Not only does France have some of the best ski resorts in the world, but they also represent excellent value for money.

As a general rule, you can expect to pay between €100-€200 for a six day ski pass in the French Alps or Pyrenees.

If your budget is limited, then restrict yourself to the resorts with fewer ski runs. You should reckon on between €100-€150 a week for resorts with up to 150 kilometres of pistes (slopes), and even less for some of the smaller resorts.

You can also control expenditure by buying a half-day ski pass, or simply paying as you go.

Nevertheless, the six-day pass is the favoured choice for most French skiers, for it is not only more practical, but offers better value than other options. A six-day pass will cost around 20% less than a pass purchased on a daily basis.

The following table shows the cost of an adult ski pass for six days on the larger ski areas.

Whilst the larger resorts will cost you more, if measured by kilometre of ski pistes available, then they are actually cheaper! Some of the ski domains in France are immense, amongst the largest in the world. The Portes du Soleil domaine in Haute Savoie can boast 650 km of pistes, whilst not far behind is the Trois Vallées with around 600 km.

When compared with many other countries, the price of adult ski passes in France is only amongst the average of those around the world. Skiing in Aspen and Veil in the USA has become a lot cheaper simply because of the strength of the euro. Nevertheless, if travel costs are factored in, then the total cost will be considerably higher.

Whilst around 66% of French resorts offer family passes, they can only be purchased in 45% of Swiss resorts, 37% in Austria, and a meagre 10% in Italy.

These package passes are designed mainly for two adults and two children, although they can equally be used for three or four children, and sometimes with even one child. Some resorts (Grand Massif, Évasion Mont-Blanc) also offer a package for one-parent families.

The older the children (up to 17 years, but 21 years in Tignes et Val-d'Isère) the better value for money they represent. This is because, without using a family pass, the adult tariff generally applies from 12 years of age.

Thus, whilst individual passes for 2 adults and adolescents in the Trois Vallées would set you back €900, a family pass for the same group cost €720, a saving of €180.

If you are past caring about children, and you are a septuagenarian, then you can ski on most French ski resorts free of charge!

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