With more Austrian, Italian and Swiss ski areas set to open in October and 20 glacier and snow-farmed centres expected to be open in those three nations this weekend, France is conspicuously absent in terms of having anywhere open to ski yet of the 'big 4' ski nations in the Alps.
There are no plans for anywhere to open there for another fortnight either, with Tignes having given up on early Autumn opening last year and Les 2 Alpes giving up on its attempts to open for a fortnight's glacier skiing in late October and early November after the French Alps suffered a series of dry autumns that left them both having to cancel opening plans. Ironically this year conditions are quite snowy on the country's glaciers, as across the Alps, after big mid-September falls have been followed by further fresh snow top ups, although the past fortnight has been largely dry and sunny.
Currently the French season is due to begin on 23rd November with Chamonix, Tignes and Val Thorens aiming to open then.
Val Thorens kicks off the winter season with its La Grande Première weekend on November 23rd and 24th, 2024. The program includes free ski and snowboard tests, festive events, concerts, a raclette party, and an expo village showcasing the latest gear.
The weekend will also see the resort unveil the new multi-service Caron 3200 complex at 3200m, with wine bar and restaurant and featuring a 360° panoramic view of over 1000 summits.
The full 3 Valleys is scheduled to open from December 7th.
Image credit: L.Brochot - OT Val Thorens