Latest in France

Tignes Could Lose Summer Skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier Within a Decade

Tignes has long been known for summer skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier, more than 3,450 metres up in the French Alps, but resort officials now say that may not last another decade. Altta chairman Clement Colin told AFP the glacier is losing 2 to 4 metres of thickness a year and could be almost completely melted within ten years. The resort's summer season has already shrunk to a single month, ticket sales are down, and Tignes is now planning for life after glacier skiing.

Resort Spotlight: Grands Montets (Chamonix) - Chamonix's Steep Learning Curve

Grands Montets offers 1,513 metres of vertical in the Chamonix Valley, with nearly half its terrain marked advanced or expert. The catch: when it's good, it's very good - but this is a mountain that closes sectors regularly, and you'll need to plan around both weather and lift operations.

Tomorrowland Winter Returns to Alpe d'Huez in 2027 - Dates Confirmed

Tomorrowland Winter is coming back. The seventh edition of the ski and electronic music festival is confirmed for Alpe d'Huez from March 20 to 27, 2027. Skiing and snowboarding during the day, international DJs across mountain and village stages at night. Pre-registration for tickets and packages is open now.

One&Only to Open Luxury Resort at Courchevel 1850 in 2030

Ultra-luxury hotel brand One&Only is coming to Courchevel 1850, with a new resort scheduled to open in 2030 on the site of the historic Courcheneige Hotel in the Jardin Alpin enclave. The development will include a hotel, spa, dining venues, and a limited collection of branded private residences - with direct ski-in/ski-out access onto the Bellecôte piste.

Why North American Ski Resorts Don't Invest in Lifts Like Europe Does

In the 2025/26 season, the four core Alpine nations spent $1.09 billion on new lift infrastructure. North America managed $317 million. That's a 3.4x gap - and it has nothing to do with snow quality or resort size. After building a database of 226 new lift installations across 32 countries and a full financial comparative report, the answer comes down to ownership structures, regulatory constraints, and 150 years of European mountain history that North America simply doesn't have.

European Alps Snow Forecast: 20-30cm Expected This Week

A modest cold front will deliver snow to high-altitude European resorts from Monday through Thursday, with the western and southern Alps favoured. Val Thorens and Cervinia could see up to 30cm, while many Austrian resorts miss out entirely. Snow levels fluctuate between 1,800-2,400 metres.

Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading

The 2024-25 ski season set a new global record with 399 million skier visits worldwide - more people on snow than ever before. Nine countries account for nearly 80% of that total, with the US, France, and Austria holding the top three spots. Japan posted the biggest jump of any major market, driven largely by Australian and North American visitors chasing powder.

British Snowboarder Found Dead After Fall in Off-Piste Area at La Plagne

A 43-year-old British snowboarder has died after falling more than 100 metres from a rocky ledge in the Bécoin sector of La Plagne, France. He is the second Briton to die at the resort this season, as France's off-piste death toll continues to climb.

Tomorrowland Winter 2026 Returns to Alpe d'Huez With New Stages and 100+ Artists

Tomorrowland Winter is back at Alpe d'Huez for its sixth edition, bringing more than 22,000 attendees, over 100 artists across seven stages, a brand-new Mainstage, and the debut of the Orbyz stage at 2,100 metres. Here's what to expect from one of the more unusual things you can do on a ski mountain.

Les 2 Alpes Extends Season Through July, But Is Summer Glacier Skiing Worth It?

Les 2 Alpes operates its glacier terrain until 5 July with discounted passes, positioning itself as a rare summer skiing option in the Alps. Whether the reduced terrain and conditions justify the trip depends largely on what you're after.

French Ski Resorts Maintain €555 Million Investment Despite Rising Cost Pressures

French ski resorts invested €555 million in 2025, matching last year's spend but masking a harder reality: the same money now buys less infrastructure as equipment costs outpace lift ticket prices and regulatory requirements multiply.

Europe's 2025–26 Avalanche Season: 119 Deaths and Why the Mountains Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Europe's 2025–26 avalanche season has become one of the deadliest in modern history, with 119 confirmed deaths before the end of February and the season still far from over. A buried weak layer formed in December, combined with successive storms dumping metres of snow on top of it, has created conditions that aren't visible from the surface. Here's a full breakdown of what happened, why, and what it means if you're planning a trip to the Alps.

One Lift Ticket, Two Countries: Skiing the Aosta Valley and Accidentally Ending Up in France

What started as a straightforward ski day at Pila in Italy's Aosta Valley turned into an unplanned cross-border adventure — ski boots, bad visibility, and all. Here's how one lost bag led to an accidental day on the slopes of La Rosière, France.

