The first French ski resorts were Chamonix and Megeve, due to the development of cable cars and mountain trains, first put in place to benefit climbers.
Among the vanguard of French ski resorts before the Second World War were Morzine and Valloire.
These were the ‘first generation’ ski resorts, typically lower altitude and created because hotels already existed and could be opened in winter as well as in summer.
Chamonix Winter Olympics 1924
Post-WWII – the Second Generation
As WWII ended, France saw the ‘second generation’ of ski resorts, firstly with Meribel (founded by Briton Peter Lindsay) and then Courchevel.
Ski touring had been popular in Courchevel during the 1930s and two hostels were built at that time, but it was in 1948 that the General Council of Savoy played an active part in the creation of Courchevel as a ski resort.
The department itself was responsible for the building and operating the lifts, as well as the design of the resort, including consideration of the infrastructure to ensure that as many properties as possible would be ‘ski-in, ski-out’.
It was this goal that led to the winding road via each ‘station’ from Le Praz 1300, to Village 1550, Moriond 1650 and finally Courchevel 1850.
Other resorts build around the same time on a similar concept include Meribel and Chamrousse.
Meribel in the 1930s
The Third Generation – the ‘Plan Neige’
The success of the idea led to the final ‘third generation’ ski resort development that ran from 1964 to 1973.
The idea of the ‘Plan Neige’ was to build ski resorts from scratch, even higher, in previously uninhabited areas of the mountain. By this time, skiing was an industry and popularity was growing fast.
The first of the third generation of resorts was La Plagne and it was closely followed by Flaine, Tignes, Avoriaz, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Valmorel, among others.
The idea behind La Plagne was to create single buildings that gave an experience ‘like an ocean liner’. Created by the architect Michel Bezançon, the goal was to provide a property that as well as sleeping in, would also allow you to go shopping, visit a supermarket, hire your skis and go out for a meal.
Most people who have stayed in the above resorts will be familiar with this set up. Hotels are rare, it’s mainly self-catering apartments, all of which cluster around a very central meeting point area at the bottom of the slopes. Cars are left in underground car parks.
La Plagne
More chalets in third-generation resorts
In terms of chalets, there are many more in the first- and second-generation resorts, but development and innovation means you can stay in catered chalets in all of the third-generation ski resorts as well.
To find out the best option for you, please contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617761 and we will be delighted to give you impartial advice and access to the latest offers.
Traditional French ski chalet