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When you think of skiing in France, the first thing that springs to mind is probably a large, purpose-built resort like Avoriaz or Val Thorens. But what about traditional ski resorts in France? Do they even still exist?
The answer: bien sûr!
Some French resorts have histories that stretch back long before ski tourism, and many still retain the customs, architecture and traditions that shaped them. So if you value a connection with local culture as much as time on the piste, you’ll want to explore our pick of traditional French ski resorts, along with our ski advisor Mal’s personal recommendations on where to stay to enjoy them at their best.
TL;DR
Discover four traditional ski resorts in France: La Clusaz, Chamonix, Morzine and Les Gets, where Alpine heritage, local food and village charm go hand-in-hand with world-class skiing. Includes personal accommodation recommendations from our senior ski advisor, Mal Sargeant.
La Clusaz
Set in the Aravis range of Haute-Savoie, La Clusaz has deep farming roots and an enduring mountain soul. Unlike many modern resorts, it grew naturally from a pastoral village into a ski destination after the 1950s, and its identity still rests on two pillars: cheese and skiing.
The village celebrates its heritage with events like the Désalpe, the autumn cow parade marking the end of summer grazing, and through places like the Hameau des Alpes, a living museum where you can learn about traditional Reblochon cheese-making, old ski techniques and even the communal bread oven. You’ll still see herds moving up into the mountain pastures in summer, just as they have for centuries.
La Clusaz also boasts a proud ski tradition, having produced Olympic legends like Candide Thovex and Guy Périllat. The passion for skiing is visible in the locals, and in community events like the “Retro Ski” carnival where skiers don vintage clothing and tackle the slopes with wooden skis.
Don’t miss
- A torchlit descent on a paret sledge
- A hearty tartiflette made with local Reblochon
- An evening of folk music in a rustic Savoyard bar
Mal recommends – Hotel Christiania
“Right in the heart of the village, opposite the lifts and offering stunning views of the Aravis mountains and the village church, this classic alpine hotel is steeped in charm. With its central location and warm atmosphere, it’s ideal for skiers wanting to experience “la vraie montagne” from the doorstep.”
Chamonix
A name that needs no introduction, Chamonix is more than just a ski resort, it’s a symbol of Alpine history. Long before skis, British aristocrats came here to see the glaciers and mountaineering pioneers conquered Mont Blanc. The town’s 1821-founded Compagnie des Guides is still going strong today.
While Chamonix is now a bustling international resort, its soul remains tied to its history. You’ll find Protestant chapels, stone farmhouses and Belle Époque façades amid its streets. The Alpine Museum tells the stories of mountaineers and crystal hunters, while modern artisans keep traditional crafts alive, from ski makers to bakers.
Chamonix is also where skiing history was made: it hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and saw the first pair of skis arrive in 1893. Today, skiers flock here not just for the runs but for the heritage.
Don’t miss
- A wander around the historic Argentière village
- A visit to the Alpine Museum and discover Chamonix’s crystal-hunting past
- A live music night at the Cosmo Jazz Festival or the vibrant après-ski scene
Mal recommends – Marmotte Mountain Retreat
A luxury chalet deep in the Chamonix valley, set on National Park land near Argentière. With a scenic forest setting, wood-fired sauna, outdoor hot tub and large open fireplace, it offers an authentic and romantic alpine experience just minutes from the lifts and village life.
Morzine
Originally a farming and slate-mining village, Morzine has held tightly to its Savoyard identity. Its chalets still feature slate roofs from its mining days, and its wooden architecture, balconies, carved beams and stone foundations, oozes authenticity.
Don’t miss
- A traditional raclette in a farm-to-table restaurant
- A visit to the Mechanical Music Museum in nearby Les Gets
- Watching the local ice hockey team les Pingouins de Morzine‑Avoriaz
- A stroll around the Thursday market for local cheese, saucisson and artisan crafts
While skiing became prominent in the 1930s with the construction of the Pléney cable car, Morzine was already a popular summer destination in the 19th century. It later played a visionary role in developing the Portes du Soleil ski area alongside Olympian Jean Vuarnet, yet remained true to its Alpine roots.
The village centre features a baroque church, a traditional weekly market, and heritage walks that take visitors through narrow lanes and historical buildings. Winter brings fondue dinners, Savoyard music, and a balance of old-world charm with modern ski access.
Mal recommends – Le Manoir
Built in 1791 and recently restored, this grand chalet offers a rare glimpse of noble Alpine living. Priceless mosaic floors, wood panelling, high ceilings and just 200m from the pistes make this a luxurious and deeply traditional place to stay. It’s perfect for skiers who want character and comfort.
Les Gets
Neighbouring Morzine, but with a quieter personality, Les Gets is one of the most delightfully traditional ski villages in France. Its history is rooted in timber: the name itself derives from the old log slides used by lumberjacks to transport wood down the mountain. Many chalets are still built from this same timber tradition, with wood carving and sawmills remaining a local craft.
Don’t miss
- A visit to the Musée de la Musique Mécanique
- Sampling cheeses at Fruitière des Perrières and dining in the on-site restaurant
- Attending the Carnaval de Neige in February
- Listening for the bell of the ancient Moudon Chapel, said to ward off storms
But Les Gets has an unexpected cultural gem: mechanical music. The town is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of antique music boxes and self-playing instruments, and the biennial Mechanical Music Festival fills its streets with barrel organs, dancers and vintage costumes.
Village life is as traditional as it gets: a market every Thursday, a 19th-century onion-domed church, local dairies producing Tomme and Reblochon, and gentle après-ski with accordion music and family-run taverns.
Mal recommends – Chalet Le Vieux
Originally built in 1910 in Gstaad and carefully relocated to Les Gets in 2001, this chalet is a living piece of history. Its 100-year-old timber structure tells a story of Alpine craftsmanship, and its setting just 200m from the town centre makes it both convenient and captivating.
Find the Perfect Place to Stay
If you’ve been inspired by these traditional ski resorts in France, why not speak to one of our ski specialists or explore our handpicked holidays in these unique destinations? We’ll help you find the perfect place to stay, whether it’s a romantic chalet in Les Gets, a grand old manor in Morzine, or a hotel at the heart of village life in La Clusaz.
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