With Winter in the Northern Hemisphere coming soon, that means fresh powder is just waiting to be shred, especially in the French Alps.

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a lift pass.

According to a 2011 International report on mountain tourism, 80 countries offer some form of ski area. Austria, Norway and Switzerland lead the way in participation, with at least 25% of the populations skiing.

There may not be another ski trip that can compare like one to the French Alps. Despite what Colorado natives believe, France considers itself to be home of the three largest ski resorts in the world.

Les Trois Vallees, Paradiski and Les Portes du Soleil are larger than any resort in the United States and combined have over 860 lifts giving the skier 1,600 kilometers at their feet. Literally.

Each resort offers an unbelievable amount of skiing ranging from beginners practicing on bunny hills to experiences riders seeking thrill rides on extreme chutes and steeps. Portes du Soleil has reported having similar snowfall to Colorado resorts; over 300 inches and Paridiski and Les Trois Vallees peaks reach over 10,000 feet.

Lift tickets and weekly passes are significantly lower than prices offered in the United States; expenses can be as much as 60% cheaper. Perhaps, instead of planning that trip to Alaska or Colorado, you consider the Alps, after all it is the most visited ski resort in the world.

When you combine the quality of the massive terrain and the price, despite traveling to Europe, which is another vacation in itself, coupled with delicious chocolate croissants, the European shopping experience and culture, this triage of French ski destinations is in its own league.

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