WHEN is the BEST TIME to go Skiing in France

[@Subtleknife12367]

For those wondering when the Feb holidays are so you can avoid them: Winter Holidays Zone A: Sat 22 Feb - Mon 10 March Zone B: Sat 8 Feb - Mon 24 Feb Zone C: Sat 15 Feb - Mon 3 March

[@pauldale1974]

Been skiing for 38 years.. I have not skied in Feb (in Europe) since I left school 35 years ago. Love Xmas week ( its busy but not as crazy as NY week), but I always go in January for a week and March for a week. Hard core mate do Jan and my fair weather mates do March when it can be a little warmer.. But I cry for my mates that have to pay 3x more for Feb because they have kids... roll on 24/25 season.

[@topsnowtravel]

Wow, same here, 38 years! haha what a coincidence. Yeah unfortunately some people don't have a choice and have to go in Feb and pay 2x/3x times the amount in January or mid-late March and I do too feel so bad for them. I have kids 2 but we are lucky enough here in Australia our summer school holidays go from mid-Dec to around 28 Jan.

[@Johnhorton-fawkes]

Chouette! Merci! Super! 🙂

[@palomacappi3844]

I'm about to work my first Ski Season at Les Arcs 1800. I skied a couple times before but usually just for a few days a year. Couldn't be more excited, thank you for your videos :)

[@topsnowtravel]

You must be so pumped up!! I remember doing my first season in Val d’Isere, it was the best year of my life. You’re going to have an incredible experience!!!! Make the most of it!! The snow has already arrived 🤩❄️☃️🌨️

[@MathiasNO]

Went to Val Thorens 3rd week of Feb this year. It was absolutely perfect, spring weather where crowd control and flow was seamless. The same could not have been said for Meribel and Courchevel. For that reason I’d rather go back to Val Thorens, but maybe we were just lucky.

[@topsnowtravel]

@@MathiasNO sounds like you were pretty lucky 🍀 if you go back late Feb again, let us know, I would be curious to hear from your experience if there was a difference or not.

[@buggykiksak366]

Just spot on. Every year after 15rh of jan i am there, u r so right sir!

[@topsnowtravel]

Thanks mate!

[@richdarlowgolf]

Thanks, we always go to Morzine in mid January when it colder, later in the season it can suffer from lack of snow on the lower slopes due to its lower altitude 👍

[@topsnowtravel]

No worries, it could be wise to choose a higher altitude ski resort if going later in the season for better snow conditions. The snow has arrived already well and truly, 🤞 for a great snow season for all!!!

[@drmehmetsoylu]

This mid Jan we reserved apartment from Morzine, this is our first time visiting there, what is your opinion about accomodating morzine vs avoriaz? Thnx

[@bewati1]

I have been to Val Thorens and trois vallees a least 12 times and I'm going in Januari this year for the ressond you memtioned. Used to go during school hollidays and yeah the crows were a disaster with 40 min lift lines even on high speed chairlifts and epic overcrowded moguls on all slopes at the end of the day. Last few years were late in March and while not crowded there were way to many clueless beginners without experienced groupmatesor ski class making the slopes kind of dangerous. But the real killer was no fresh snow for weeks and very slushy slopes below 2000m or after 1pm. But if you get a rare march snowfall night with a nice sunny day after it's magical on the empty slopes. So you are spot on but it might have been worth it to menton that most cheaper accomodation in the French alps is very small and outdated so be carefull if you want to the spend holiday season in the appartment if you book at rated capacity (the average 4 person is really 2, 6 maybe 4 people comfortably etc). And to avoid city center cheap appartments in Val Thorens as these are often party dorms right above bars and night clubs. I usually go to Chamois d'Or, a nice affordable slope side appartment a bit lower in Val Thorens where it's nice and quiet but good slope acces.

