French ski resorts report strong early surge in 2025–26 bookings
Boost in Alps and Pyrenees fueled by early-season offers - however February reservations still lag
Val Thorens was one of the first resorts to welcome skiers on November 22
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French ski resorts are reporting a strong early surge in bookings for the 2025–26 winter season, as visitors seek to secure prime dates and benefit from early-season offers.
Across the Alps and Pyrenees, both loyal skiers and international travellers are committing months in advance, encouraged by reliable snow at high-altitude resorts and a wide range of accommodation options.
High-altitude resorts benefit from earlier demand
“Yes, this trend is indeed confirmed, and our bookings are on the rise,” said Anne-Laure Devès, press officer for Val Thorens in the Les 3 Vallées ski area.
“The main reason is the snow issues in previous years at lower-altitude resorts: people now prefer to turn to higher-altitude resorts to ensure guaranteed snow.”
Val Thorens and Orelle (Savoie) opened on November 22, 2025, among the first resorts in France to welcome skiers alongside Tignes.
Marlène Giacometti, Director of the Tourist Office and Booking Centre for Les Menuires and St-Martin-de-Belleville, reported that sales are ahead of last year, with occupancy up by 1% to 3% depending on the resort. “This growth confirms a trend towards early booking, particularly during the peak weeks,” she said.
She attributed the rise to “increased loyalty among ski enthusiasts, who are now booking earlier, sometimes from one year to the next”, as well as a growing number of long-haul visitors.
The resort’s reputation, the quality of the Les 3 Vallées ski area, and accommodation “for all budgets” are also helping drive demand.
She noted that some dates in the February holiday period, including from February 10, were still available and currently subject to promotional rates.
Chamonix sees slight growth but school calendar weighs
Nicolas Durochat, Director of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley Tourist Office, said occupancy is slightly higher than last winter, with a 2% increase in January and March.
“However, there is a lack of dynamism due to the scheduling of French school holidays, whose dates are not very favourable,” he said. “The occupancy rate during New Year week is generally close to 100%, so there is no room for further growth - but we expect increased activity during the Christmas week.”
The resort started to open progressively from November 22.
Chamonix is promoting several early-season incentives, including 20% off lift passes when accommodation is booked online.
Upcoming events include La Trace des Grands, an alpine ski-mountaineering race on March 7 and 8, 2026, featuring five routes for different levels.
The Mont-Blanc Museum is due to open in spring 2026, offering interactive exhibits on the region’s alpine heritage.
Resorts launch early-season deals and festive programmes
Other resorts are also seeking to attract early visitors.
Flaine in the Grand Massif will open on December 6, with special ski-pass rates, early-season offers with special ski-pass rates and early-season events, including packages from, including packages from €160 per night for a four-star hotel stay plus ski pass.
Across Les 3 Vallées, early-December deals include one-day child passes from €53.80.
Gilles Léonard, Director General of Méribel Tourisme, said international visitors are driving demand, with some New Year weeks already nearly fully booked. Ski schools are reporting strong uptake, with the National Ski School seeing a 30% increase in online lesson sales.
Growth expected to remain modest despite early momentum
Despite early enthusiasm, overall growth for the season is expected to remain modest. Denis Maurer, president of G2A Consulting, forecasts only a 0.7% rise in total attendance by the end of the season.
January has now become the peak month for both French and British skiers, while February bookings remain weaker, particularly in the Pyrenees, where snow conditions are more uncertain. Spring skiing also continues to lag.
Industry officials say resorts are adapting to changing expectations by offering more flexible booking options, family-focused packages and environmentally conscious initiatives.
Jean-Luc Boch, president of France Montagnes, said visitors increasingly seek “varied and immersive experiences with multiple activities, accessible offers, and attention to environmental considerations”.
