Ski resort recommendations for a longer stay

[johnnyBv8]

I’m currently in the early stages of planning a 6-8 week ski trip next season - late Jan 2026 onwards. The idea is to have a place for my wife and I plus toddler (who will be 3 next winter so can start ski school), but 2 or 3 bedrooms so that we can have friends or family to stay. I’d probably work remotely (on reduced hours).

I’d like somewhere that has a traditional village/town feel, with enough to do if not skiing (eg swimming pool, walks etc) and want to be in France. We go to Val d’Isere every year but want somewhere different, and closer to the airport. I realise this is going to be an expensive trip, but think it’ll be a one-off family experience. I’ve been looking at the following places but would be open to any other suggestions:

- Les Gets: close to GVA and nice town, but I’m
A bit concerned about snow record.
- Meribel: one of the lower villages, but easy links to snow sure ski area.
- Courchevel: as above.

Pricewise, thinking preferably less than £15k for 6 weeks of accommodation.

Any other resorts in France that anyone could suggest?

[Marcellus]

I’ve lived in Les Contamines, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Morzine.

If I were to be “doing another season” then I’d probably go for Morzine.

Whichever resort it were I’d look for a chalet outside of centre as tourists can be so annoying and you’ll save quite a bit.

Something like this; https://www.livetheseason.com/property/morz0278/

[Familymad]

Tempting

[Dazzled]

We do Courchevel for 5 weeks every year. 2 years ago we did 7 weeks which felt a bit greedy.
We go for Xmas and stay until most of January is out of the way. We stay in a rented apartment in Moriond 1650. We found it years ago through a rental website but these days rent it privately direct from the owner. It sleeps 6 + which gives plenty of space for two of us, big plus is that it has a washing machine so we don’t need to pack too many clothes - even though we drive down.
Location is great. Ski in, ski,out. 500 metre walk into town.
On non skiing days there’s the option of going down to Aquamotion in 1550 for a swim/ spa.
Location and everything else suits us hence we keep going back. We’ve already booked it again for next year. We pay way less than you’re quoting too which I guess is a result of booking it direct with the owner and giving him the guaranteed rental each year.

[Shooter McGavin]

Some friends of mine did this the past two seasons in Morzine.

First year was great, epic snow.

Second year was ste snow and they just stayed in the chalet a lot, playing guitar and violin, their other hobby.

Given the £££ involved here I would be going as high as possible, Val Thorens, even if it is a bit of a concrete jungle it is snow sure. Both time I have done the Three Valley I have found it slushy in Meribel/Courcheval in the afternoons, but much better conditions in VT.

[johnnyBv8]

Marcellus said:

I’ve lived in Les Contamines, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Morzine.

If I were to be “doing another season” then I’d probably go for Morzine.

Whichever resort it were I’d look for a chalet outside of centre as tourists can be so annoying and you’ll save quite a bit.

Something like this; https://www.livetheseason.com/property/morz0278/

Thanks - I hadn’t found that website. What are your perceptions of the other places you mentioned?

[smifffymoto]

It’s in his profile.

[Marcellus]

johnnyBv8 said:

Marcellus said:

I’ve lived in Les Contamines, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Morzine.

If I were to be “doing another season” then I’d probably go for Morzine.

Whichever resort it were I’d look for a chalet outside of centre as tourists can be so annoying and you’ll save quite a bit.

Something like this; https://www.livetheseason.com/property/morz0278/

Thanks - I hadn’t found that website. What are your perceptions of the other places you mentioned?

Les Contamines - very french, lovely residents once you get known but can be a bit funny if they think you're only there for a season.

Les Carroz - not too bad, nice ski area, not as British as Morzine but village can get quite busy/gridlocked.

Morillon - nice but lived in the valley so a pita to get skiing.

Samoens - more to it than Morillon but still a pita to get skiing.

Morzine - obvs the largest ski area and you can get quite high but town too British for my liking hence lived out side of town up Col de Joux plan, but still had to drop down to resort to go up to Avoriaz.

[ChocolateFrog]

I'd stick to 3 Vallees given the length of time you're there. You just can't beat the range of skiing. Unless you're prepared to drive to other resorts.