[@topsnowtravel]

@@bewati1 thanks for your feedback!! Yes 👍 always avoid the Feb school holidays at all cost if you have a choice. We don’t have those issues with small apartments generally as our accommodation option ranges from high standard 4-star to 5-star (but we mainly do 5). I prefer to focus on high quality rather than volume. You can find our range here 👉 www.topsnowtravel.com Have fun in January! I will be Les Portes du Soleil and a few other spots this January too 😊👍

[@mmatadore1]

Hi mate i am going to Val Thorens for the fist time in first week of april. I am very worried about the snow quality. This year in the fisrt week of march i was in Val Thorens but now it is a hole month later so i am worried. Should i delete my booking??

[@bewati1]

@mmatadore1 No one can predict the weather so it can be fine or it can be 10 degrees with wet spring snow. I have been late March and had a good week by skiing a lot in Orelle the 4th valley and avoiding slopes below 2000m which is easy to do with some planning. This year I will go in January and I will always recommend going earlier if you don't like wet snow but if you don't have other options I would just enjoy the quiet slopes and sunny weather. You can always do loops between 2300m and 3000m on the Orelle side of Val Thorens and stay on the shaded sides of the mountain later in the day.

[@blbl76432]

best time is..... go skiing whole season 🤙

[@topsnowtravel]

@@blbl76432 haha right answer 😁

[@stuartstronach2581]

Have based myself somewhere in Les Trois Vallees for my last 5 ski trips, so this coming season, I've booked Les Arcs 1950 for a complete change of scene. Always try to go mid-late January for the reasons you state in your video. Looking forward to it!

[@topsnowtravel]

Nice !!! Have fun in Arc 1950, it's beautiful!! Here is my vid from earlier this January 2024 for a full review of Arc 1950: 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5STd5iwr56eqcU and for my full review of Les Arcs 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pICrmml5adqYfJI

[@stéphanezabotti]

I love the Lego Kaila Chalet behind you 😁, see you this winter

[@topsnowtravel]

Thanks 🙏 to you Stéphane!! You got me into it, now I just want more 😂

[@francoisfoue]

The only time to avoid is winter holiday from the 2nd week of february to the first week of march. January is the best powder, march is spring snow, still excellent at high altitude resorts

[@topsnowtravel]

@@francoisfoue Indeed 😁👍

[@andrzejwrzesz]

And it's only time i can go with my children :)

[@Meaty1645]

I have just moved my trip from 25th of January for a week to the 1st of February for week. Am I right that it will still miss the holiday season and be a good time to go?

[@utd927]

Going to val thorens last week of January

[@topsnowtravel]

Enjoy!!! 😊

[@utd927]

@topsnowtravel thanks where would you say is the best area to ski in the 3 valleys?

[@tommikiviniemi5558]

Last week of January ❤

[@topsnowtravel]

@@tommikiviniemi5558 you’re probably right, one of the best options or second last week of Jan…

[@hopandsolo]

Any time after a big snowfall 😅

[@topsnowtravel]

Haha 😂 YES!!!! Pooooowder 🤤 🤩 Can't argue with that!

[@jleroulley]

Mars! just before the 21th

[@topsnowtravel]

@@jleroulley yeah 👍 definitely a good choice.

[@jleroulley]

@@topsnowtravel i from french alps. Born at the bottom of Grand Massif. I have practiced skiing for local ski team. Trust me for Mars before 21th. - Not warm - Huge amount of snow - No holidays

[@gustavogiacominpinho3987]

Great video, thanks mate! I'm off to Le Grand Domaine over the week of NYE (my girlfriend wants to join some friends who are going there), but I really hate crowded slopes. Would you have any tips regarding quiet resorts in France which I could visit in the weekends around NYE? Thanks a lot!

[@topsnowtravel]

@@gustavogiacominpinho3987 Are you staying in Valmorel when skiing Le Grand Domaine? Valmorel is already a small resort especially in the Tarentaise valley where the other mega resorts are located. If you’ve got a car, you can go and check out the ski resorts of Sainte Foye Tarentaise and La Rosière, you will have less crowds but please understand that you’re travelling over NEW YEAR’s week which is the busiest week of the entire year so expect crowds wherever you go. Also forget about booking a couple of nights for a weekend during that period (7night minimum).

