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.
Country Code:
+33
Currency:
Euro
Language:
French
Best time to visit:
December to April
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
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
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.