Snow returns to French mountains as Haute-Savoie ski resorts prepare to open

Is a white November on its way? If so, its arrival could coincide nicely with the opening of ski resorts in the French Alps.  

Forecasts of a snowy episode later this month are gaining traction, with an increasing number of weather models predicting snowfall.

A late November large-scale snow event would be good news for skiers, with the first slopes expected to welcome visitors as early as November 28. Slopes in Chamonix are scheduled to open first followed by other Haute-Savoie resorts in early December. 

However, other models suggest temperatures will remain above average in France until at least the middle of the month, with mild conditions across most of next week.

Snow is already returning to France’s mountains this week as temperatures drop, with peaks at around 1,500m in the Pyrénées seeing snowy scenes. 

Up to 10cm of snow has already been forecast at higher peaks of the mountain range across the coming days, including in neighbouring Andorra.

Snow is also falling in the Massif Central, with a dusting on the Puy de Dôme yesterday and higher peaks in the French Alps also seeing snow.

Snow is expected to be limited to the highest peaks from next week as temperatures rise, but the current snowfall is an encouraging sign for ski resorts.

Snowstorms this winter? 

France has seen several weeks of largely calm weather, and aside from violent storms in the south, intense weather events have largely been absent. 

This could change in November, however, as predictions of a drop in temperatures and potential arrival of snow are forecast.

US weather models expect snow across parts of Scotland, Wales, and northern England next week, and while this is unlikely to move south into continental Europe, it is possible that some snow makes its way to northern France.

Forecasts for the end of the month are less certain, but there is a risk of harsh polar winds moving down and covering much of Europe, bringing bitter temperatures and snow. 

In 2024, Storm Caetano brought up to 20cm of snow across northern France, including flurries in Paris, Normandy, and Brittany. 

Looking further into the winter season, there are concerns that there will be an unseasonably early collapse of the polar vortex, which could see intense snow and cold weather in December and January across Europe.

More accurate forecasts will only be available closer to the season, and state forecaster Météo France has not indicated that it expects any major snowstorms in the coming weeks. 

It is worth noting that other weather models predict temperatures will stay at average levels across November from next week onwards, following a chilly start to the month. 

When do Haute-Savoie ski resorts open for the 2026-27 season? 

Chamonix, in Haute-Savoie, is among the earliest to open, although only two of its ski areas, Grands Montets and La Flégère, are planned to open on November 28.

Other resorts will follow in December, with some planning partial openings before the main ski season gets under way.

Flaine is scheduled to open on December 5, while Châtel and Les Contamines-Montjoie are also planning partial openings over the weekend of December 5 and 6.

At Châtel, the Linga and Pré-la-Joux areas are due to operate partially from December 11 to 18, with the full ski area scheduled to open on December 19.

Les Contamines-Montjoie also plans a partial opening from December 12 to 18, before its full ski area opens on December 19.

Avoriaz is scheduled to open on December 11, with the season expected to run until April 18, 2027.

La Clusaz plans an early opening of its Balme sector on December 5 and 6, followed by the main opening from December 12. Its Aiguille and Beauregard sectors are also due to open on December 12, while the Étale sector is scheduled to follow on December 19.

Le Grand-Bornand will offer a pre-opening on December 5 and 6, before its ski area opens continuously from December 12 until April 11, 2027.

Les Gets is planning a partial opening on December 12, with the full ski area due to open on December 19.

The ski area at Saint-Gervais is scheduled to open on December 12, with the season expected to continue until April 4, 2027.

The Grand Massif ski area, which includes Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt, will also reopen in stages. Flaine, as already mentioned, is due to open daily from December 5, followed by Les Carroz and Samoëns on December 12. Morillon and Sixt are scheduled to open on December 19.

Megève is scheduled to open on December 19, with its winter season expected to run until April 4, 2027.

The Les Houches-Saint-Gervais ski area is also due to open on December 19, although an earlier partial opening may be possible depending on snow conditions.

Other resorts are expected to open during December, including Le Semnoz on December 18 and Roc d'Enfer, in Saint-Jean-d'Aulps, on December 19.

The resorts of Abondance, Bellevaux-Hirmentaz, Bernex, Combloux, Cordon, La Chapelle-d'Abondance, Le Reposoir, Les Brasses, Mont-Saxonnex, Morzine, Praz de Lys Sommand, Praz-sur-Arly, Romme, Passy Plaine-Joux and Thollon-les-Mémises are also among those listed for December 19 openings.

Finally, Les Habères is expected to open on December 26.

However, before setting off on your winter adventure, it is important to check the resorts' official websites and social media channels, as opening dates could change depending on snowfall and weather conditions.