Skiing in May? Believe It! Five French Resorts Defying Summer’s Advance
While much of France enjoys balmy temperatures and sun-drenched beaches, a select group of skiers and snowboarders are still carving turns in the high Alps. Defying the early May heatwave, five resorts are offering surprisingly good conditions, proving that winter isn’t quite ready to relinquish its grip on the highest peaks. The unexpected snowfall in mid-April replenished the snowpack, providing a late-season boon for snow sports enthusiasts.
These die-hard skiers and snowboarders, along with those who simply crave the breathtaking beauty of snow-covered mountains, can enjoy the slopes until this Sunday, May 4th. Many high-altitude areas remain open, offering discounted lift tickets and a festive atmosphere as resorts prepare to wind down the winter season. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding alongside the vibrant energy of end-of-season celebrations.
Val Thorens in the 3 Valleys: A Grand Finale
The renowned 3 Valleys resort, famous for being among the first to open each winter alongside Tignes, is also one of the last to close its slopes. The resort hosts "La Grande Dernière" (The Grand Last), a well-established event that marks the end of the season with a bang. This year’s edition promises a plethora of free activities, including a giant barbecue, food trucks, inflatable games for children, and a thrilling waterslide event where participants ski at full speed to attempt crossing a pool of water.
Adding to the excitement, the "Big Der" derby race will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, attracting at least 300 skiers and snowboarders. This challenging course descends the slopes of Péclet, covering 3 kilometers of terrain and a vertical drop of 675 meters. Despite the warm temperatures at lower altitudes, the base of the station (2300m) still boasts a snow depth of approximately 1.20 meters. While some sectors located further south, such as Boismint and Plan d’eau, are closed, the vast majority of the ski area remains open.
A daily adult lift ticket costs €68, granting access to over forty open pistes.
Tignes: Electro Beats and Glacier Runs
Tignes, known for its high-altitude skiing and vibrant atmosphere, offers excellent conditions on and around the Grande Motte glacier. Skiers can enjoy access to Val d’Isère through the linked ski area, ensuring a diverse and expansive terrain to explore. This weekend in Haute-Tarentaise promises both great skiing and a lively après-ski scene.
The resort is hosting the inaugural "Tignes Unlimited" electro music festival, featuring concerts and DJ sets throughout the day and night, both indoors and outdoors. The festival adds another dimension to the end-of-season skiing experience, providing a unique blend of mountain adventure and musical revelry.
A daily adult lift ticket costs €57 for Tignes alone and €61 for the linked Tignes-Val d’Isère area.
Val d’Isère: Ski, Chill, and Eastern Snow Returns
Val d’Isère adopts a "ski and chill" approach to its late-season offerings, appealing to those who want to maximize both slope time and relaxation. While some may frown at the casual use of English phrases, the end-of-season plan in Haute Tarentaise is clear. The resort boasts a significant portion of its terrain still open, approximately 70%, which has been further enhanced by the new Vallon gondola lift. This lift provides easier access to the high-altitude Pisaillas sector (up to 3400m), known for its excellent snow conditions thanks to favorable eastern snow returns.
Beyond the slopes, visitors can enjoy the resort’s numerous open shops and restaurants, which offer special deals and menus tailored to the end of the season. The resort is also hosting various animations and events, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
A daily adult lift ticket costs €57 for Val d’Isère alone (€40 for the Solaise sector only) and €61 for the linked Tignes-Val d’Isère area.
Chamonix: Unbeatable Value and Freeride Fun
The renowned resort of Chamonix, known for its challenging terrain and stunning views, keeps 75% of its ski area open until the end of the day on Sunday, offering an incredibly affordable option for late-season skiing. A daily adult lift ticket costs a mere €10.
This weekend, the resort hosts a "freeride day," included in the price of the lift ticket, running from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The event features various activities, including a waterslide, a zipline, food vendors, and DJ sets, adding an extra layer of excitement to the skiing experience.
Les 2 Alpes: Glacier Skiing and High-Altitude Dining
Les 2 Alpes in the Oisans region offers skiers the chance to experience late-season skiing on its glacier, with a skiable area between 2600 and 3400 meters. The resort’s investment in the new Jandri Express lift, the most significant upgrade to its lift infrastructure, provides easy access to the glacier. Approximately 60% of the ski area remains open.
Several animations are planned throughout the weekend, particularly at the high-altitude restaurant located at 3200 meters, which remains open for a significant portion of the year. Skiers can enjoy a meal with breathtaking views, making for a memorable end-of-season experience.
A daily adult lift ticket costs €53.5.
In conclusion, while summer may be beckoning in the lowlands, the French Alps offer a surprising opportunity for late-season skiing and snowboarding. With excellent snow conditions, discounted lift tickets, and festive events, these five resorts provide a unique and memorable experience for those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to winter. And as a bonus for the 2025 winter season a new overnight train will link Paris to the Alps.
