In France, you can find quality ski resorts suitable for both adults and children without breaking the bank, even during peak season. However, it can be more challenging to know how to choose your ski resort.
We have listed a few pleasant resorts offering affordable lift passes and reasonably priced accommodation.
Ariège, Vosges, Isère, Hautes-Alpes, Pyrénées-Orientales, Savoie, Haute-Savoie... there is surely a village with a beautiful ski area near you where you can ski for less!
Les Orres Ski Resort (Hautes-Alpes)
Les Orres is an affordable ski resort in the Southern Alps. Its 100 km ski area, peaking at 2,720 meters, suits all skill levels. It features large slopes, snowparks, a beginner area, ski school, and daycare facilities.
A day pass costs €31 to €35.50 for children and €37 to €42 for adults. The 6-day Tribu package is €167.50 for children and €199 for adults.
Online purchases offer discounts of 5 to 20% depending on the period.
Affordable accommodation is available, including high-standard residences for weekly rentals, accommodating up to 10 people per apartment.
Cauterets Ski Resort (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Located next to the Pyrénées National Park, Cauterets is one of the snowiest resorts in the region. Ideal for families, its 36 km of slopes suit beginners and experts alike.
Options include beginner passes (€32/day with the Flex card), student passes (€25.90–€31.45/day depending on the period), and family discounts for 2–7 day passes.
Monts d’Olmes Ski Resort (Ariège)
Just 1.5 hours from Toulouse, this resort offers excellent snow and panoramic views. A 2-day lift pass costs €60 per adult and €45 for students, seniors, and children (5–17 years). Online advance purchases or family/low-season options can yield an extra 5–20% discount. This family-friendly resort also attracts advanced skiers. Affordable accommodations are plentiful.
Les Angles Ski Resort (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This forested, affordable resort has 55 km of slopes and is popular due to the variety of its ski area. The Les Angles resort suits all levels and is conveniently located at the base of the slopes.
Activities include Lou Bac Mountain (42 km/h monorail sled), Bike Park, and the Angléo wellness area. Daily passes cost €45 per person, 7-day passes €247.50. Discounted rates are €41/day and €225.50 for 7 days. Beginner passes are €28.
Gérardmer Ski Resort (Vosges)
Known as "The Pearl of the Vosges," this affordable, family-friendly resort is built by a lake and near natural attractions. Its 40 km ski area allows skiing among firs and spruces, with free access to playgrounds and the sledding stadium.
Day pass prices in peak season: €33.10 (adults, students), €27.10 (children under 14). Beginner passes range from €7 to €12.80. Numerous budget accommodations are available, even during school holidays.
Villard-de-Lans / Corrençon-en-Vercors Ski Resort (Isère)
Popular in the Alps, this affordable resort features 125 km of slopes and 36 pistes. Heavily wooded, it suits beginners and advanced skiers. Corrençon-en-Vercors and Villard-de-Lans offer numerous snow and après-ski activities for the whole family. Daily adult passes start at €41, and budget accommodation is easy to find.
Enjoy affordable ski holidays in other resorts
This list of budget-friendly resorts is not exhaustive. You can still enjoy a trip within your budget at more famous resorts such as La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Aussois, Val-Cenis Vanoise, Puy-Saint-Vincent, Pralognan-la-Vanoise, etc. Follow our advice to find a cheap lift pass and keep in mind a few tips (book accommodation in advance, reserve equipment online with Sport 2000, travel off-season, etc.).
Note: Resorts encourage regular visitors to top up passes online and for new visitors to book in advance, which is cheaper. Previously, passes were valid for a full or half day (excluding weekly or seasonal passes). Now, most budget resorts offer beginner or short-duration passes for more economical options. Be aware that lift pass prices may not include insurance.