French ski resorts set opening dates

French ski resorts have released their tentative opening dates for the 2026-2027 winter season, with many in the Northern Alps planning to start in late November or early December. These dates are based on the Passe Montagne calendar and other specialized sources.

Northern Alps open in late November

In the Northern Alps, Val Thorens and Orelle are set to open on November 21, with Val d'Isère and Les 2 Alpes expected to follow by the end of the month. These early openings reflect the higher altitudes of these resorts, which often receive snow earlier in the season.

Southern Alps and Haute-Savoie vary

In Haute-Savoie, Chamonix plans to open on November 28, while Flaine and Les Contamines-Montjoie are set for December 5. La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand aim to open on December 12, with the latter having a pre-opening on December 5 and 6 depending on snowfall.

Southern Alps and other regions follow

Southern Alps resort Montgenèvre is scheduled to open on November 28, with several other stations, including Auron and Serre Chevalier, opening by December 5. Other areas like Orcières Merlette and Superdévoluy-La Joue du Loup plan to start on December 12, while Queyras stations aim for December 19.

Pyrenees and other regions open in December

In the Pyrenees, Les Angles plans to open on November 27, while Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 and Ax 3 Domaines are set to begin in early December. In the Jura and Vosges regions, resorts like Monts Jura and Gérardmer aim for an opening on December 19.

Extended season for some high-altitude resorts

Several high-altitude resorts, including Val Thorens and Les 2 Alpes, plan to extend their season until May 2, 2027. Serre Chevalier, however, intends to close on April 18. These dates are subject to change based on snowfall and weather conditions.