There are a few things Americans need to know about skiing in the French Alps to avoid a culture shock. A trip to the French Alps should be on every skier and snowboarder’s bucket list. The variety of ski resorts ranges from small chocolate box villages to huge purpose-built ones with high-tech lifts and luxury accommodations. But American skiers visiting for the first time may find some things a little strange. Let’s get into it:
1. Lift Lines Are A Free-For-All
Lifties in American ski resorts tend to organise the lift lines so there’s no wasted space on the chairs. But French ski resorts are not so polite and organised when it comes to getting on a ski lift. Everyone just squeezes together, trying to get to the front as fast as possible. It’s a case of sticking your elbows out and finding a gap ahead of you. Top Tip: Go around the outside; it’s usually quicker.
2. You Have To Put The Bar Down
On of the main things that Americans need to know about skiing in France, is that there’s no debate whether the chairlift safety bar should be up or down; it’s always down. The liftie will stop the lift and shout at you until you drop the bar, and everyone will not be happy with you. So, make sure your head is clear of the bar when you sit down because someone will slam it down onto the back of your head.
3. There's A lot Of Dining Options
Americans struggle to get over how many restaurants are available both on and off the mountain. Occasionally, you’ll find a cafeteria-style restaurant slope side, but most are proper restaurants where you sit down and order off a menu. The food is typically homemade and regional, so expect lots of cheese and meat. This is all washed down with beer, wine, and perhaps a genpi (a strong alpine digestife). American skiers love the fact that this delicious food is a lot cheaper than the heat-lamp warmed burgers and fries they get in ski lodge cafeterias.
4. You Can Get Around Most Ski Resorts For Free
French ski resorts such as Morzine have a free bus service that runs all day and late into the evening. These buses are pretty reliable but can be difficult to catch during peak weeks due to the volume of people. However, they are a stress-free way of getting to and from the slopes and can get you into town for your evening meal.
5. Après-Ski Culture Is No Joke
Après-ski is a significant part of a day on the mountain in a French ski resort. There are various levels of après-ski, starting with a relaxing drink in a cosy bar, going up to a more lively bar with live music, or going all out with a nightclub-like venue slopeside. Some French ski resorts are more après-ski focused than others, but in most cases, you can party every day. Just be careful with how much you drink if you have to ski away from the venue.
6. You Can Ski Anywhere
American skiers are used to being under the watchful eye of lawyers dictating where they can and can’t ski. However, French ski resorts rely on personal responsibility. You are allowed to ski in the backcountry without a ski patroller (pisteur) chasing you down and confiscating your pass.
But, you have to be honest about your skill level and understand the dangers of going off-piste and how to avoid them. Off-piste is not managed, so there’s a real danger of getting caught in an avalanche. You can hire a guide to take you to the best places and look after you, which is something we recommend. Additionally, it’s essential for you to know what your insurance covers in case you need to buy additional protection; helicopter rescues are very expensive.
7. More Relaxed Rules
Ski patrollers in the U.S. will pull your pass for going too fast, jumping in the wrong place, and many other things that you may see as minor or not harming anyone. This isn’t something that happens in French ski resorts, as the rules are more relaxed. You have to be doing something pretty stupid for your pass to be taken away, and the police usually do this, as pisteurs don’t have the authority to do so.
But don’t think that you can get away with charging around like an idiot. Other slope users will not hold back if you ski or snowboard irresponsibly, and if you cause an accident, you could face prison.
The Piste X code is an excellent resource for how to stay safe on the mountain, especially for kids.
8. The Size Of Ski Areas Is Mind Boggling
A lot of ski resorts are linked by lifts and ski slopes. For example, the Portes du Soleil is the world’s largest ski area that connects 12 villages you can ski with one pass. It has 650km of marked slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy on both sides of the French-Swiss border. This vastness isn’t something American skiers are used to, and being able to ski into another country is a real treat.
9. Skiing In France Is Cheaper Than America
Americans find that everything in French ski resorts is more reasonably priced. This is because skiing and snowboarding are part of the French lifestyle, rather than being seen as a privilege, as they are in the U.S. If you can get a good deal on flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, Americans can have a less expensive trip than visiting places like Aspen or Vail. This can also be enhanced by looking for lift pass deals.
10. You Get A Different Experience
Travelling abroad gives you the opportunity to see different cultures. You also get to experience many things that you simply wouldn’t know existed by staying in your home country. French ski resorts are filled with like-minded people from all over the world who bring their own attitudes, style, and enthusiasm.
French ski resorts aren’t just about the slopes. There are increasingly more activities to do every year, like paragliding, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, helicopter rides, and even ice diving.
On top of this, French ski resorts are often ideally located to visit other regions or countries. For example, when visiting Morzine, you typically fly into Geneva, Switzerland. We’re also pretty close to Chamonix, Annecy, and Italy.
Final Thoughts On The Things Americans Need To Know About Skiing In France
So, France is often cheaper than the U.S.; it allows you to experience new things and let your hair down. So why wouldn’t you visit us and see what French ski resorts have to offer for yourself?
If you’re looking for airport transfers, contact us now for a quote.
