HELICOPTERS // FRENCH SKI RESORTS
Home to most of the world's largest lift-link ski areas, it is easy to see why France is renowned worldwide as a haven for winter holidays, attracting skiers and boarders from across the globe. It boasts higher verticals with its beautiful, high altitude resorts. French resorts feature more lifts and larger ski areas with the right amenities for virtually every other winter sport activity. Being the first place to host winter Olympics, France has the pick of venues such as the Olympic Bobsleigh track and Olympic ice rink and some of the most exhilarating cross-country ski runs. Picturesque and a generous provider of hot-spots for fresh powder, the formation of the mountainous drops create a snowy playground for off-piste ski lovers. The French are also the pioneers of doorstep skiing, a trait which is highly sought and offered in many resorts.
France reached the peak of its popularity fairly late, establishing itself in the past two decades as a family skiing favourite. Consequently, this late boom went in France's favour. Skiers can appreciate a superior level of infrastructure to most places, with more efficient pass systems and lifts designed to run more swiftly. This allows for more time on the slopes and less time standing around in queues - a favourable factor!
Today, the Ski France organisation is the most successful national ski-resort promotion body in the world. Families will enjoy the variety of runs on hand, a choice selection of ski schools and crèches as well as a host of events and festivals that are held throughout the year. Snowboarders flock to France because of its exciting board parks that deliver the promise of challenges and fun to keep all ages entertained.
With lively, bustling resorts, France provides an sensationally exciting nightlife. Lest we forget, Après Ski is a French term and something of a lifestyle, happily adopted by visitors! After a hard day on the piste, visitors have a wide range of restaurants that offer stunning French cuisine and local dishes. Pizzerias and Creperies are also a plenty. Après Ski fans are spoiled for choice, depending on their resort. The more lively areas will provide hours of entertainment till dawn with countless bars and clubs. Alternatively, visitors who prefer a quiet drink can pop into a wine bar or pub and sample local drinks such as the infamous Mutzig or Toffee Vodka - delicious when served in a creamy hot chocolate.
France is especially popular with the British as its location makes for easily accessible ski holidays. The close proximity makes for straightforward journeys from home to piste in a matter of hours. All major UK airports provide flights to Lyon, Grenoble, Chambery and Geneva which are the main airports in proximity to the alps. A helicopter transfer from the airport directly to resort will it cut your travel time dramatically and will also give you the chance to see the magnificent snow-capped scenery in a way that you would never imagine.
