Top 10 French snowparks

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Here is a small selection of the best snow parks in France.

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. 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 riders (skateboarding, bmx, rollerblading, scootering, 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 in France in terms of snowparks worthy of the name:

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 a range of different riding areas 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.Information: www.saintlary.com

Vars (Hautes-Alpes)

Probably the best in France, the crème de la crème of snowparks. Vars is unanimously acclaimed for its impressive number of modules (110 spread over 21 hectares). The spot has several snowparks (6 in all), including theEyssina, which verges on perfection with its double ski lift for faster skiing. It's one of Europe's biggest snowparks, mainly for slopestyle, and also hosts a number of prestigious competitions. And to top it all off, Zako Park also offers night-time sessions every week.More info: www.vars.com

Tignes / Val d'Isère (French Alps)

Tignes is one of the 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 theOlympique cable car. Its main assets are its oversized pipe (the Super-Pipe du Val Claret) 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. And apart from the fact that you'll have to use a conveyor belt to get to the ski lift, this spot is ideal for all levels of rider.Info: www.valdisere-snowpark.com

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. A winter snowpark made up of three large zones as well as a pipe and a park on the glacier out of season. The shred zone in the winter park can be quite creative and the slopestyle is very clean. A kids' zone has been opened for youngsters and amateur riders in what is considered to be a real amusement park, with sections for all levels.Info: www.les2alpes.com

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. Avoriaz is also renowned as the resort that has invested the most in snowboarding over the last 20 years, with theArare and La Chapelle parks offering something for everyone, whatever your level or age.Info: www.avoriaz.com

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! Its proximity to the town 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 more advanced. In short, a freestyle park where you can progress at your own pace.More info: www.les7laux.com

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 has plenty to offer. The DC Shoes brand has invested heavily in this freestyle park to make it one of the finest inEurope, with a clean snowpark featuring quality modules (moguls, tables, rails, boxes, kickers, etc.) and a superb pipe. Internationally renowned, the DC AREA 43 is especially renowned for its varied, creative modules and constantly evolving lines.Info: www.meribel.net

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 everyone'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).Information: www.valthorens.com

Châtel (Haute-Savoie)

In the Portes Du Soleil area, rails, kickers, slideboxes, hips and boarder cross await you. The Super-Châtel Smoothpark welcomes beginners and experienced freestylers alike, with modules to suit all levels in a fun and friendly area. Music and barbecue are the icing on the cake at this Châtel snowpark, with a 120 m long big half pipe and a slopestyle over 800 metres long. With its two ski lifts and well-shaped modules, this spot has all the qualities of the world's greatest snowparks.Info: www.chatelactivites.com

Chamrousse (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Chamrousse 's Sunset Park is renowned for its 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, all of which cater for different levels of practice. As well as its breathtaking views over Grenoble, this magical spot 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.Info: www.chamrousse.com

We could also have mentioned the Font Romeu snowpark or the Les Arcs snowpark, but you've already got a good overview of the best in France. If you want to get into freestyle on your skiing holiday, this is the place to be.