French ski season runs late November to early May. Each resort opens and closes on a different schedule. School holidays are 2× busy and 30–50% pricier. Use this to pick the right week.
Two expensive mistakes: 1) Going during school holidays (zone A/B/C different weeks) — double the price, packed lifts. 2) Going in November or May expecting full ski area — only glacier resorts are open (Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, Val Thorens).
The peak "best snow" window is mid-February to mid-March. The cheapest is January (excluding Christmas/New Year) and early April. December is gambling on early snow.
Snow reliability, lift status, and what's typically open for your month.
School holiday calendar (zones A/B/C) and resort popularity.
Ski pass + accommodation estimate for your window.
Alpe d'Huez (gentle wide slopes), Les 2 Alpes (good ski school), Val Thorens (high altitude means reliable snow for learning). Avoid Chamonix for first-timers — too steep.
Best off-piste in the world, but serious. Need a certified guide (€300–€600/day), avalanche gear, and significant experience. The Vallée Blanche is iconic but extreme.
Half of France is on the slopes during school holidays. Lifts queue 20–40 min, restaurants packed, accommodation 50–80% more expensive. Best avoided unless you have kids.