White Lotus, Megève, and the Glamour of Skiing in France
By Kate Van Dell for Sebastian Luxe Travel
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel. Photos by Richard Waite, courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
The announcement that Season 4 of The White Lotus will take place in France is the best kind of news. I’ve been daydreaming about it ever since. Personally, I’m hoping the main hotel will be Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel. If you’re going to stage glamorous implosions, a ski town is the perfect backdrop.
Megève is one of those places that feels both timeless and cinematic. A storybook village in the French Alps, with cobblestoned streets, horse-drawn carriages, and snow-dusted chalets. It was created in the 1920s by the Rothschild family as France’s answer to St. Moritz, and it still carries that chic, old-world glamour. The skiing is world-class, the après-ski is candlelit and cozy, and the town glows in winter like a snow globe someone shook just for you.
From Megève to Courchevel, Val d’Isère to Chamonix, France is home to some of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world — with hotels that make the trip as memorable (and sometimes as dramatic) as the slopes.
Megève: A Storybook Village with Rothschild Glamour
Where to Stay in Megève
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Four Seasons – Ski-in, ski-out Rothschild chalets with fireplaces and a spa that whispers understated luxury. Perfect for couples, but Four Seasons service makes families feel just as at home.
Les Fermes de Marie – A Megève institution. Rustic-chic chalets, a kids’ club, indoor pool, and hospitality so warm you’ll forget you’re not a local.
Flocons de Sel (Relais & Châteaux) – Romantic, intimate, and crowned with three Michelin stars. Dinner here isn’t just a meal — it’s the event.
Takeaway: Megève is for romantics who also want room for the kids.
Courchevel: Where Fur Coats and Ski Boots Share the Same Après
Courchevel is the undisputed showstopper of the Trois Vallées. Think polished runs, designer boutiques, and après-ski that feels like Paris Fashion Week relocated to the Alps.
Where to Stay in Courchevel
Cheval Blanc Courchevel – Pure indulgence. Ski-in, ski-out, a Guerlain spa, Hermès details, and every moment choreographed like a ballet in cashmere.
Aman Le Mélézin – Sleek, serene, and wrapped in Aman’s signature hush. Best for couples who like their après-ski candlelit.
L’Apogée Courchevel (Oetker Collection) – Glamorous and family-friendly. Ski-in, ski-out, a fantastic kids’ club, and interconnecting rooms so no one has to sneak through hallways in pajamas.
Takeaway: Courchevel is for people who like their ski trips with a side of sequins.
Val d’Isère: Après-Ski That Outlasts the Skiing
Val d’Isère is lively, sporty, and famous for après-ski that lasts as long as the skiing itself. It’s the resort for people who believe fun starts when the lifts close.
Where to Stay in Val d’Isère
Airelles Val d’Isère, Mademoiselle – Fairy-tale castle vibes at the base of the slopes. Imagine a Disney princess who skis black diamonds and books a Guerlain facial after.
Le Blizzard – Beloved, central, and cozy. A relaxed, family-friendly spot where the service feels personal and the vibe is warm.
Takeaway: Val d’Isère is for people who think après is half the point.
Chamonix: Drama at the Foot of Mont Blanc
Chamonix is the original Alpine playground. It’s dramatic, adventurous, and set against Europe’s most jaw-dropping backdrop: Mont Blanc.
Where to Stay in Chamonix
Hôtel Mont-Blanc – Historic and glamorous, with a spa and sweeping mountain views. Ideal for couples who like a little cinematic drama with their skiing.
Les Granges d’en Haut – Chalet-style luxury with fireplaces, kitchens, and space to spread out. Great for families or groups who want independence without losing five-star polish.
Takeaway: Chamonix is for thrill-seekers (or those who like to look like one).
Val Thorens: Europe’s Highest Ski Resort
At 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort. Which means snow is guaranteed, and the energy is unapologetically modern and youthful.
Where to Stay in Val Thorens
Altapura – Scandinavian-chic, ski-in, ski-out, and home to six restaurants. Stylish but approachable, great for couples or families.
Koh-I Nor Hotel & Spa – Crystal-inspired design, panoramic views, family suites, and a spa big enough to temporarily lose your kids in.
Takeaway: Val Thorens is for travelers who want guaranteed snow and sleek style.
Méribel: Traditional Charm in the Heart of the Alps
Méribel has a softer, more traditional feel than its glitzy neighbors. It’s Alpine charm with just enough style, and central access to the Trois Vallées.
Where to Stay in Méribel
Hôtel Le Coucou, Méribel (Maisons Pariente) – Design-forward, ski-in, ski-out, with a Clarins spa. Chic for couples, thoughtful for families.
L’Helios Hôtel & Spa – Smaller, cozy, and right on the slopes. Boutique charm that feels personal and intimate.
Takeaway: Méribel is for travelers who want tradition with a touch of design polish.
Why Skiing in France Is Always a Good Idea
Each French ski resort has its own personality:
Megève is timeless romance with a family-friendly heart.
Courchevel is unapologetic glamour.
Val d’Isère is sporty chic with legendary après-ski.
Chamonix is adventurous and dramatic.
Val Thorens is sleek and snow-sure.
Méribel is traditional charm with style.
Together, they prove that skiing in France is about more than just the slopes. It’s theater, it’s hotels, it’s après-ski drama, it’s families in matching Moncler jackets — and, if we’re lucky, a White Lotus cast member crying in the snow.