The ski resorts most popular with tourists during the months of December and February

IN BRIEF Popular Destinations: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère Popular Resorts: Hauteluce, Montgenèvre, La Rosière, Avoriaz, Vars Increase in Searches: 30 to 40% compared to the previous year Other Destinations: Hautes-Pyrénées, Vosges, Puy-de-Dôme, Jura Snow Levels: Major criteria for travelers Accessibility: Well served by roads, trains, and planes Diverse Activities: Skiing, hiking, dog sledding Authentic Villages: Offers relaxation and varied services International Tourists: Increase in Americans in France Advance Reservations: Essential to avoid accommodation issues

The months of December and February are key periods for winter sports enthusiasts, attracting a large number of visitors to ski resorts each year. The Alps, with their majestic landscapes and quality infrastructure, stand out as the most popular destinations. This article takes you on a journey to discover the resorts that captivate the hearts of tourists, examining the trends and the most popular destinations for memorable winter vacations.

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The Alps, the Heart of Winter Holidays #

The resorts located in the Alpine departments, notably Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Isère, dominate the choices of holidaymakers. Resorts like Hauteluce, Montgenèvre, La Rosière, Avoriaz, and Vars are at the top of the searches for ski getaways. Indeed, these destinations have seen an increase in searches for vacation rentals ranging from 30 to 40% compared to the previous year, reflecting a renewed interest in these recognized slopes.

Reservation Trends #

The mountain ski resorts often dispel stereotypes by demonstrating that their appeal goes well beyond simple sliding activities. The snow levels, a crucial factor influencing the choice of resorts, prove to be highly variable from year to year. This observation explains why many holidaymakers prefer destinations like the Hautes-Pyrénées and the Vosges before turning to Puy-de-Dôme and Jura.

Accessibility is another major asset of the Alps, which are well served by various means of transport such as road, train, or airplane. When it comes to taking a family holiday, the ability to reach a resort without too many constraints is a significant advantage.

A Diverse Range of Activities #

While skiing is, of course, the priority, holidaymakers are also looking to experience a variety of activities during their stay in the mountains. Many tourists are leaning towards resorts with a village spirit, where they can participate in various activities such as snowshoe hiking, dog sledding, or even descending in snakegliss. These authentic places also allow visitors to relax with wellness centers, pools, and quality restaurants.

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The Rising Popularity of French Resorts #

An interesting phenomenon has also been observed with the increase in the number of foreign visitors, particularly American tourists, choosing French ski resorts. Despite the high costs of plane tickets, these resorts often offer excellent value for money, thus attracting an international audience eager to escape the prohibitive prices of their home country for a ski holiday.

The Must-Visit Resorts of This Season #

Among the rising stars and well-established classics, certain resorts stand out for their combination of snow conditions, infrastructure, and entertainment. Resorts like Val Thorens, Chamonix, and La Plagne continue to draw crowds by refocusing on the essentials: offering an unforgettable skiing experience in a charming setting.

With demand on the rise and record-breaking reservations, there is nothing left but to choose the resort that matches one’s desires and to prepare for this next adventure on the snowy slopes.