, paragliding, snowshoeing, torchlight descents, and snowkarting.
Les Sybelles
Covering six different resorts, Les Sybelles in the French Alps allows skiers from beginners to experts to try out more than 310 kilometres of linked slopes.
Moutiers
Historically also known as Tarentaise, Moutiers in the French Alps is close to motorways and rail service linking passengers to Lyon and Paris. Moutiers is the access point to the Les Trois Vallees ski area. The town has a quaint historic centre with narrow streets surrounding St.-Pierre Cathedral.
Pralognan la Vanoise
A ski village, Pralognan la Vanoise in the French Alps is in the heart of Vanoise National Park. The ski resort caters to all levels and is typically open yearly from late December to late April.
Valloire-Valmeinier
Valloire-Valmeinier is a ski resort in the French Alps. It is typically open from December to April yearly. It offers 150 kilometres of ski slopes, including three slalom slopes and two competition slopes, as well as freestyle areas. Lessons are available. Restaurants, nightclubs, and an igloo village are also on the premises.