Freeride: opening dates of the ski resorts 2025/2026

Can’t wait to carve through powder fields and perfect your tricks in the snowpark? Whether you're a fan of off-piste descents, ski touring or freestyle jumps, we’ve gathered the 2025-2026 ski resort opening dates to help you plan your next mountain getaway. Here are some key dates to mark on your calendar!

• Alpe d'Huez: 12/06/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Avoriaz: 12/12/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Chamonix: 11/22/2025 - 05/02/2026
• Chamrousse: 11/29/2025 - 04/05/2026
• Courchevel: 12/05/2025 - 04/19/2026
• La Plagne: 12/13/2025 - 04/26/2026
• La Rosière: 12/13/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Les 2 Alpes: 11/29/2025 - 05/03/2026
• Les Arcs: 12/13/2025 - 04/26/2026
• Les Gets: 12/13/2025 - 04/05/2026
• Méribel: 12/06/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Montchavin: 12/13/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Peisey-Vallandry: 12/13/2025 - 04/25/2026
• Sainte Foy Tarentaise: 12/06/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Serre-Chevalier: 12/06/2025 - 04/19/2026
• Tignes: 11/22/2025 - 05/03/2026
• Val d'Isère: 11/29/2025 - 05/03/2026
• Val Thorens: 11/22/2025 - 05/03/2026

Early Opening

November 22, 2025

From 11/22, grab your ski gear, fasten your helmet and head straight to the slopes of Tignes and Val Thorens! 

Perched at high altitude, Tignes often opens its slopes as early as November, offering snow enthusiasts an early start to exceptional ski conditions. This resort, located near Val d'Isère, offers a vast playground ideal for adventure-hungry skiers and snowboarders. 
Similarly, Val Thorens – the highest ski resort in Europe – stands out by opening early in the season, generally from late November. Thanks to its high elevation, Val Thorens guarantees optimal snow conditions, allowing skiers to enjoy perfect slopes long before winter officially begins. These two destinations offer a unique opportunity for winter sports lovers to experience breathtaking scenery and outstanding snow before the season is in full swing.

Dates to Remember

November 29, 2025

The Val d’Isère ski area will open on 11/29. Known for its vast off-piste terrain, Val d'Isère attracts freeride enthusiasts from around the world. Skiers can expect excellent conditions from early December, when the resort fully opens. Discover all our ski gear for your holidays in our Val d’Isère ski hire shops. 

In early December, head to the 3 Vallées ski area. This long-awaited date will mark the start of the winter season for the iconic resorts of Courchevel and Méribel. Both destinations will welcome snow lovers eager to enjoy the first runs of the year. 
Courchevel, renowned for its elegance and varied ski area, offers skiers a wide range of experiences – from family slopes to thrilling freeride zones. 
Méribel, meanwhile, captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes and diverse trails. The date of December 5 symbolises the start of a promising season, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to explore the snowy slopes of these two exceptional resorts.

In the Isère region, Les 2 Alpes – famous for its extensive ski area and unique glacier in Europe – will also welcome snow enthusiasts, with slopes ranging from beginner to expert level. Likewise, Chamrousse, located near Grenoble, offers spectacular panoramas and runs suitable for all abilities.

November 29 will thus mark the beginning of a season full of adventure, where winter sports lovers can dive into the magic of the mountains from the very first snowfalls.

December 6, 2025

December 6, 2025, will mark the long-awaited start of the ski season for several key destinations in the French Alps, perfect for freeride enthusiasts. Serre-Chevalier, Sainte Foy Tarentaise and Méribel will offer unique opportunities for off-piste skiing, with exciting freeride routes and forested areas ideal for exploration. 
Serre-Chevalier, renowned for its varied terrain, Méribel, part of the prestigious 3 Vallées ski area, and Sainte Foy Tarentaise, with its authentic charm, are all must-visit destinations for skiers in search of exceptional freeride experiences. The date of December 6 marks the beginning of a promising season, perfect for unforgettable moments in the French Alps.

December 13, 2025

December 13, 2025, will signal the long-awaited launch of the winter season for several ski resorts, including La Rosière, Les Arcs, La Plagne and Montchavin in the Northern Alps, as well as Les Gets and Avoriaz in Haute-Savoie. 

For freeride lovers, these resorts offer an incredible playground with thrilling off-piste routes. Avoriaz and Les Gets combine village charm with diverse ski areas, while La Rosière, Les Arcs and La Plagne promise exciting adventures across breathtaking alpine landscapes. 

December 13 marks the start of a season full of emotion, giving freeride skiers the opportunity to explore these exceptional destinations and fully embrace their passion for the mountains.

Tips for Freeride and Snowpark Enthusiasts

Whether you’re into freeride skiing, ski touring or freestyle, these resorts offer endless possibilities. Make sure to regularly check snow conditions and explore off-piste routes safely. Well-maintained snowparks also guarantee pure fun for freestyle lovers and trick enthusiasts.