Iglu Ski has researched the top destinations for skiing in France in April, and today confirms the top 8 in the country.
The team has multiplied the total number of bluebird (sunny) days with the average weekly snowfall (based on historical snowfall data*) to derive an April skiing score for each of the most popular French ski resorts.
The results show that Chamonix is top of the league for skiing in France in April.
Here’s how to get there: Iglu Ski offers 7 nights from £1,109 (was £1,268) per person based on two sharing a twin room with valley view, on half board at the 4* Hotel Les Aiglons, Chamonix, France, departing on April 6, 2024 from Manchester (+£100 Gatwick; +£100 Glasgow; +£100 Stansted; +£100 Birmingham; +£129 Leeds Bradford; +£169 Newcastle) and including transfers.
1. Chamonix – scores 173.6
Average weekly sunny days
6.2
Average weekly snowfall
28cm
Resort height: 1035m
Highest lift: 3777m
Average April snow depth: 119cm
Closing date: Early May
When it comes to sun and snow, Chamonix and its surrounding areas is the clear winner, offering not just an average 28cm of fresh powder per week, but a glorious 6.2 days of sun, 2.5 of which are bluebird powder days.
This traditional Alpine town is home to France’s oldest ski resort, and thanks to its lively après scene, it’s especially popular with off-pisters who like to unwind after a day of laying fresh tracks in the backcountry.
Advanced skiers will particularly enjoy Argentiere, which boasts mainly north-facing slopes that are open until early May, and Les Praz, which offers lift access to Chamonix’s more challenging runs.
2. Les Deux Alpes – scores 169
Average weekly sunny days
6.5
Average weekly snowfall
26cm
Resort height: 1651m
Highest lift: 3600m
Average April snow depth: 87cm
Closing date: Last week of April
Straddling two glorious peaks, the appropriately-named Les Deux Alpes really does offer something for everyone. Across its 200km of slopes, you’ll find excellent beginner routes, especially up on the glacier, as well as world-class freestyle and off-piste opportunities.
With mostly south-facing slopes, you’ll be able to make the most of the spring sunshine, whilst also enjoying its reliable snowfall.
3. Les Arcs – scores 147.2
Average weekly sunny days
6.4
Average weekly snowfall
23cm
Resort height: Arc 2000, Arc 1950, and Arc 1800 are the highest resort levels
Highest lift: 3250m
Average April snow depth: 204cm
Closing date: Late April
All linked by the Vanoise Express – an impressive double decker cable car – and an efficient transport network, Les Arcs and the Paradiski area offers a generous 425km of pistes, great for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
If you want maximum convenience, opt to stay in the popular Les Arcs 1800 village, with ski-in-ski-out chalets, great restaurants and plenty of family-friendly activities. The altitude promises snow, and there’s outstanding scenery to enjoy on those bluebird days.
4. La Rosière – scores 103
Average weekly sunny days
4.7
Average weekly snowfall
22cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 2800m
Average April snow depth: 164cm
Closing date: Mid-April
If you’re planning an Easter holiday trip, La Rosière is perfect for families. This quieter, relatively small resort forms the San Bernardo ski area with La Thuile in Italy, offering mostly nursery, blue and red runs across its 160km of slopes.
La Rosière has a great track record for snow all season and thanks to the lack of crowds, the powder doesn’t get as churned up as other French resorts, making it a great choice for an April ski holiday.
5. La Plagne – scores 81.6
Average weekly sunny days
4.8
Average weekly snowfall
17cm
Resort height: 2100m
Highest lift: 3250m
Average April snow depth: 162cm
Closing date: Late April
La Plagne is the quieter, often cheaper, and more family-friendly part of the Paradiski area. Catering to all abilities, there’s challenging terrain to be found up near the glacier, while wide blues and reds across the rest of the resort keep intermediates and beginners happy.
While there’s après to be found, jump on the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs if you’re after some proper early afternoon partying (the Folie Douce starts bouncing from lunch time), and to enjoy the full 425km of slopes.
Just make sure you return to Peisey Vallandry in time for the last Vanoise Express lift back to La Plagne.
6. Alpe d’Huez – scores 80
Average weekly sunny days
4
Average weekly snowfall
20cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 3300m
Average April snow depth: 95cm
Closing date: Mid-April
With an average 300 days of sunshine per year, 249km of south-facing slopes, and an impressive altitude, Alpe d’Huez is a great April ski destination for sun-seekers. It offers runs for all abilities, as well as 4 snow parks for the freestyle-inclined, and a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants, cinemas, and more.
7. Val d’Isère – scores 74.4
Average weekly sunny days
2.4
Average weekly snowfall
31cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 3450m
Average April snow depth: 276cm
Closing date: Early May
Val d’Isère offers a vast 300km ski area, great snow year round and a buzzing après scene. A pretty Alpine town, its reputation as a high-end ski destination is deserved, but there’s still a variety of accommodation on offer and good deals to be found.
Val d’Isère is linked to the even loftier (and therefore often cloudier) resort of Tignes, which is more beginner friendly and tends to be more affordable. With the lower slopes in Val d’Isère getting quite slushy and mogul-heavy towards the end of the day, head up high to enjoy the best of the April conditions.
8. Val Thorens – scores 63.8
Average weekly sunny days
2.9
Average weekly snowfall
22cm
Resort height: 2300m
Highest lift: 3230m
Average April snow depth: 183cm
Closing date: Early May
As it stands, Val Thorens comes in at number 8, thanks to its fantastic snow record but not so great clear skies – fair weather skiers will likely need to weigh up powder vs visibility here. A vast ski area with plentiful high altitude skiing, in addition to an abundance of bars and things to do, Val Thorens really is the full package.
Gordon Ritter, Head of Product and Commercial at Iglu Ski says, ‘With generous snow falls, plenty of sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, a variety of slopes and freestyle fun, there’s something for everyone across the 8 featured resorts. It means that if you are planning an April skiing trip to France, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to deciding on where to go.
If you are less concerned about the sun and more concerned about the snow conditions, you may wish to look at Val Thorens and Tignes – France’s highest resorts. They receive a fantastic amount of fresh snow in April, however are less sunny, making them less attractive to fair weather skiers.
Do remember that April skiing can vary from season to season and low altitude slopes can be unreliable when it comes to snow conditions. However, venture a bit further up, or head to the glaciers or north-facing slopes and you’re sure to find fantastic spring skiing’.
