When Is the Absolutely Perfect Time to Go Skiing in the Lovely French Alps

There are plenty of great times in the year to go skiing in the French Alps but when is the best? With year-round glacier skiing at some resorts it is possible to ski in the French Alps at any time of the year. To find the time of year perfect for you, let’s explore the best months to go and when to get a great deal.

November Skiing for Pre-season fun

The earliest time for good skiing before the season starts is November. The snow in the area is fresh and powdery and the temperatures are lowering especially at high altitude. It’s a great time to get early deals for accommodation, however due to the time of the year tour operators have limited package options. Your best bet is to book a package with a ski school, as you don’t have to worry about what facilities are available and organising transport.

Val d’Isère and Tignes are the best option in November due to the opening of most of the runs as soon as they are ready. No snow fall? Val d’Isère has one of the largest man-made snow systems in Europe.

December – the Start of the Ski Season

At the beginning of the season, the early weeks of December are perfect for grabbing those cheap ski deals. Most facilities are fully open at this time of year so you have a better choice places to stay and you are not tied down to particular tour operator.  Although snow is not guaranteed everywhere, you are sure to have a good choice of open higher altitude slopes to enjoy

It can get very busy during Christmas and New Year but this can also be the most fun time to go too. There are plenty of festivities to enjoy and what could be more idyllic than spending Christmas in a snow-covered lodge? With the increased popularity comes increased prices, so expect to pay a premium for the holiday dates. The resorts of Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes and Val d’Isère are the perfect places to spend time skiing in the French Alps during December.

January and February for the Best Snow

January is becoming a more popular ski month of late but there are still some post-Christmas bargains to be had. If you are looking for a January break then it is best to wait for the sales and to review the snowfall too. Both Chamonix and Courchevel are good choices

The peak of the season comes in February where the snow is at its best and the prices are at their highest. The busiest periods are of course during the local school holidays where everyone seems to flock to the slopes.

To stay in the best places during February you will have to book quite far in advance as some people tend to book the same place each year. Half term in February is a great time for a family ski break. The weather and snowy slopes give guaranteed ski conditions and means your lessons won’t go to waste. To be sure you have everything you want secured, booking a package is a good idea. Also making a list of your family travel essentials to bring, as it can be expensive to pick up forgotten items.

Another reason to visit in February is that the French Alps is the place to be seen and you might spot celebrities in the most exclusive resorts. Why not try Les Gets or Morzine for an amazing ski holiday?

March – the Spring Break

Long warm days don’t usually accompany the best ski break. However, there are surprisingly good slopes still available in spring.  Obviously, the higher the altitude the better but there are many deals to be had at this time of year.

Sometimes Easter falls in March and that might change the prices and the popularity of the resorts. But if you book in advance and choose somewhere that is most likely to be skiable, you are guaranteed a good time. La Plagne is somewhere you should check out in March.

Val d’Isère and Tignes feature again, this time in the late season ski resorts. Due to the great snowfall and high attitude cold temperatures the melt won’t reach these places yet.

April the End of Spring and the Start of Summer

Again, during April you need to ski in the high-altitude resorts to get guaranteed snowy slopes. Although if you wait for last minute deals and keep an eye on the weather, you might find a bargain ski break in one of the lower resorts. Of course, where there is guaranteed snow at this time of year it’s best to book early as the costs will rise as availability dwindles.

But it is still a good time to enjoy the French Alps. The scenery is amazingly beautiful during April and when the skiing subsides there are still plenty of things to enjoy in the area. Val Thorens is a popular choice at this time of year for a late season Ski Break.

A Summer Ski Holiday

Some resorts such as Les Deuxs Alps and Tignes offer glacier skiing at any time of the year.  Although Skiing can be enjoyed during the morning, the warm climate means the snow turns quite slushy during the afternoon.

If you are happy to split the skiing with other outdoor activities then you can get some amazing deals during the summer months. Add mountain biking, hiking and rafting to your itinerary for an amazing family adventure in the French Alps. You are limited to certain resorts during summer for skiing, but the discounts are certainly worth it.

So When Is The Best Time to go Skiing In The French Alps?

As you can see there are plenty of reasons to go skiing in the French Alps at any time of the year but what is best for you depending on your wants and needs? Hopefully by reading the detailed guide above you have gotten a few ideas. But here are a few options to consider:

Best for Guaranteed Snow and School Holiday Skiing – February, especially the school term breaks.

Best for early ski break bargains – Early December offers lots of bargains and the first fresh snowfall.

Best for Family Fun on a Budget – May to September, Summer Skiing and more outdoor activities to enjoy.

The French Alps are an iconic European ski break destination and people have been coming here to enjoy the mountains and landscapes for many years. There truly is something for everyone, from budget breaks to the most extravagant lodges. From romantic couples breaks to fun filled family holidays, this destination has it all for those who enjoy to ski. A skiing holiday with friends doesn’t have to break the bank either. If you plan ahead and know what you want, you can book the perfect ski break just for you.

So whether its off-piste, cross country or beginner slopes you are after, you’ll find it here.  What do you think? Have you been skiing in the French Alps? When do you think is the best time to visit and why