Choosing the French Alps for your next ski holiday could be the best idea you’ve had! But when is the best time to go? We’ve got some suggestions to help you make the most of your time in the mountains, depending on the sort of holiday you are looking for.
When is the best time to ski in the Alps?
Choosing the right time to go is a key stage in planning your holiday. Each of the winter months offers something quite different in the mountains, and so there are different ways to enjoy skiing. From the first snow in December to the first signs of spring in April, not forgetting the lively resorts in February, we take a look at what each month has to offer to help you hit the slopes and enjoy an unforgettable mountain experience!
December
Skiing in December: a relaxing holiday in the snow
When you chose to ski in December, you’ll be immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere of the start of the season… The Christmas and New Year festivities make the French Alps an enchanting place to enjoy the first snows.
Imagine an après-ski evening in a cosy resort festooned with twinkling Christmas lights… a romantic meal in a restaurant with family or friends… an after-dinner stroll followed by a hot chocolate or mulled wine, accompanied by festive music and children’s laughter… If these are the things you dream of, December is definitely the month for you! What’s more, the many local and craft markets, most of which open on 1 December, are sure to appeal. If you’re still hesitating, take a look at our five reasons to visit the Alps in December.
December is the start of the winter season and one of the best months to come skiing if you have children, but it’s also a popular time of year in France, so it’s important to book your holiday well in advance. It’s important to consider altitude and snow record when choosing your resort. Combloux, for example, combines traditional charm with stunning views of Mont Blanc, and averages 96cm of snowfall in December. The resort of La Rosière, ideal for skiers of all abilities and for families, is another firm favourite, with an average of 89cm. Whenever you decide to come, there are plenty of resorts to suit all types of holiday.
Families will particularly appreciate December for their holidays, as will couples and groups of friends. Non-skiers will also enjoy exploring the resorts and villages of the region, which will all be decorated for the occasion.
Book a ski chalet for Christmas
January
Skiing in January: head for less-crowded resorts
Enjoy the peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of December… When you come to ski in January, you’ll enjoy quieter slopes and ideal weather conditions. You can count on January to bring plenty of fresh, light snow.
Skiers of all levels will be happy: fewer tourists will mean beginners can concentrate and make more progress, and more experienced skiers can make the most of the slopes. You’ll be able to enjoy the best that nature has to offer in a more intimate and peaceful setting.
With January falling between the December festive season and the February school holidays, you’ll also find that holidays are cheaper. You can get away for less, or use your savings to try some of the many activities available and make the most of your stay. For example, you could try cross-country skiing or hiking, enjoy a dog-sledding outing or sample the Savoyard cuisine… all in a relaxed atmosphere and without queuing!
Skiing in January is perfect for holidaymakers who want to save money. Beginners can try their hand at snow sports by choosing the best resort, while more experienced skiers can enjoy the powder without holding back. The family-friendly resorts of La Rosière, the more fashionable Morzine and the more intimate La Toussuire, with average January snowfalls of 152, 141 and 133cm respectively, all offer a warm welcome. There’s a wide range of resorts to choose from in January, and there’s something for everyone.
February
Skiing in February: fun is guaranteed!
When you hit the slopes in February, you can be sure of excellent snow conditions and an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s the perfect time to push yourself to the limit with family and friends, and enjoy an intense, ski-filled holiday!
This time of year, which is more popular with visitors, promises just as much fun on the slopes as off them, thanks to the abundant snow. From the inevitable family tobogganing outings to incredible ice-diving adventures, not forgetting a relaxing day at the spa, there’s something for everyone.
February is a very popular month for skiing in the Alps, so it’s a good idea to plan your stay well in advance. Visit our website to discover and book the ideal accommodation for your holiday. Many of our chalets are equipped with a sauna, a hammam or a home cinema, which will allow you to enjoy après-ski sessions in the privacy of your own property.
So February is the month to choose if you’re going away as a family or if you’re a group of friends looking to take advantage of all the entertainment the many resorts have to offer.
March
Skiing in March: spring has arrived!
From March onwards, you can look forward to softer snow and milder weather. As in January, the slopes are less crowded out of the school holiday period, which makes March a good month to learn to ski or to try any other board sport.
Most resorts still have a good layer of snow in March: after a day full of descents and lifts, you can enjoy an aperitif on a terrace that’s not too crowded to relax. That’s what’s waiting for skiiers at the start of spring…
With the temperatures rising and the days starting to get longer, you can also enjoy a variety of après-ski activities in the resort or in the mountains. Hiking, snowshoeing or cycling, for example, are great ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the early days of spring.
For beginners, groups of friends and fans of après-ski activities: let yourself be seduced by skiing in March and find the resort that suits you best!
April
Skiing in April: don’t forget the sunscreen!
For the last daring skiers of the year, April is an excellent time to hit the slopes. As in December, it’s important to check the snow record of the resort you choose. Many resorts still have enough snow to ski, and as winter leisure activities begin to overlap with those of summer, the slopes are much less crowded.
What’s more, the longer, sunnier days mean you can make even more of your skiing holiday with a host of other mountain activities. Try something different by setting off on one of the incredible hikes to be found in the French Alps, or by let yourself be tempted by a paragliding experience! If you want to take advantage of all the adventures the mountains have to offer, April is a great time to do it.
Holidays in the last month of the ski season can also cost a lot less, especially if you stay outside the spring holidays. High-altitude resorts are the best choice for your stay in April. Skiers who aren’t afraid of difficult ski conditions will be challenged by the slopes in this last month of the season.
As you can see, every month of the winter season has its advantages when it comes to skiing. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday in December, a lively one in February, a quieter one in January and March, or one that’s full of variety in April, there are plenty of resorts to suit you.
Each month offers you a unique skiing experience. And if you follow our advice, you can be sure to find the perfect time and make the most of your ski holiday in the Alps. See you soon on the slopes!
If you enjoyed this article, here are a few more that might interest you:
DIY ski holidays – the pros and cons
Choose the ski resort that’s right for you
What to take on a skiing holiday
Finally, find us on social media at @ovonetwork – do not hesitate to contact us for any questions, or simply to share your best skiing holiday experiences with us!
