Why France is the Alps top destination for skiers

Last winter was an exceptional winter for skiing in France. The 2024/25 ski season welcomed a remarkable 54.8 million skier visits, marking a 5.5% rise compared to the previous year. With these figures, France firmly holds its position as Europe’s #1 destination for skiers.

After a few turbulent years, marked by inconsistent snowfalls and pandemic-related challenges, this season has been nothing short of a comeback story. Early snowfalls, consistent cold temperatures, and a surge in international visitors all combined to make it one of the strongest winters France has seen in over a decade.

Snowfall Sets the Stage for Success

The season got off to an early and promising start. Heavy snow arrived in November, blanketing both high-altitude and lower-lying resorts with ideal early-season conditions. The reliable snow cover, followed by a long stretch of clear weather, helped sustain momentum right through the busy Christmas and February school holidays.

This perfect blend of snowfall and sunshine meant that French ski resorts from the Alps to the Pyrenees enjoyed strong visitor numbers all winter long.

A Boost from International Visitors

France’s ski resorts have always been a magnet for international skiers, and this season proved no different. Around 35% of skier days came from overseas visitors, reinforcing France’s reputation as Europe’s top skiing destination.

The British market remains one of the strongest, accounting for roughly 12% of total skier visits. British skiers continue to favour world-famous destinations like Val d’Isère, Courchevel, La Plagne, and Les Arcs, drawn by their reliability, scale, and excellent après-ski.

In contrast, US ski resorts saw only around 3% of skier visits from abroad, showing just how dominant France remains on the international stage.

Growth Across France’s Biggest and Best Ski Resorts

France is home to 282 ski resorts, ranging from small, family-run stations to the world’s largest interconnected ski areas. While smaller resorts saw solid growth, the big names once again took the lion’s share of visits.

Approximately 81% of all skier visits went to the large, internationally recognised resorts, with just 15 resorts accounting for 41% of total skier traffic.

That means destinations like Chamonix, Courchevel, Méribel, Avoriaz, Val Thorens, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, and Val d’Isère once again led the charge.

These resorts continue to attract skiers of all abilities thanks to their vast ski domains, high-altitude snow reliability, and investment in modern infrastructure. New lifts, upgraded hotels, and enhanced ski-in/ski-out accommodation options have made these resorts even more appealing to international visitors seeking high-quality ski holidays in France.

Club Med has made massive investments in the Alps recent years

Club Med, especially, has invested hundreds of Millions of Euros in its hotels in the Alps. The hugely popular Club Med resort in Alpe d’Huez saw a €85million upgrade last winter. Club Med remains one of the most popular operators in the Alps for the British market, who are the second biggest market for Club Med, behind only the French.

A Strong Rebound from the 2022–23 Season

Just two years ago, France’s ski industry was facing a dip in numbers after a tricky 2022/23 season that saw skier visits fall by 5.5% due to mild temperatures and patchy snow. This year’s results mark a clear recovery, showing the resilience and adaptability of the French ski market.

It’s a welcome return to growth for a country that once hit a record 57.9 million skier visits in 2012/13 before several years of stagnation. The renewed momentum suggests that France’s ski industry is not just back, it’s thriving.

Changing Holiday Patterns Extend the Season

Another interesting factor behind this season’s success was the shift in school holiday dates across the UK and parts of Europe. Changes to British and Flemish holiday schedules meant that more families travelled later into the spring, extending the busy period well into April and even early May.

Resorts like Tignes, Val Thorens, and Les Deux Alpes, which remain open late into the season, saw particularly strong numbers, proving that France continues to be one of the most flexible and dependable ski destinations for spring skiing.

Looking Ahead: France’s Ski Industry in Great Shape

With renewed confidence, strong snow conditions, and growing international demand, France’s ski resorts are well-positioned for continued success. The combination of world-class ski areas, modern facilities, and easy access from the UK makes France the top choice for many British skiers every winter.

With the 2024/25 season behind us, the numbers speak for themselves: France remains the heart of European skiing. From the glamour of Courchevel to the family-friendly pistes of La Plagne, and the high-altitude slopes of Val Thorens and Tignes, there’s never been a better time to book your next ski holiday in France.