Destination Overview
The deep valleys and soaring snow-covered peaks of the Alps
border France, Switzerland and Italy and offer a challenge to
skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter months. Downhill
skiing was established here towards the end of the 19th century by
the English, and since then an increasing number of skiers and
snowboarders have been attracted to the first-rate resorts. French
resorts may not be as picturesque as those in Switzerland and
Austria but they give access to some of the best and most extensive
skiing in the world; by most standards they are high, mostly
between 6,562ft and 9,843ft (2,000m and 3,000m), and have reliable
snow. The ski season runs from late November to April and is
busiest during the Christmas and Easter holidays.
