While most people choose to go skiing during the winter months, hitting the pistes during the Easter break can be a great way to enjoy the slopes in the sunshine. However, there are a few things to consider when trying to find the best Easter ski resorts in France, namely:
- Altitude & snowfall
- Child-friendly facilities
- Sunshine exposure
In this post, we will go over these factors to consider before choosing a resort, as well as list our top picks of the best ski resorts for Easter skiing in the French Alps…
How to Find the Best Resorts for Easter Skiing?
If you’re heading to France for some Easter skiing, it’s important to remember that the late-season means that snow conditions are not as reliable. When choosing your resort, therefore, we would recommend visiting ski resorts higher in altitude because of better snowfall. Note that destinations with glaciers tend to be the best indicator for this.
Additionally, if you’re going as a family during the school break, we would recommend checking how child-friendly the ski resort is. This includes checking out the activities on offer, the childcare services available as well as the type of accommodation around the area.
Discover the fun of Easter skiing at one of the chalets listed below
Best Easter Ski Resorts in the French Alps
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is arguably one of the best destinations for spring skiing in the French Alps. With a high altitude reaching 2,300m at the top, it is the highest ski resort in Europe; and with 99% of the ski area situated above 2,000 metres, you can be sure to find good late-season snowfall.
The resort is open until early May, which is a good indication of how the snow will be in April. Furthermore, you will find plenty of great ski schools as well as a variety of green slopes for beginners around the Peclet area.
Travelling with kids shouldn’t be a problem either. You will find plenty of family-friendly activities around the resort, including a big sports centre with a kids pool!
Chamonix
Chamonix is always a great destination, no matter the time of year. Home to the Mer de Glace glacier, with its highest point at an altitude of 3,297 m, there is a good chance of snow late in the season. Some years the pistes stay open until May (if you’re lucky!)
In Chamonix, you can ski the Vallée Blanche, which offers 23 km of descent, covering a 2,800 m vertical drop from the Aiguille du Midi to Chamonix town centre. With clearer weather conditions to enjoy the scenery and less risk of getting too cold, this 4-6 hour itinerary is perfect to do throughout Easter. (Note that this activity is reliant on a decent base layer of snow, so liaise with the Tourist Office before departure.)
Although we wouldn’t recommend this itinerary if you’re travelling with children, you can find plenty of childcare services available around Chamonix while you try it out for yourself. Find out more here.
Tignes
With the resort itself nestled at 2,100 m altitude, and the Grande Motte Glacier soaring at 3,400 m, Tignes offers plenty of high-altitude skiing for Easter.
The layout of the pistes around the resort is U-shaped, meaning that you can plan your day in such a way that you can follow the spring sunshine while enjoying the views from different perspectives!
If you’re travelling with teenagers, why not visit the fantastic Bun-J? Combining ski jumping, bungee jumping and zip wire, you’re guaranteed an afternoon of fun.
Please note, however, that the bungee jumping is only open for children aged 13 and over.
Indoors, families will find a cinema, various sports grounds and a wellness centre.
With the high altitude and fabulous recreational facilities, Tignes is definitely a top destination for your Easter skiing holiday.
Val d’Isère
Similar to Tignes, the temperatures in Val d’Isère are generally quite low (particularly at night!), meaning the snow season lasts longer than other resorts around the French Alps.
Expect relatively good snow conditions throughout the month of April to enjoy the pistes during your Easter break!
The station also holds the ‘Famille Plus’ label. This means that Val d’Isère is particularly well adapted to families, making it one of the best destinations for Easter holidays with little ones.
Les 2 Alpes
Another station with the ‘Famille Plus’ label is Les 2 Alpes. Along with great family facilities, you can expect amazing snow conditions! With the highest lift perched at 3,600m, you will find there is a much better chance of snow later in the season than some other resorts in the French Alps.
The 223 km of high-altitude pistes winding around Les 2 Alpes make it a great spot for late or early-season skiing.
Do note, however, that some beginner pistes in the resort are higher up the mountain, meaning it’s often better suited to families with older, slightly more experienced kids.
La Plagne
In La Plagne, you will find plenty of skiing to choose from. With access to 383 km of skiing in total, and altitude as high as 2,050 m at Belle Plagne, this is a great destination for higher altitude skiing.
In addition to these great conditions, the resort is very family-friendly, making it great for your next Easter break with kids. You will also find lots of ski schools and daycare facilities to choose from in the area.
Les Arcs
Neighbouring La Plagne, Les Arcs grants you access to a huge variety of ski terrain. Intermediate level skiers will find plenty of high altitude skiing at Arc 2000, and can also link to La Plagne using the Vanoise Express. However, this is dependant on snow conditions, so shouldn’t be relied on solidly in the late season!
If you would prefer to stay in the resort, don’t worry – you will be sure to find plenty of skiing in Les Arcs itself to keep you busy!
Flaine
Despite the resort being at a humble 1,600 m in altitude, Flaine’s snow record is pretty impressive. With an average snowfall of 82 cm in March, you can be sure to find plenty of leftover snow to enjoy the pistes during your Easter holiday. The ski resort generally stays open until mid-late April – find out the exact dates by visiting the tourism website.
In addition to this, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a great place for for Easter holidays overall.
La Clusaz
Lastly, we couldn’t end our list of best Easter ski resorts without mentioning La Clusaz! With its highest point La Balme at an altitude of 2,600 m, you can be sure to find good snow conditions.
With plenty of sunny slopes for Easter spring skiing as well as family-friendly activities, you’ll be sure to find everything you need for a fun-filled Easter holiday with the entire family in La Clusaz.
Heading to the French Alps for Easter skiing?
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