Best time of year to go skiing in France

A friend of mine from Iceland is planning to come visit me sometime this winter, to go skying in the Alps. I'm wondering what might be the best time of year for him to come?

I'we heard that January is rather cold. But the snow conditions should be excellent. February is supposed to be not as cold, but the slopes might be packed with kids in school vacations. Don't know about Mars though.

I'we been checking the average temperature in places like Chamonix, and there doesn't seem to be more than 2 degree difference between january and mars.

So what would you say. What months would you recommend for skyingin some of the ski resorts close to Paris/Geneva? Your free to take into account the weather, amount of people, and prices :)

Is it really that cold in January?

regards
Frímann

As your friend is from Iceland is it safe to assume he won't be that bothered by the cold?

That aside, a lot depends on his skiing level and his preferences - very cold temps can mean good snow, but not much fun for a beginner.

Personally I'd recommend he skis in December, January, February (except for the half-term holiday weeks), March and April. How long has he got?

Good call :) Well it is a general misunderstanding that Iceland is really that cold :) There is also something different in "our cold" than what people experience in canada or europe. Must be something with the amount of humidity in the air. So -5 degress in Iceland don't feel as cold as -5 degress in canada f.x.

But we are both pretty good skyers/snowboarders, and can probably take on most slopes. We will have something between 4 and 7 days on the slopes.

Admin wrote:As your friend is from Iceland is it safe to assume he won't be that bothered by the cold?

That aside, a lot depends on his skiing level and his preferences - very cold temps can mean good snow, but not much fun for a beginner.

Personally I'd recommend he skis in December, January, February (except for the half-term holiday weeks), March and April. How long has he got?

Hi,

Avoid all the bank holidays and school holidays and things will be great.

One day I hope to spend a season out in the alps.....and if the economy goes pear shaped early next year ( Santander don't look good )then next season it will be.... :D :D

Also if cold will or is a problem look for last minute deals at the very end of the season for particular resorts ( Les arcs last skiable day is 30th April I think , and Val D'Isere is around the 6th May ).

You can get some blinding deals , and also excellent snow in late April, but head high and snowsure ( pick somewhere high and if possible with a glacier ).

Have a great time , where ever you end up.

jon.

For the last 7 years or so I have been skiing in France, in January. Once very early (ie over New Year....never again..hangover was just too bad!) but normally the last week.

Weather has varied from very cold to unseasonably warm but I have always (with the exception of a few icy patches) had brilliant snow conditions.

If your friends are good skiers then the amount of skiing available to them and the snow conditions should probably outweigh the desire to sit in a deckchair outside a cafe and get a tan!!

If expense is not too much of an issue, go somewhere big (3VL, Paradiski, PDS or Chamonix valley etc) and get the miles under your bases!

Already looking forward to Les Coches on the 23rd Jan!!!

Hey guys,
I have been to France skiing 3 times,but this is what I found.
Christmas- we had good snow and wasn't too cold, but pretty busy and a bit more expensive.
Late January- great snow, nice and quiet, but pretty chilly.
Easter- nice and sunny, but again pretty busy and the snow was very slushy.
SoI guess like the other guys commented, it depends what kind of conditions your after. Any time you go is going to be warmer than Canada tho ;o)
Hope this helps,
Chaz.

Hi, I've done 7 seasons of skiing in Jan - all at the 3 valleys (VT) - All i can say is excellent!!! usually 1st or 2nd week in Jan.

January usually has the best conditions if you're looking for powder. First couple of weeks after the new year are usually really quiet.