Opening dates of Alpine ski resorts
Have you planned winter holidays in the Alps next season, but don't know the opening and closing dates of the ski lifts of the resort? Unsurprisingly, most major resorts open in December, when the weather permits. However, for skiers who can't wait that long or want to ski after the Easter school holidays, there are many other resorts in France ready to welcome them. Here are the dates to remember to help you choose your resort ski and book your stay at the right time.
In summary
Alpine ski resorts generally open their ski areas between late November and mid-December, depending on altitude and snow conditions, and close between April and early May. High-altitude resorts like Val Thorens, Tignes, and Val d'Isère allow for earlier and longer skiing thanks to their natural snow cover. Other essential resorts like Alpe d'Huez, Serre-Chevalier, Les 2 Alpes, La Plagne, or Méribel mainly open in December and extend the season until spring. Before booking your ski trip, remember to check the official opening and closing dates of the ski lifts, which may change depending on the weather.
Early openings of alpine ski resorts
Some alpine resorts open earlier in the year because they are very high-altitude resorts. It is therefore possible to ski there very early in the season, by using ski rental or by bringing your own equipment. Skiers therefore eagerly await the opening of these Northern Alps ski resorts
Val Thorens
Located in Savoie, Val Thorens is the highest ski village resort in Europe. Its ski area is made up of several sectors, the highest being Val Thorens-Orelle, culminating at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Consequently, the Val Thorens resort opens early and closes late: from the 3rd week of November until early May. However, you have to wait until early December to enjoy the entire 3 Valleys area, which includes Val Tho, Les Menuires, Méribel, Courchevel, etc.
Tignes
Like Val Thorens, Tignes is a high-altitude resort (between 1,550 and 3,456 meters). You can ski on glaciers in summer and see Mont Blanc there.
Consequently, it also opens very early and closes extremely late: from late November to early May, with guaranteed snow until April.
Val-d'Isère
Among the highly anticipated openings of ski resorts in the Alps is that of the Val d'Isèreresort, also connected to Tignes. You can ski there from the last weekend of November until late April-early May. With an altitude between 1,835 meters and 3,599 meters, Val d'Isère guarantees abundant snow, all year round.
Later openings of alpine ski resorts
Some ski resorts in the Alps open later than those previously mentioned, but they remain essential. If you are looking for exceptional ski areas and snow cover, here are some... avenues to explore.
Alpe d'Huez
It's hard to talk about the opening of ski resorts in the Alps without mentioning this resort... With a maximum altitude of 3,330 meters, L'Alpe d'Huez offers 250 kilometers of slopes. It is also a resort known for its exceptional sunshine in winter (which earned it the nickname "Sun Island") with 300 days of sunshine per year. If you want to enjoy this weather and snow in Alpe d'Huez, head there from the last weekend of November or the first of December, and until mid-April.
Serre-Chevalier
Serre-Chevalier, in the Southern Alps, has 250 kilometers of slopes, culminating at an altitude of 2,830 meters. Besides its charming nature, Serre-Chevalier Vallée Briançon (its full name) is a town enclosed by ramparts built by Vauban and completed in 1734. These fortifications are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The opening of this Alpine ski resort is therefore watched by ski, history, and architecture enthusiasts alike. Meet around December 10 for the start of the season, with a closing at the end of April.
Les 2 Alpes
Les 2 Alpes has a ski area of 200 kilometers of slopes for an average altitude of 2,243 meters (between 1,280 meters and 3,523 meters). An area suitable for beginner skiers (including 110 kilometers of blue runs) as well as the most demanding. The ski lifts are accessible from early to mid-December and until the first half of April.
La Plagne
An essential destination for ski enthusiasts, between Vanoise and Tarentaise, La Plagne is one of the resorts part of Paradiski, a high-quality ski area 425 kilometers long.
At the opening of this Alpine ski resort, ski enthusiasts enjoy the ski area culminating at 3,250 meters of altitude, although there are many activities besides skiing, such as ice wall climbing or bobsleighing...
La Plagne is a resort that generally opens mid-December, for the Christmas holidays, and which closes the season at the end of April.
Méribel
Méribel will inaugurate its ski season at the beginning of December, for a closing during the second half of April. Located between 1,400 meters and 2,952 meters of altitude (85% of which is above 1,800 meters of altitude), Méribel is one of the snowiest French Alpine resorts and explains why the opening of this ski resort in the Alps attracts many skiers each year. It is also an immense ski area, suitable for experienced skiers as well as beginners: green and blue runs make up half of the ski area.
This information on the opening dates of the major Alpine resorts will help you anticipate your winter sports stay and equipment rental!
Were you planning to go to the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, or further north to the Vosges or the Jura? The season there generally lasts less long than in the Northern Alps, but you will always have the possibility to ski at least from December to March. Visit the tourist office or ski lift websites to find out the precise opening and closing dates for your favorite destination! This will also allow you to stay informed of any changes to ski area openings, depending on snow cover and weather conditions.