[@gustavogiacominpinho3987]

@@topsnowtravel Thanks for the reply! We're staying near St. François Longchamp, and luckily managed to find one airbnb there for just part of the week (though you do get a discount if you stay the whole week, so your point stands). La Rosiere (actually La Thuille) has been on my list for a while, sounds like a great option! I'll check out Sainte Foye Tarentaise as well, many thanks!

[@CarlBradbrook]

Thanks mate great info! (You might think about offering a free downloadable PDF report on this with all the key points - i would join your mailing list if you do)

[@topsnowtravel]

Thanks Mate! Great feedback, it's on the to do list

[@comesatime123]

I like skiing, especially off piste, my wife likes shopping and spas, where/when do you recommend?

[@topsnowtravel]

Shopping and spas you say and off-piste? Try Courchevel or val d'Isere or both 😁 You will find plenty of off-piste especially if you book a private local guide, the ski areas are so big. For big off-piste, try Chamonix or La Grave but forget about spa and shopping at La Grave, it's very, very quiet and not suitable at all for non skiers. Courchevel has some stunning luxurious hotels with the most incredible spas and wellness centers. You also have the Aquamotion in Courchevel (between 1550 and 1650): Europe's largest mountain water park, featuring pools, slides, a spa, and wellness activities

[@samuelbroer2834]

Great idea for a video. Taking my family to la haute marriane region from 8 march for two weeks. Im a powderhound. I know its a bit late but im doing as you say and avoiding the feb holiday period. Staying opposite la norma. In your experience do i have a good chance of a couple powder storms over the two week period or is it done by then?.cheers!

[@topsnowtravel]

Definitely not done by then, you can get definitely get some pow in March in Haute Maurienne, as always with mother nature, it will be a surprise what you will get… have fun!!!! By the way, are you going to Aussois? That’s opposite to La Norma. My family had a holiday apartment at Valfréjus, an awesome little ski resort down the road from where you’ll be. If you get La Norma pass you can ski there too. If you ski and stay in Aussois, it’s south facing and won’t keep the snow as well as on the other side of the valley

[@samuelbroer2834]

@topsnowtravel yeah spot on. We are at aussois because it is south facing and my kids are very young and beginners. I want them comfortable hah. I'll go across to the north facing mountains when I get some me time. Thanks for the input. You are a legend. I'll check out valfrejus. Excuse my French.

[@topsnowtravel]

@@samuelbroer2834 yeah that makes sense, gotta look out for the little ones first and there’s nothing like sunshine ☀️ on those cold days. If you are driving, you should check out one of the nicest traditional villages in the French Alps (high altitude at 1835m) called Bonneval-sur-Arc which is about 40min away. The village is absolutely beautiful !!!

[@samuelbroer2834]

@@topsnowtravel we are driving so we can make the most of tips like this!😊 Will definitely check it out.

[@anguscovoflyer95]

In terms of snow quality is chamonix in early to mid March ok?

[@topsnowtravel]

Early to mid-March can be a great time to ski in Chamonix! The ski areas and off-piste slopes typically still have excellent snow conditions, even if the town itself is at a lower altitude and may not be snowy. Of course, weather and snow conditions can vary from year to year, so it's impossible to predict with certainty. That said, we regularly send clients to Chamonix during March, and they often enjoy fantastic skiing. For those prioritizing peak snow quality, January tends to be our busiest month and, in my opinion, the best time to go.

[@anguscovoflyer95]

@ all good! it’s actually rare I heard that it snows down to the valley floor to the point that you can ski down to it.

[@thewraithize]

Which is the best report for guaranteed powder with a snow park?

