Timing is key when you’re planning your ski holiday, and with the French Alps being such a popular destination, it’s important to consider all options. Whether you’re thinking of going with friends, family, or even solo, different months of the season have different things to offer. It also depends on the atmosphere you want; from quieter slopes to end of year festivities, the atmosphere can be very different depending on the month you choose to go. Read on to find out our best months to go skiing in France to help you prepare your next winter retreat…
December
December is one of the peak times of the ski season. Despite the snow being hit or miss, you can be sure to enjoy all the lively Christmas and New Year festivities going on in the resorts! This is one of the best times to travel if you have young kids, with snow machines working on full power, and families of all different skill levels visiting to take in the charm of the French ski villages.
If you plan on travelling in December, it may be worth choosing a resort at higher altitude, or heading to the French Alps in the last two weeks to be sure to get as much snow as possible. Because the slopes are very busy at this time of year, it’s best to book all your activities and accommodation in advance to avoid any disappointments!
Who should go?
- Families (especially those with young children)
- Couples
- Groups with non-skiers who want to explore the resort
Book a ski chalet for Christmas
January
After the hustle and bustle of the end of year festivities, the slopes tend to quieten down when school starts again. January is therefore generally a quieter time as people rest after the holidays. However, you can still expect a wide range of activities to be taking place in the early year!
January is the perfect time to go if you want to make the most out of quieter slopes and great snow conditions. If you’re a beginner, you might benefit from the lack of distractions to help you focus on building your confidence on the pistes. Similarly, advanced skiers tend to love visiting at this time of year – tempted by more powder days and less people carving up the pistes!
And to top it all off? Less crowds means cheaper pricing all around! Overall, this is the perfect month to come if you want to practice your ski skills away from the crowds, or want to take to the mountains without breaking the bank.
Who should go?
- Ski enthusiasts on a budget
- Groups of friends
- Beginner adults
February
February is one of the busiest times of the year in ski resorts, but also one of the best months to go skiing in France! During February half-term, you can expect a lot of tourists from all over Europe to be heading over to the mountains. Not only is the snow at it’s best, you can also expect plenty of activities to be open outside of the slopes as well. And on top of that, the weather is slightly less cold in February than January, so it is more forgiving if you’re sensitive to the cold, or travelling with kids!
Because this is quite a popular time for families, be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance. You might also want to double-check the dates for your half-term holidays, and have a look at our guide on how to book a ski holiday to help you prepare; this will guarantee you make the most of out good snow and a lively atmosphere!
Who should go?
- Families with kids
- Groups looking for a lively atmosphere
March
If you’re the type of skier who prefers warmer weather and softer snow, then March is the month for you! While the slopes are still generally quite busy at this time of year, you can expect longer “bluebird” days on the slopes, as some lifts stay open until later in the evening. There are less queues and crowds, making March the perfect time to head to the mountains for beginners to practice. It’s also a great time if you want to make the most of the great après-ski activities in the sun as the days get longer!
Who should go?
- Beginners
- Groups looking for a lively après-ski scene
- Friend/work groups
April
As the last month of the ski season, you can expect April to be a lot sunnier. If you’re planning on travelling on a budget, visiting outside of the Easter holidays could be a good option, especially for larger groups.
Families with kids still in school can book their ski holiday throughout the Easter break. Of course, prices do increase as a result of demand, but queues for lifts will be shorter compared wtih Christmas, New Year and February half-term.
Skiing isn’t the only sport on offer in April – there are plenty of other outdoor activities to try off the slopes at this time of year. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, or want to try out paragliding – April provides the opportunity to try all these things before the summer tourists arrive. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of skiing, it’s best to try higher altitude resorts such as Tignes, La Plagne, or Chamonix to be sure to make the most of the snow.
Who should go?
- Families on a budget
- Skiers who enjoy other outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, paragliding…)
- Groups who don’t mind challenging skiing conditions
Browse our ski chalets available during easter
Although there isn’t a universal best time to go skiing in France, each month comes with it’s own perks; so no matter when you go, you will be sure to have a great time on the slopes. Once you’ve settled on a time to visit, be sure to check out our Top 5 Ski Destinations to help you narrow down your choice of resort!
Don’t forget to find us on social media @ovonetwork if you have any questions, or follow us for more holiday inspiration!
