top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Ski season off to a good start

Resorts are now open in the Alps and Pyrenees, with many more to come in the days ahead

THANKS to recent heavy snowfall around 20 ski resorts are now open, mainly in the Alps and Pyrenees.

With many more set to open next weekend, the skiing season is off to an early start.

This weekend should see more southern Alps resorts open (Montgenèvre in the Hautes-Alpes has been open for a fortnight) including Mercantour resorts Isola 2000 and Auron in the Alpes-Maritimes.

The director of the tourist office in La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie), one of the resorts now open, told Le Parisien: “We saw a rise in bookings as soon as the snow was forecast. The season is looking very, very good.”

His view was echoed by his counterpart at Angles and Font-Romeu in the Pyrenees, Jérôme Meunier: “We aleady have 500-1,000 skiers; it’s great: this weekend will have set things in motion, word of mouth is going to start to work. The weather is good, it’s cold, the conditions are ideal.”

Last year the Pyrenees resorts only opened a few days before Christmas. The return to an early December start means they should benefit from Spanish tourists coming for a long weekend for the Immaculate Conception bank holiday.

In the Alps, resorts have opened in Isère, Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

Nice mayor Christian Estrosi anticipated the start in the Alpes-Maritimes by mocking up a ski scene with a snow machine outside the city’s prefecture for his announcement of this weekend’s planned opening.

To check on the expected opening dates of resorts see: Ski resorts

Photo: A. Benne

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France