[@topsnowtravel]

ahhh the best of both worlds! Powder is up to mother nature and is never guaranteed. The best freestyle ski resorts if you want to send it in the park are : Avoriaz 1800 (The Stash by Burton is giant ecological all-natural freestyle park located in the woods, La Chapelle for all levels and Arare snowpark for the experts) Les Deux Alpes (La Toura & Freestyle Land), Le Grand Bornand (Snowpark GB), Meribel (The Open Park with a rookie zone and a pro zone), Val d’Isere (Val d’Isere Snowpark) & Tignes (DC Park - 2 easy parks and 1 expert)

[@wobbecraft]

I'm going to Paradiski(les arcs) for the 5th time now, I've always gone in early april. I'm wondering if the snow is a lot different during say february or am I good?

[@buggykiksak366]

Dont go in feb, full slopes, go in January, u will be surprised, a lot better snow than april for sure!

[@topsnowtravel]

Try late January before the Feb school holidays! Yes, snow conditions will most likely be a lot different than early April. With the high chances of difference from hot and cold temperatures, you might get melted snow in the afternoon which then turns to ice overnight and early in the morning followed by slush in the afternoon, so the snowpack might be more inconsistent. Saying that, i have had some of the best powder days late April (Val d'Isere) surprisingly but that was in 2012.

[@calvinhall4878]

Where in les Arcs do you stay...I loved the resort

[@topsnowtravel]

@@calvinhall4878 Arc 1950 is the nicest village 👉 Arc 1950 Ski Resort: A Winter Wonderland kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5STd5iwr56eqcU

[@ethanyoon3964]

Hey mate, I’m planning to visit Val trones or val dsere 7/Dec opening day Is this a good idea for first time vistor?

[@topsnowtravel]

@@ethanyoon3964 it depends what you mean by first time visitor. Are you new to skiing? Opening day is generally an amazing day as everywhere you go is untracked so the first day, you can find some powder galore but both those resorts will already be opened by then (late November) so that won’t apply. Tignes might also have better conditions and would be a great choice also for very early season: Tignes Ski Resort - Truly Unique kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHaXmapvrr51otE

[@Niletixofficial]

Good luck finding a hotel at Val thorens

[@EUANCARR260]

I'm going VT then! 8x years in a row (other than covid) opening at VT is snow sure in early December for sure

[@francoisfoue]

I live in Savoy, snow is falling this week, there will be good snow. Opening days are good when there is good snow, which will be the case this year.

[@topsnowtravel]

@@francoisfoue love 🥰 it!!!! Thanks 🙏 for the local update. Much appreciated!!!!

[@bryangreen9672]

Let’s be honest, people go jan because it’s the cheapest option

[@topsnowtravel]

You’re absolutely right that January is the most affordable time to ski in France, and I did mention that in the video. However, it’s not just about the price-January also offers the least crowded slopes, meaning shorter lift lines and more space to enjoy skiing. Plus, because it’s low season with less demand, there’s a much wider range of accommodation options available, so you can secure the best choices for your ski holiday. When you combine all these factors-value, fewer crowds, excellent snow conditions, and better accommodation availability-it’s clear why January is such an ideal time to go skiing in France.

[@mmatadore1]

Hi mate i am going to Val Thorens for the fist time in first week of april. I am very worried about the snow quality. This year in the fisrt week of march i was in Val Thorens but now it is a hole month later so i am worried. Should i delete my booking??

[@topsnowtravel]

Hey mate! I totally understand your concerns. The good news is, Val Thorens is known for having one of the best snow conditions in the Alps, even late in the season. Being the highest ski resort in Europe, it typically has great coverage through April. Additionally, their snowmaking systems are top-notch, so they can maintain good conditions if there's a dip in natural snowfall. While weather can always be unpredictable, historically, early April still offers excellent skiing, especially if you're on the higher slopes. If you’ve already booked, I wouldn’t worry too much about snow quality. Instead, focus on other details like how to make the most of the sunny days and any spring skiing events they might have!

[@mmatadore1]

@@topsnowtravel Thanks for the info! I indeed have already booked so I'm just going to see what I'm going to find there.

[@topsnowtravel]

@@mmatadore1 I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time 😊👍