Val d'Isère Avalanche Deaths Raise Questions About Off-Piste Guiding During Red Alerts

Two British skiers died in a Val d'Isère avalanche whilst skiing off-piste with a guide during a rare red avalanche alert. French authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation into the incident that killed Stuart Leslie, 46, and Shaun Overy, 51.

Three Experienced Freeriders Die in Val Veny Avalanche Near Courmayeur

A level 4 avalanche in the Ves Canal claimed three lives on 15 February, bringing Italy's season death toll to 25—well above the decade average. The incident occurred on a popular freeride route despite clear warnings about dangerous conditions.

Val d'Isère Avalanche Kills Three Skiers as Storm Nils Batters the French Alps

Three skiers — two British nationals and one French citizen — were killed after an avalanche swept through the Manchet valley near Val d'Isère on Friday, 13 February 2026. The incident occurred during a period of severe weather driven by Storm Nils, which had already prompted multiple French resorts to close their pistes. A manslaughter investigation is now underway.

Level 5 Avalanche Alert Forces Major French Resort Closures During Peak Season

La Plagne, Les Arcs, and multiple other French ski resorts have shut down entirely as authorities issue a rare 5/5 avalanche danger rating. With over 60 deaths recorded across the Alps this season, the closures highlight the severe instability affecting Europe's ski regions during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Courchevel Hotel Fire Displaces 250 Guests as Firefighters Battle Blaze for 15+ Hours

A fire that started Tuesday evening at Hôtel des Grandes Alpes in Courchevel 1850 spread to neighbouring buildings, forcing evacuations of 250 guests and staff. More than 110 firefighters battled the blaze for over 15 hours, with operations complicated by the building's double roof structure.

Guide Dies in La Plagne Avalanche as Two Slides Hit Bellecôte Couloir

A professional ski guide has died following an avalanche that buried four skiers in the Rodzins Couloir at La Plagne on Boxing Day. The incident involved two separate slides and highlights ongoing risks in off-piste terrain despite moderate avalanche ratings.

British Skier Dies in Off-Piste Fall at Les Arcs: Early Season Risks Highlighted

A 24-year-old British skier has died after falling several hundred metres in a steep couloir above Arc 2000. The accident underscores the heightened dangers of off-piste skiing in early season conditions, when shallow snowpack and hard surfaces turn falls into life-threatening events.

French Underdog Takes First World Cup Win as Belgium Claims Historic Slalom Podium in Gurgl

The FIS Slalom World Cup in Gurgl delivered an unexpected shake-up as France's Paco Rassat claimed his first career win and Belgium's Armand Marchant secured his country's first-ever World Cup podium. With established contenders faltering on a technical second run, the result raises questions about form heading into the season.

Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26

Les Portes du Soleil, the cross-border ski area straddling France and Switzerland, is rolling out several upgrades for the 2025-26 season. While some improvements offer genuine benefits, others seem more focused on marketing hype than enhancing the skiing experience.

The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

This season brings 246 new ski lift installations across North America and Europe - the biggest infrastructure boom in years. From the 65 North American upgrades and 181 European installations, we've picked the 35 coolest projects worth planning trips around. From Deer Valley's unprecedented seven-lift expansion to Switzerland's world-first Tri-Line gondola technology, here are the game-changing upgrades that'll transform your mountain experience.

Les Arcs Unveils New Gondola and Zero Carbon Bistro for 2026

Les Arcs is set to introduce a high-speed gondola in Villaroger and open a zero carbon bistro for the 2026 season, alongside other developments aimed at enhancing the ski experience and addressing environmental concerns.

Eurostar Snow Train Expands Service: A Critical Look at UK-Alps Ski Travel

Eurostar's expanded Snow train service for 2025-26 promises easier access to French Alps resorts. But what does this really mean for UK skiers and riders?

Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits

The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.

Unexpected July Snowfall in French Alps

A recent cold snap has brought snow to the French Alps in July, with snowfall recorded at altitudes above 2,300m. This unusual weather event has captured attention, though experts note it's not unprecedented for the region.

Summer Skiing Returns to Tignes' Grande Motte Glacier

Tignes reopens its Grande Motte glacier for summer skiing, joining other Alpine resorts offering high-altitude snow sports amidst warm weather challenges.

Summer Skiing Returns to Val d'Isère's Pisaillas Glacier

Val d'Isère's Pisaillas Glacier opens for summer skiing from June 7 to July 6, 2025. Skiers can access slopes above 3,000 meters via the Col de l'Iseran, Europe's highest paved pass.

Top 13 Priciest European Ski Property Markets Revealed

UBS study uncovers soaring prices in Alpine ski home markets, with Swiss resorts leading in cost and French destinations boasting the largest markets.

Global Ski Tourism: Top 9 Countries by Annual Skier Visits

Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.

