The event was presented by France Montagnes, an association that brings together the major players in the mountain tourism industry of France
France is all set to welcome visitors for the Winter Season 2024-25 in its mountain regions. As part of its activations of the season, a vibrant event was organised in London earlier this week, where British travel professionals were informed that the mountains of France are ready for another sparkling winter season that promise a wealth of ski and non-ski activities, accessibility for all, greener resorts and varied accommodation.
The event was presented by France Montagnes, an association that brings together the major players in the mountain tourism industry of France, alongside 19 partners, the event outlined key investments like new and reopening lifts and a ‘magic pass addition.’
The organisers told the participants that the new, faster and more comfortable Vallon gondola, with limited environmental impact, will open in the Val d’Isère ski area, taking passengers up to the Pisaillas glacier at 3,185 m in just six and a half minutes.
The statement adds that in Courchevel, another chic ski destination, the 120-capacity Saulire cable car is set to reopen in December, having been closed for the last three winter seasons.
Meanwhile, the traditional family-friendly resort of Thollon-les-Mémises, an hour’s drive from Geneva beside Lac Léman, has joined the huge ‘magic pass’ uniting 80 ski resorts, offering pass holders 1,500 km of pistes, two glaciers and 19 snowparks across both France and Switzerland.
Non-ski activities to try this winter
Saying that winter in French mountains was not just about skiing, the organisers also listed some of the non-ski activities to try from the wide range of activities. They say that thrill-lovers can test their nerve climbing a frozen waterfall in Peisey-Vallandry under the guidance of an instructor.
They add that speed demons should visit La Plagne, home to France’s only bobsleigh track. Visitors can descend this Olympic course at a top speed of around 80 km/hour.
For those who want to see the mountains from the inside, they can head to the Plateau des Petites Roches in the Isère department, where they can enjoy a day of caving in the Dent de Crolles.
If they prefer to stay outdoors, visitors can also go on a snowshoe hike in Les 2 Alpes under the ‘Esprit Parc National’ label to spot chamois in their natural winter habitat.
The organisers added that visitors must also experience the world of the trapper at 1,500 m in La Clusaz, staying in an authentic tipi in a forest of larch and spruce.
And in the neighbouring resort of Le Grand Bornand, with its traditional feel, farm visits and activities are available for young and old alike.
Fully accessible snowsports
French ski school ESF, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, has special equipment and trained instructors to enable all snow lovers to enjoy winter sports.
The statement adds that everyone is welcome in ESF, from people with intellectual disabilities such as autism and Down’s syndrome as well as the visually impaired and people with physical disabilities, whether temporary or permanent.
At Vaujany, eight instructors have already been trained in handiskiing, they can organise family outings and teach you to use the adapted equipment independently.
At Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, where inclusion is paramount, no fewer than 17 instructors are ready for fun sessions of handiskiing or handibathlon.
The statement adds that 39 ski lifts in Serre Chevalier are accessible to disabled skiers. For visitors from disadvantaged social backgrounds, there are opportunities to holiday off season, share large flats or stay in hostels in the satellite resorts of major ski areas, as well as take advantage of good deals with ‘tribe’ packages.
Atout France says that every year brings new and renovated properties to the French mountains. At the edge of the Vanoise National Park, Brides-les-Bains has added Villa Parcs’ Résidence Méri-Bellecombe, with 22 flats.
A new luxury accommodation will also open in Méribel this winter, namely the Fleur des Alpes. The iconic four-star La Chaudanne and five-star Le Kaïlav hotels are teaming up with the Lego brand to completely redesign their kids’ clubs. In Les Matins Bleus in Villard-de-Lans, Isère, visitors can receive a warm welcome from Madame Vergne and a choice of two rooms on the ground floor of her private home.
The organisers told the gathering that on the initiative of the Mountain Riders association, which has been fighting waste for 20 years, France Montagnes and other stakeholders signed the Montagne Zéro Déchet Sauvage charter in 2023.
They aim to end waste in the French mountains by 2030. In addition, 29 ski resorts have now been awarded the Flocon Vert label for their efforts to protect the mountains in a sustainable way.
For instance, the ski lifts at Les Sybelles run entirely on renewable energy. Les Arcs is the only destination to have a funicular linking the ski area to a station, allowing holidaymakers to leave the car at home.
Val Cenis was the first resort in France to invest in an entirely electric snow groomer and uses its own hydroelectric resources, fully renewable energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, they add.
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