Top 10 French snowparks

An essential playground if you're into snowboarding or freestyle skiing. Snowboard enthusiasts now have plenty to enjoy with these modules on the snow. Kicker, jib, half, hip... there's plenty of fun to be had and plenty of tricks to be pulled off. And France has nothing to envy other countries, because we now have superb snowparks, whatever your style.

From slopestyle to boarder cross and half pipe, you're bound to find what you're looking for in these French parks. Just as skateparks are springing up all over the place to the delight of urban boarders (skate, bmx, rollerblade, scooter, etc.), ski resorts now offer an alternative for thrill-seekers, with curves and jumps for fun on the powder. Having tested almost all of them, here are our top picks for the best snowparks in the country.

Saint Lary (Pyrénées)

The Saint-Lary snowpark is now regarded as the benchmark for snowboarding in the Pyrenees, hosting events such as the Pony Session and the Freestyle World Cup. At Saint-Lary 2400, this snowpark, sponsored by the Delerue family, offers different riding zones with modules for all levels spread over several lines. The site has around twenty modules accessible to all ages, comprising jibs, boxes, rails, etc. The park is located at the exit of the Col du Portet gondola on a lovely sunny spot. At the foot of the snowpark, the De Le Rue's Line begins, an easy run that lets you discover the thrills of boardercross with a specially installed ski lift to access the park.

Avoriaz (Haute-Savoie)

Created in 1993, theAvoriaz spot is not only the 1st snowpark to be built in France, it is also the most ecological. Thanks in no small part to Jake Burton, who was able to develop 'The Stash' project with wooden modules and plant walls, among other things: there are more than 100 modules hidden away in the Lindarets forest. Avoriaz is also renowned as the resort that has invested most in snowboarding over the last 20 years, with the Arare and La Chapelle parks offering something for all ages. You'll also find the Lil'Stash park, which is suitable for beginners and intermediates, and the Arare park, which is aimed more at intermediates and experts.

Vars (Hautes-Alpes)

Probably the best in France, the crème de la crème of the snowpark scene: Vars is the talk of the town, thanks in no small part to the impressive number of modules on offer (110 spread over 21 hectares). The spot is divided into 4 different Fun Zones, including the 'Kid Park' and the 'Girly Park', where the little ones can practise and hone their skills on boxes. The Eyssina park covers 8 hectares, with a boardercross track, all at an altitude of 2,400 metres! One of Europe's biggest snowparks, mainly for slopestyle, it also hosts a number of prestigious competitions. There's also the Totem Park, where you can try out different styles: the Indian village lets you ride on rails and sculpted totems...

Tignes - Val d'Isère (French Alps)

The Tignes spot is one of France's best-known snowparks, having had the privilege of hosting the European version of the Winter X-Games between 2010 and 2013. Located on the reverse side of Bellevarde, in the combe du Mont-Blanc (2500 m), the Val d'Isère snowpark is accessed by the La Daille funicular or the Olympique cable car. Then take the Snowpark ski lift or the Mont-Blanc chairlift. Its main assets are its oversized pipe (the Val Claret Super-Pipe) for more experienced skiers, and the Easy Boarder area for skicross enthusiasts. What's more, this snowpark has a huge airbag so you can try out new acrobatics without getting hurt, as well as an innovative and practical camera tracking system. You can warm up in the blue and green zones, with woops and big boxes suitable for beginners. So all levels are welcome!

Les Deux Alpes (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Les 2 Alpes Freestyle Land, a spot that lives up to its name. After all, this snowpark is known as one of the cradles of snowboarding in France. Les 2 Alpes has a reputation among specialists for being constantly maintained and renewed throughout the year, qualities that are highly appreciated in a snow park. It's one of the best winter snowparks, set at an altitude of 2,600 metres in the Toura sector, and is made up of 5 large themed zones designed for each level. The Easy Park, as its name suggests, is suitable for beginners and those new to freestyle, as is the Family Cross. The Slopestyle is the most popular division, with 3 tables, a set of 3 box rails and a chained hip! Next door you'll find the Big Air, with its 4m-high kicker.

7 Laux (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

A reference point in Europe for pros, thanks in particular to Oakley, which is partnering the venue with a series of original modules in the image of the brand. You can ride a staircase, a missile, woops (a series of bumps), an elephant, an air bag and even a chalet! The multitude of woops are located on the XS green line, with various small tables and boxes that are ideal for starting out in freestyle! Its proximity to the city of Grenoble is an added bonus, even if the Oakley 7 Laux snowpark is smaller than its competitors. The variety of its equipment and structures also makes the difference, with four courses each corresponding to a different level, from novice to advanced. In short, an unmissable freestyle park where you can progress at your own pace.

Méribel (Savoie)

Over a kilometre long, the DC Area 43 Snowpark in Méribel is one of the most complete and accessible. With its 10 hectares of play areas, the legendary 3 Vallées park offers plenty of fun and is one of the best snowparks in France. The DC Shoes brand has invested heavily in this freestyle park, making it one of the finest in Europe. This clean snowpark boasts a host of quality modules (moguls, tables, rails, boxes, kickers, etc.) and a superb pipe. The DC AREA 43 is internationally renowned for its varied, creative modules and constantly evolving lines. It offers excellent snow quality, with an army of snow cannons strategically placed throughout the site.

Val Thorens (Savoie)

In the 3 Valleys ski area, discover the Val Thorens snowpark covering an area of around 70,000 m². With its two dedicated lifts for faster rotation, the park offers skiers and snowboarders the chance to evolve, progress and perfect their skills on a freestyle course adapted to each skier's level. Located in the Plateaux sector, this freestyle park also offers original modules such as a hips-quarter and a Jump Air (air-bag mattress for a soft landing). The VT park offers tables (jumps), boxes with sliding elements and rails, all of different sizes to get the most out of freestyle. In total: 6 snowpark areas and 37 fun areas!

Châtel (Haute-Savoie)

In the Portes Du Soleil area, rails, kickers, slideboxes, hips and boarder cross await you. The Smoothpark at Super-Châtel welcomes beginners and experienced freestylers alike, with modules to suit all levels of ability in a fun and friendly area. The layout may change every year, but you'll generally find kickers, boxes and rails. The Châtel snowpark also features music and a barbecue. There's also a 120m-long big half pipe and an 800m-long slopestyle. With its two ski lifts and well-shaped modules, this spot has all the qualities of the world's greatest snowparks.

Chamrousse (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Did you know that the Chamrousse snowpark was voted France's third snowpark of the year in 2020, and in 2018 it was rated second in France by L'Equipe! Its reputation is due to the superb sunset sessions (hence the name). This spot is made up of 4 areas: the Snowpark, the Kid Park, the Initiatic Park and the Family Park, which cater for a variety of practices and levels. As well as its breathtaking views over Grenoble, this magical place is best known for its fun-filled modules and ultra-fun atmosphere. A park designed for fun, whether with friends or family, and all in a safe area. The small Isère resort is playing in the big league with this spot featuring around thirty modules of all kinds.

Try your hand at snowkiting - freestyle guaranteed!

To spice up your snow holiday, why not try an activity that gives you the same sensations? Snowkiting at the Col du Lautaret in the Hautes Alpes department is a popular activity, as it also allows you to practice freestyle! If you go to the Massif du Sancy, you'll also have the chance to try out a snowkiting course, which can be done on skis or snowboard.