What is the best time to go skiing?

Not all winter sports resorts are lucky enough to open very early in the season and most open their slopes in December. Nevertheless, in the Alps massifs, several high-altitude destinations offer an early opening from the first weeks of November. Val Thorens, Tignes - Val d’Isère, 2 Alpes, Bessans, Saisies, etc., depending on snow conditions, of course. We have written a guide for you on opening dates of ski resorts in the Alps to allow you to organize your stay.

This period is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want to get back on the slopes as quickly as possible. It is also an interesting time for skiing with low crowds on the slopes, since it is a period outside school holidays and less popular than December and January.
Skiing in November also often allows you to take advantage of more attractive rates than in high season.

The disadvantage, however, remains that the opening is often partial. In other words, you do not have access to the entire ski area; only the most snow-covered slopes and associated ski lifts will be accessible and some fun areas are not yet open.

The peak period for skiing is from mid-December (Christmas holidays) to end of February (winter holidays). Generally speaking, it is indeed at this time of year that snow is most present in the mountains and that the ski areas are therefore fully open.
It's also ideal if you want to have a maximum of available activities, as it is the peak winter season at the resort. So, even if you don't want to or can't ski, you'll always find something to do with other sliding sports, outdoor family activities, indoor activities, Christmas entertainment, etc.

Nevertheless, you will have to book in advance your accommodation (chalets for group trips, family holiday clubs, furnished rentals, etc.), and arrange your ski rental, in order to have maximum choice and benefit from lower rates. Furthermore, weather conditions, snow cover, and school holidays make this a popular period, and there can therefore be crowds on the slopes. If you want a bit more peace, it is therefore better to avoid these 3 months of the year or choose a week outside of school holidays.

In the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Jura, and even the Vosges, it is also possible to go skiing in March, sometimes until April.

This period of the year offers several advantages:

• some reduced rates, as it is the end of the season, with group and family offers on ski passes, for example;

• a spring snow generally softer at the bottom of the area and at medium altitude, which makes the slopes more accessible for beginners ;

• a lower attendance compared to February;

• longer days and more chance to enjoy sunny holidays.

The disadvantage of going in March and April, whether during Easter holidays or not, is that the risk of having little snow is higher. If conditions are not optimal, therefore, prefer resorts with a well-stocked high-altitude area (above 2000 meters) or plan other activities than skiing during your week in the mountains (snowshoeing for example).

It should also be known that the periods for skiing are not limited to the winter months: some mountain resorts in France are open to skiers during a few weeks in summer. This is possible thanks to the presence of glaciers, where weather conditions allow for snow until early or mid-July.
If the experience tempts you, head to the resorts of Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les 2 Alpes orAlpe d’Huez. Obviously, the number of slopes and ski lifts is limited, and you will probably only ski for a day or two. But it is a period worth the detour to enjoy skiing in another way, with a high chance of having sun.

Not to mention that in summer, you benefit from much more attractive prices for your accommodation rental and that some resort services become free (e.g., parking).

As you will have understood, there are many periods suitable for a ski trip in France ! It's up to you to choose the ideal time according to your desires, whether or not you are going with family, according to your budget, according to your holiday dates, etc.