If you have one week of holiday during wintertime, then you definitely have to spend it on a French ski resort.
How about skiing the entire day, drinking a good wine near a fireplace and sleeping in a traditional chalet?
Sounds great, isn’t it?
If you agree with me let’s discover together when is the ski season in France and when is the best time to go.
When is ski season in France
| Ski resort | Opening date | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Courchevel ( 3 Valleys) | 12 December 2020 | 17 April 2021 |
| Les Menuires (3 Valleys) | 5 December 2020 | 23 April 2021 |
| Meribel (3 Valleys) | 5 December 2020 | 23 April 2021 |
| Val Thorens ( 3 Valleys) | 21 November 2020 | 9 May 2021 |
| La Rosiere ( Espace San Bernardo) | 12 December 2020 | 18 April 2021 |
| Alpe D’Huez (Grand Domaine) | 5 December 2020 | 24 April 2021 |
| Flaine ( Grand Massif) | 12 December 2020 | 18 April 2021 |
| Chamonix (Mont Blanc) | 4 December 2020 | 2 May 2021 |
| Megeve (Mont Blanc) | 12 December 2020 | 30 April 2021 |
| Montgenevre ( Monts de la Lune) | 20 December 2020 | 25 April 2021 |
| Les Arcs ( Paradiski) | 12 December 2020 | 30 April 2021 |
| Avoriaz ( Portes du Soleil) | 11 December 2020 | 25 April 2021 |
| Val D’Isere (Tignes Val D’Isere) | 28 November 2020 | 5 May 2021 |
As you can see most of the ski resorts in France open at the beginning of December and close by late April.
Wow, there are almost 5 months in a row when you can plan your french escape and try the French Alps snow!
We’ve been to France multiple times in different months and I can tell you for sure that each month has its advantages and disadvantages.
Some months are better for a family ski holiday, while others for skiing in a group.
See below which is your favourite time of the year to practice skiing and properly plan your trip to this magnificent land.
December
Spending the winter holiday with your beloved ones in such a picturesque place is something which most of us are dreaming of!
But if you plan your trip in advance to get the best prices, your dream may become reality.
Celebrating New Year on the beautiful french slopes with an awesome firework above your head is something you will not forget very soon.
How about eating your Christmas dinner with your family in a cosy chalet right near the highest mountains from Europe?!
Or how about drinking a great glass of french wine while sitting near the fireplace of a beautiful french chalet?
I know that everything sounds too perfect to be true, but actually, it is true!
This is the best time of the year to go skiing and spend some family time away from home, in a magnificent landscape.
The main downside of this month of the year is that it might be very crowded on the slopes and in the resorts as everybody wants to experience what French Alpes has to offer.
The prices for accommodation, ski lifts passes and food are the highest from the entire season so take this into consideration when budgeting your trip.
The lift queues are also pretty long and the villages and the hotels are full of British skiers and tourists from all over Europe.
January
January is quieter than December as the tourists celebrating New Year are gone and you can feel a more relaxed atmosphere around you.
The prices drop compared with the previous month and the ski areas and the lifts are less crowded, which means less time spent in the queues and more time to ski.
The snow conditions are even better than in December and you have higher chances to book a last-minute ski lesson with ski schools from the area.
January is one of the best months for off-piste skiing as regular snowfalls make a great snow powder, perfect for this sport.
February
Still not sure when is ski season in France? How about a ski holiday in February?
This month of the year offers great weather conditions with fresh snow and warmer temperatures.
As in February most of the European schools have one week holiday, the French ski resorts become crowded and the prices increase too.
After New Year, this time of the year is the most expensive and crowded.
On the other hand, during this time of the year, the atmosphere is amazing with a friendly vibe and all the apres-ski bars and restaurants buzzing.
Book everything in advance if you want to go to French Alps in February: ski lessons, dining experiences, french resorts and car hire.
March
March comes with good weather, warmer and longer days so you have more time to enjoy the beauty of these amazing mountains.
The ski resorts are less crowded and the queues are small so you have more time to ski.
And there is another positive thing: the lifts open up for a bit later in the day as the nights are lighter, so more time to ski!
As the weather is warmer and the snow is softer which is a big plus for beginners as they can stay more outside and concentrate on learning to ski.
April
Please note that April is another great time to visit French Alps and the pistes are still open… if you are still wondering when is ski season in France.
During this time of the season, there are many interesting and affordable end of season deals so you can ski cheaper and buy ski equipment with very little money.
The prices are lower, almost the same as in January, but the days are longer and warmer.
This is the best time of the year to go to French ski resorts if you have kids.
To be sure that the slope conditions are good, go to resorts where there are slopes facing north, as the number of hours with the sun is lower.
The sun started to melt the snow from the slopes facing north but when the night comes and the temperatures drop, a fine layer of ice might appear on the slopes.
That is why you should not go skiing until 9.30 or 10 a.m. when the icy layer of snow disappeared.
Skiing in the French Alps is a unique experience which you have to try it at least once in your lifetime.
No matter if you choose to go in December or in March, the experience is unique and worth every penny.
Have you ever been to French Alps and practice any kind of wintersport?
If so, which is your favourite area and which is your favourite month to go?