Are you planning a winter sports trip and want to book your ski lift pass now? That's a great idea because by booking in advance or reloading your card online, you can save money.
With so many options available, it’s not always easy to know which pass to choose or how to find the best deals for skiing at a lower cost.
Here is a series of practical tips for buying your ski pass, applicable to any resort in France, whether you’re skiing in the Northern Alps, the Pyrenees, the Jura, etc.
Is it your first time skiing? Feeling overwhelmed by the many options? Unsure which pass to choose for children? Sport 2000 has gathered the essential information you need to consider before buying your lift pass.
The first thing to know is that resorts offer different prices based on age and status (student, senior, etc.). Make sure to select the correct category, as this can save you money.
For example, at Les Sybelles in the Alps, there are 4 main categories: adult, child (5–11), senior “Vermeil” (65–74), and student, with day pass prices ranging from €41.80 to €50.40. At Super Besse, the age categories are different: child (5–15), youth (16–25), adult (26–64), and senior (65–74), with daily rates between €28.40 and €39.90.
Another key factor is the dates you plan to ski or snowboard. Unless otherwise specified, ski passes are dated and must be used at specific times. If your holiday dates aren’t fixed yet, wait before purchasing your pass.
Take time to compare offers based on number of hours and days, and whether they are consecutive or not.
For example, at Saint-François-Longchamp, a 4-day adult pass (€177.50) is cheaper than four single-day passes (€49 each). But will you actually ski 4 full days in a row? And if you do, will it be all day or just half a day? These questions help you choose the most cost-effective option.
If your resort is connected to other ski areas, you’ll generally have several pass options depending on the accessible ski domain. For example, in Méribel, you can choose between the Méribel pass (150 km of slopes) or the 3 Valleys pass (600 km). In La Plagne, passes cover La Plagne (135 slopes) or Paradiski (linked to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry). In Morzine, you can access Morzine-Les Gets or the Portes du Soleil (12 resorts), and more.
For beginner skiers or those on a weekend ski trip, a pass for a smaller ski area may be sufficient—less expensive, yet still varied.
Some resorts offer passes specifically for beginners. These provide access to a few lifts and easy zones, allowing you to learn to ski at a lower cost. This type of pass is generally sufficient for children (and adults) taking lessons or exploring small areas independently.
With this information, you’re better equipped to choose your ski pass. Here are additional tips to get the best rates and enjoy a pass that lets you explore the slopes freely.
If you ski once or twice a season, standard passes are ideal. For regular skiers, season passes are more economical and convenient. Non-dated, they are valid all season, with various options: unlimited, limited lift rides per week, or a set number of skiing days per week.
For example, in the 3 Valleys, a 6-day adult pass costs €375, while an unlimited season pass for under-30s costs €1,085. If you ski three or more weeks a year in the 3 Valleys, it’s worth it.
Most resorts offer discounts for families or groups. In Cauterets, discounts apply when purchasing 3 or more passes (at least one adult and one child). At Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc, the family offer allows 1, 2, or 3 youth passes free when buying a pack of 2 adults + 2 youth. Check your resort’s pricing for applicable discounts!