Les Deux-Alpes: Skiing Until July in the French Alps

Les Deux-Alpes ski resort in France is extending its winter sports season until July, offering skiers and riders the opportunity to hit the slopes well into summer at high altitudes.

Climate Change Forces Closure of French Pyrenees Ski Resort

Hautacam ski resort in the French Pyrenees announces permanent closure of winter skiing operations due to recurring snow shortages and financial losses, highlighting the impact of climate change on mid-altitude ski areas.

Tragic Loss: 18-Year-Old French Ski Champion Dies in Training Accident

Margot Simond, a promising young French ski champion, tragically lost her life during a training session in Val d'Isère. The skiing community mourns the loss of this talented athlete.

Late-Season Skiing: Where to Find Snow in May 2025

As many ski resorts close after Easter, some high-altitude destinations remain open into May. Learn which resorts still offer skiing and what conditions to expect for late-season snow sports.

Fatal Avalanche at Val Thorens Entrance During Heavy Snowfall

A 27-year-old British man has died in an avalanche at Val Thorens, France, amidst severe weather conditions that have closed ski resorts across the Alps.

Swiss Alps Hit by Massive 89-Inch Snowfall in 48 Hours

Switzerland's Simplon region experiences record-breaking snowfall, with 89 inches falling in just two days at Bortelsee station, setting new national records for short-term snow accumulation.

Val Thorens Avalanches: Ski Area Closure and Critical Injury

Multiple avalanches in Val Thorens, France, have led to the closure of the ski area and left one person critically injured. Local authorities have raised the avalanche risk to its maximum level.

Massive Spring Snowstorm: Over 2 Metres (6.5 Feet) of Fresh Powder Heading to European Alps

A significant spring snowstorm is set to blanket the European Alps this week, with forecasts predicting up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) of fresh powder at high-elevation ski resorts. Southern and western Alpine regions will receive the heaviest snowfall, with Zermatt, Saas Fee, and Gressoney-la-Trinite topping the charts for projected accumulation.

Summer Skiing in French Alps: 2025 Plans Unveiled

Three French ski resorts have announced their summer skiing schedules for 2025, offering skiers and riders the chance to hit the slopes well after the traditional winter season ends.

Skiing in Europe Is Amazing, But Which Pass Takes You Further

Planning a ski trip to the Alps? This guide breaks down the European resort access offered by major ski passes, helping you choose the best option for your Alpine adventure.

Les 2 Alpes: A Spring Skiing Mecca with Impressive Snow Depths

Les 2 Alpes boasts exceptional snow conditions this April, with over 5 metres of cumulative snow at 2,600m altitude. Discover why spring skiing here offers a perfect blend of great snow, sunny days, and fewer crowds.

2024-2025 Ski Season Chairlift Incidents Review

The 2024-2025 ski season saw an unusual concentration of chairlift malfunctions across global ski resorts, raising important questions about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. From mechanical failures to weather-related accidents, these incidents highlight the critical importance of ongoing vigilance at ski resorts worldwide.

French Ski Legend Candide Thovex Honoured with Named Run at La Clusaz

Legendary freeskier Candide Thovex has been honoured by his home resort La Clusaz with a ski run bearing his name. The newly designated run is located in the Massif de Balme sector where Thovex first developed his revolutionary skiing style and filmed many of his most famous segments.

Revolutionary New Ski Lifts in Europe 2024: 8 Game-Changing Mountain Transport Systems

From the world's steepest aerial tramway in Switzerland to the innovative "Ropetaxi" in LAAX, Europe's ski resorts are unveiling groundbreaking lift technologies for 2024/25. Discover how these engineering marvels are transforming the mountain experience with faster speeds, greater comfort, and enhanced sustainability.

Val d’Isère Winter 2024/2025: What’s New This Season

Les 2 Alpes: Transformative Upgrades Redefine French Ski Resort for 2024-2025

Val d’Isère Unveils New Gondola for Fast Access to Pisaillas Glacier

Top 5 Longest Ski Lifts in the World: Engineering Marvels Of The Resorts

Eurostar Snow Train: Your Express Route to French Alpine Ski Resorts

French Alps and Salt Lake City Secure 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics Hosting Rights

French Ski Resort Closes Down Due To Lack Of Snow

The closure of La Sambuy ski resort near Annecy in the French Alps, after 60 years of operation, highlights the profound impact of climate change on winter sports. Last year, a mere four-week ski season due to a lack of snow prompted the resort's decision to dismantle its iconic ski lifts. Rising temperatures, diminishing snowfall, and financial constraints were cited as the main culprits. The town council's move to indefinitely close the lifts in June, effective September 10th, marked a shift away from a summer tourism-centric model previously adopted to offset winter losses.