When is the best time to go skiing?

France and its snowy mountains remain a must-visit destination for ski lovers — whether you're a seasoned skier or just a beginner. But for many holidaymakers, choosing the right time to go can be tricky. The decision often depends on the ski resort, the activities on offer, the snow conditions, and, most importantly, the price of the ski holiday. Luckily, it's possible to find great deals throughout the winter season. Just follow our tips to enjoy your ski holiday in France at the best possible price

Our Top Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter

Different Times to Plan Your Ski Holiday

Skiing at Christmas

The start of the season is a great time for family or group ski holidays. All ski resorts in France open around mid-December to welcome Christmas holidaymakers. Skiing at Christmas often means you can enjoy reduced prices on bookings — whether it’s accommodation, lift passes, ski equipment hire, or transport. Many ski resorts also offer low-cost holiday packages for travellers looking to enjoy a snowy Christmas break.

Skiing at New Year

Ski holidays are typically booked from Saturday to Saturday. However, during the school holidays, depending on the year and calendar, some resorts allow bookings from Monday to Monday, making it easier to enjoy New Year’s Eve in the magical setting of the snowy mountains. Whether you're travelling with family, your partner or friends, accommodation providers often compete with each other to offer the best ski holiday deals during this festive period.

Skiing in January

After New Year’s Eve, the first two weeks of January are a great time to go skiing. With fewer holidaymakers on the slopes, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best ski deals. Many ski resorts offer their lowest prices through various packages and promotions.

However, prices tend to rise from mid-January — usually between the 20th and 25th, as the February school holidays approach.

Skiing in February

Skiing during the school holidays in February can be tricky when it comes to pricing. Often, the best time to ski in February is at the very start of the holiday period. Booking prices can drop by 10 to 20% during this first week.However, many ski resorts raise their prices during the weeks starting on the 13th and 20th of February. If you plan to go skiing in February, it’s strongly recommended to book your trip 3 to 4 months in advance to get the best rates.

Skiing in March

March is one of the best times to go skiing in France. As winter draws to a close, ski resorts compete on prices, lift passes, accommodation, and ski equipment. This means mountain holidays are often much more affordable — especially for families. Discounts can range from 30% to 40%. For other types of trips (solo travellers, groups, retirees, etc.), it’s advisable to book early to secure the best ski deals in March.

Skiing in April

Off-peak periods like April are also great times to go skiing in France. Spring offers a wonderful ski holiday at the best price. In April, the average cost of a ski holiday is around €300 per person. During the Easter holidays, ski resorts often struggle to fill their bookings, which can help keep prices low — although prices may rise again during the late winter holidays. All in all, a spring ski holiday can be a dream getaway at an affordable price.

Off-Season Skiing

Going skiing off-season is a great opportunity to book at a lower cost. Ski resorts in France often offer special deals to attract visitors during these quieter periods. It’s usually best to book last minute to fully benefit from these price drops. With fewer crowds on the slopes, everyone can enjoy their favourite runs and choose the ski equipment that suits them best! Skiers have a wide choice of resorts and equipment to make the most of an off-season ski holiday in France.

It’s worth noting that the higher the demand for ski holidays in French resorts, the more prices tend to decrease due to competitive offers. Also, ski resorts and ski areas don’t all open at the same time — this is another important factor to consider for maximum enjoyment and relaxation in the mountains. Overall, when planning a mountain holiday in France, it’s recommended to compare packages, prices, and services offered by each ski resort. Travelski is one of the professionals that takes care of accommodation, ski passes, equipment hire, and meals throughout the week.

Ski Season

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