France boasts the biggest linked ski areas on the planet, while Italy serves up sun-drenched Dolomite slopes and the best on-mountain food in the Alps.
Quick comparison
Country
Resorts compared
Total piste km
Largest listed resort
France
80
15214 km
Avoriaz
Italy
46
6573 km
Val Gardena
Top France resorts
Avoriaz, France — 650 km pistes, 196 lifts, 1100–2466 m, nearest airport Geneva (GVA) (100 km).
Morzine, France — 650 km pistes, 196 lifts, 1000–2466 m, nearest airport Geneva (GVA) (80 km).
Les Gets, France — 650 km pistes, 196 lifts, 1172–2002 m, nearest airport Geneva (GVA) (75 km).
Châtel, France — 650 km pistes, 196 lifts, 1100–2200 m, nearest airport Geneva (GVA) (75 km).
Val Thorens, France — 600 km pistes, 166 lifts, 2300–3230 m, nearest airport Chambéry (CMF) (120 km).
Top Italy resorts
Val Gardena, Italy — 500 km pistes, 175 lifts, 1236–2518 m, nearest airport Innsbruck (INN) (100 km).
Alta Badia, Italy — 500 km pistes, 175 lifts, 1324–2778 m, nearest airport Innsbruck (INN) (110 km).
Canazei / Belvedere, Italy — 500 km pistes, 175 lifts, 1460–2625 m, nearest airport Innsbruck (INN) (130 km).
Arabba, Italy — 500 km pistes, 175 lifts, 1602–3269 m, nearest airport Venice (VCE) (180 km).
Ortisei / St. Ulrich, Italy — 500 km pistes, 175 lifts, 1236–2518 m, nearest airport Innsbruck (INN) (105 km).
Which should you choose?
Choose France if its biggest resorts and transfer routes fit your dates; choose Italy if its accommodation value, terrain style or village atmosphere better matches your group. Compare resort pages before booking because snow reliability and transfer time vary more by valley than by country.