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For its proximity to the UK, the scope, scale and variety of its terrain and the quality of tuition, snow parks, nightlife and off piste available there, France attracts countless British skiers each year. Many of the country’s ski resorts even regularly rank among the very best in the world. It seems that when it comes to resort choice for forthcoming winter ski seasons, many Brits just can’t forego the Gallic charm of our neighbours across the Channel.
International relations on the slopes
Anglo-French relations are generally very good when it comes to the slopes, and the mutual benefits of a healthy ski tourism industry are obvious for both countries. Last year saw a heated court case, which continues into this coming winter, regarding the legality of UK tour operators’ ski hosting services. The case made many observers think more UK skiers would turn their attentions to Austria, Italy and Switzerland this year, but France’s ski resorts remain hugely attractive to British skiers and snowboarders. According to research reported by Snow Magazine, during the 2012/13 season “France continued to be the most popular destination for Brits – up .2% to 34.8%” and the trend looks likely to continue.
Season’s duration, climate and ski conditions
Although it varies from winter to winter and season to season depending on conditions, a general rule of thumb is that the lifts open one or two weeks before the Christmas week, and run until the end of April. Some of the higher resorts continue into May, but the end of April is generally considered the end of the season.
Through December, January and into February resorts in the French Alps such as Méribel see large dumps of snow which build the base layer atop the slopes and ensure coverage through till the end of the season. Skiers out in these conditions need to be wrapped up exceptionally warm as temperatures can get bitterly cold. It’s generally fine when you’re skiing but sitting on a chairlift in a freezing wind is miserable unless you’re well protected from the elements. If skiing in falling snow, goggles with a lighter tint are the best in order to maximise visibility. Bluebird days of clear, bright skies regularly follow heavy dumps of fresh snow – ideal conditions for off piste skiers.
Into late February and into the spring months of March and April, conditions change dramatically in the French Alps. With slightly higher temperatures skiers don’t have to wrap up quite so much, and many people opt for sunglasses over goggles. Skiers deciding to keep their goggles tend to use darker shades with higher UV protection to guard against the dazzling snow.
It’s easy to underestimate the snowfall across the Alps over the March and April weeks. The fact is that for many skiers, the spring months are the best time to head out to the mountains. Warmer climate and softer snow mean conditions can be wonderful, and spring dumps of fresh snow remain common. The only thing to be wary of is that the snowpack is less stable in spring, because the melting base layer isn’t quite as strong.
Any visitors to the French Alps can check on snow and weather conditions any time throughout the season, and resorts such as Méribel are comprehensively monitored for slope and lift statistics, and weather.
Events throughout the season
With so many keen snow lovers and such an international atmosphere, many French ski resorts pack their calendars with festivals, competitions, gigs and events throughout the winter season. Although larger resorts such as Val d’Isère, Méribel, St Anton or Zermatt are generally busier, smaller resorts often get just as involved!
Ibiza Rocks the Snow is new to Méribel this coming winter, and will see the vibrancy and hedonism of Ibiza brought to Méribel for three separate weeks of winter; 14th December 2013, 8th February and 29th March 2014. Anybody in resort over these weeks can look forward to street festivities, theme nights, pool parties and international DJ sets across the resort’s many bars and clubs. Up on the slopes, a huge kicker will be constructed and a ‘big air’ competition held. If you’re heading down for the festival and are looking for a place to stay, you can visit http://www.skichaletsmeribel.co.uk/.
In Val d’Isère, this coming season’s annual Frost Gun Invitational is taking place on the 12th to 14th and 26th to 28th February, 2014. Warm up events around town featuring international DJs are followed by one of the biggest freestyle competitions in Europe, and it all takes place on the Bellevarde piste near resort centre. The after parties are usually held in the resort’s own Club Doudounne, and are legendary!
Author: Maria Bain is a Brighton based travel writer with a number of years experience in the industry. When she isn’t jet setting across the globe, Maria enjoys sharing her experiences with others to help them plan their next holiday.