No matter where you head in France for a backcountry skiing adventure, you are sure to be met with stunning scenery. From the rocky granite crags of the Pyrenees and the pristine Alpine lakes and valleys near Chamonix to the snow-capped mountains with distant sea views in Corsica, wherever you head in France, you won’t be left yearning for something more scenic.

Haute Route(s)

Perhaps the most famous backcountry skiing expedition of all time, the Haute Route stretches for 180 kilometers from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Many guides include a trip to the top of Mont Blanc in the itinerary, which takes between 5 and 7 days, too. It’s something that should be on every backcountry skiers itinerary. But wait, Corsica offers a much lesser known Haute Route that is much less classic, but no less fantastic.

Great variety

France is blessed with a huge variety of excellent skiing spots. The narrow valleys and tall mountains of the Pyrenees provide some exciting descents and give you the option of plenty variety in one range. Of course, the Alps offer plenty of different opportunities from minor peaks to the stunning summit of Mont Blanc. Corsica too offers great backcountry opportunities, with the option of a couple of different hut-to-hut treks through the Mediterranean island.

Great variety

Stunning scenery

Haute Route(s)

Great variety

Haute Route(s)

Great variety

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France is a very diverse backcountry skiing destination. This means that there is plenty to do here, from single-day backcountry expeditions to multi-day and week-long trips too.

In both the Alps and Pyrenees, you can also combine these trips with skiing in Switzerland and Italy or Spain too. This allows you to experience even more fantastic views and discover even more epic terrains.

Many backcountry skiers choose to parlay their trip into a ski mountaineering expedition to the summit of Mont Blanc too. This requires no technical mountaineering skills, but a high level of physical fitness. The views from the top are well worth the effort. Pic du Midi in the Pyrenees, Aiguille in Chamonix and Monte Renoso in Corsica are also popular backcountry skiing targets.

Good to Know

What’s the weather like?

During the winter the average daily temperature hovers just below freezing. This warms to just above freezing during the spring. However, as you get higher up in altitude the temperature dips well below freezing into the summer. While the winter and spring months are drier than the summer, there is still plenty of fresh powder for you to enjoy. Temperatures are slightly warmer in Corsica than mainland France, but still offer plenty of snow at higher altitudes.

How to get there:

This depends on where you’re headed. The Geneva International Airport (GVA) gets you closest to the French Alps. The Toulouse Blagnac International Airport (TLS) gets you closest to the Pyrenees. Arriving at the Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) gets you closest to Corsica. Many guides will meet you at the airport here, but in the other two spots, you’re likely no need to arrange transport from the airport to your final destination. Public transport in France is efficient, easy to use and pretty cheap.

Language:

French

Country Code:

+33

Currency:

Euro

Best time to visit:

December to April

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Backcountry Skiing trips – France

Discover the world’s most hallowed backcountry trails or discover some of France’s hidden gems on your skis!

Top Backcountry Skiing Trips in France

Chamonix, Vallée Blanche guided off-piste skiing

La Vallée Blanche Guided Ski Tour

1+ day Ski touring in Chamonix-Mont Blanc

La Grave and Serre Chevalier 6-day ski touring initiation

Freeride and Backcountry skiing in Val Thorens

The Haute Route, 7-day Ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt

6-day Altissima ski tour in Corsica

Periades route Ski touring trip, Chamonix

Classic ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt

Off piste skiing in the Vallee Blanche, in Chamonix

1+ day Ski touring in Val d'Isere (Espace Killy), French Alps

1-day Off piste skiing in Chamonix, Vallee Blanche

1+ day Freeride skiing in Meribel, Les 3 Vallées

1+ day Freeride skiing in Courchevel, Les 3 Vallées

Freeride skiing descent in the Vallée Blanche, from Courmayeur

5-day Ski touring course in Chamonix-Mont Blanc

La Grave and Alpe d'Huez freeride skiing

Off piste and ski touring in Alpe d'Huez

1-day off-piste skiing in Vallée Blanche of Chamonix, from Aiguille du Midi

Haute Route, 7-day ski touring from Chamonix to Zermatt

Haute Route des Ecrins ski touring traverse

7-Day Corsica Alta Strada ski touring trip

Chamonix-Zermatt, the Haute Route ski tour

3-day introduction to ski touring in Chamonix Valley

One week "piste to powder" in Chamonix

Ski mountaineering on Mont Blanc, 3-day Winter ascent

Powder Hunters: Freeride skiing in the best conditions

Haute Route: Ski traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt in 8 days

Freeride Week in Chamonix

Freeride skiing day on Mer de Glace, Chamonix-Mont Blanc (Valleé Blanche)

Getting the basics of ski touring in Chamonix

Ski touring in Vanoise, Roc de la Pêche

Mont Blanc, Alps, 2 Day Guided Ski touring Ascent

Chamonix Guided Splitboarding Tour

Megeve, French Alps, Guided Off-Piste Skiing

Megeve, French Alps, Guided Ski Touring

1+ day Freeride skiing in Les Arcs, Tarentaise Valley

1+ day Freeride skiing around Annecy

1+ day Freeride skiing in Val d'Isere (Espace Killy), French Alps

1+ day Ski touring in Tignes (Espace Killy), French Alps

1+ day Freeride skiing in Tignes (Espace Killy), French Alps

1+ day Freeride skiing at Le Grand Bornand, near Annecy

1+ day Freeride skiing at La Clusaz, close to Annecy

1+ day Ski touring in La Rosiere, Savoie (French Alps)

1+ day Freeride skiing at La Sambuy, close to Annecy

1+ day Ski touring in Sainte Foy, Tarentaise Valley

1+ day Freeride skiing in La Rosiere, Savoie (French Alps)

1+ day Ski touring in La Plagne, Tarentaise Valley

1+ day Freeride skiing in Sainte Foy, Tarentaise Valley

1+ day Freeride skiing La Plagne, Tarentaise Valley

1+ day Ski Touring around Chamonix

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Stunning scenery

Haute Route(s)

Great variety

Stunning scenery

Why choose Explore-Share.com?

Professional and Verified Local Guides

7000+ Outdoor Activities Worldwide

Online Customer Support 7 Days a Week

Secure Online Payment

More Info

Good to Know

What’s the weather like?

How to get there:

Language:

Country Code:

Currency:

Best time to visit:

What People are Saying

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Related Blogposts

Off-Piste Skiing in Haute Savoie: What Are the Best Resorts?