
WINTER ACTIVITIES | BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS
France is one of the world’s iconic destinations for winter activities. Blessed with huge mountain ranges including the Alps and the Pyrenees, winter in France is all about getting outside and enjoying the snow. The winter ski season in France runs from around early-December to mid-April, with temperatures from Christmas to early February ranging from -10° C to +4° C. January and February tend to be the coldest months with temperatures rising in March and April.
The Chamonix Valley, the Portes du Soleil and the Tarentaise offer vast ski domains including Espace Killy, Paradiski and the 3 Valleys, with many hundreds of kilometres of ski pistes. Regions such as the Queyras, the Ecrins and Serre Chevalier in the Southern Alps are renowned for their snowsure winters and bright sunshine. Whatever activity you’re into you’ll find a destination in France to suit, whether that’s skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, ski-touring, snowshoeing, or even ice climbing.
Our pick of France’s best Winter activities
Beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding, France provides a wide variety of winter activities to suit you whatever you’re into. If you’re looking for backcountry adventure, ski touring combines off-piste skiing with mountaineering, allowing exploration of untouched terrain. Snowshoeing offers a tranquil way to get away from the ski lifts and enjoy the winter landscape, while ice climbing presents a thrilling challenge on frozen waterfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or tentative beginner, France’s winter wonderland caters to all, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst its breath-taking scenery.
Skiing
Snowboarding
Off-Piste Skiing
Ski Touring
Heli-Skiing
Steep Skiing
Ice Climbing
Speedriding
Snowshoeing
France’s Best Winter Activity Destinations
France is a lucky country – it has 2 huge mountain ranges, the French Alps and the Pyrenees and over 400 ski resorts. That means that whatever winter sport you’re into, France has a choice of resorts for you. Here’s a selection of our favourite places in France for an active winter holiday.
French Alps
Bourg-St-Maurice
Pyrenees
Ecrins NP
Chamonix
Mercantour NP
Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your winter activities in France, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this page. Happy holidays!