What’s on this winter in the French Alps
The summer has come to a close and an incredible season of snow, holidays and skiing is quickly approaching. Our luxury chalets and apartments are already being snapped up and we look forward to some fantastic winter events planned throughout the French Alps. If you’re looking out of the office window and craving your next break, click here to see our award-winning chalets and affordable luxury apartments. For those lucky to indulge in our bespoke holidays this Christmas, we have rounded up the Christmas events as well as others in each of our resorts.
Val d’Isère
Critérium de la Première Neige – 13th to 22nd December 2019
The Audi FIS World Cup Downhill, Slalom and Super G will give the world’s top ski racers the terrain for the performance of a lifetime. This week offers races, demonstrations, trials and plenty of parties. Something for a corporate stay to enjoy.
Festival of Light – 16th December 2019
The main street is magically transformed in to a snow covered pedestrian zone, where tens of twinkling AIRSTAR lights transport you to a dreamlike world of fantasy with jugglers, musicians, DJs and ice sculptors. Starting at 6pm.
‘The Magic of Christmas’ Week – 23rd to 25th December 2019
Val d’Isère invites you to discover a host of festive decorations to get you in the Christmas spirit, including giant snow sculptures, ice carvings, an authors event (for adults and children) with opportunities to meet various authors for debates, signings and book sales, a special Christmas guided tour and even a visit from Father Christmas.
Floodlit Dual Slalom ‘Dynasty Trophy’ – 27th December 2019 and 3rd January 2020
A knockout dual slalom competition open to all holidaymakers wishing to have a go at giant slalom competitive skiing. Free entries at the ‘Club des Sports’ from Monday, but there are limited places available, so book quickly.
Memorial Torchlight Descent – 28th January 2020
Memorial torchlight descent by the resort’s instructors for friends who lost their lives in the mountains. At 7:15pm on the Bellevarde face.
ESF Spectacular and Firework Display – 18th February 2020
A festive display by the instructors from the French national ski school including a freestyle show, torchlight descent, firework display and hot mulled wine served by the instructors. Starting at 6:45pm on the Savonnette nursery slope.
Ski Touring Week 24th to 26th March 2020
3 days of activities and tests with the better brands of ski touring, freerando, equipment and textiles. Dynastar, Dynafit, Atomic, La Sportiva, Plum, Nic Impex, Movement, Scott, Atelier Phenix, Millet, Ski Mojo will all be here at this year’s edition with all their newest gear : touring skis, boots and bindings, skins, safety equipment, skiing exoskeleton and alpine skis! Experience a new, unique experience every day in the safe hands of specialist instructors.
Scara Race – 30th April 2020
The 40th Edition of this international ski race brings together the top young skiers from France and abroad aged from 12 to 15 years. Over 1500 competitors representing 32 nations will be battling it out on the famous ‘OK’ race slope during this Junior World Championships race.
24th International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival – 20th to 23rd April 2020
The Conference Centre and cinema are playing host to this 4-day festival where you can discover the nightly showing of 11 films to be judged by a professional jury. The festival features exhibitions, entertainment, demonstrations, literary encounters and book signings.
More activities will be added to the agenda as we get closer to the time, so do keep an eye on the resort’s Facebook page and website for more detailed information.
Book a Val d’Isère holiday here
© Office du Tourisme Val-d’Isère
Méribel
ESF Torchlight Descent – 31st December 2018
A stunning torchlight display organised by the ESF ski instructors of Méribel, descending simultaneously in 3 different locations. Shown in the centre of Meribel on the Chaudanne snowfront, Méribel Mottaret on the snowfront, and in Méribel Village.
Yooni Moon Trial – 1st February 2019
A trail by night with 2 tracks (8km or 15 km) in the heart of the natural reserve of Tuéda. Trade your skis for trainers and a headlamp for one night only to run on the snow under the moonlight. Register here.
Piste Bash Festival – 9th to 13th March 2020
For its 6th consecutive year, the Piste Bash festival returns to the resort of Meribel. There will be an array of the eclectic and the sublime for afternoon shows on the terraces, and then an evening and late-night program for those wanting a party.
To find out more, check the Méribel website
Book a Méribel holiday here
©Sylvain Aymoz
Courchevel
Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup – 17th December 2019
The best female skiers will tackle the Emile-Allais stadium for giant slalom, and the party will extend to the whole of Courchevel 1850. Access to the finish area is free so come and watch this high-octane event!
A Magical Christmas Week – 21st to 26th December 2020
Between 5:30pm and 7:30pm, com and enjoy snacks at their Christmas party and meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and his friends. there will be hot drinks and gifts for the children, and all free of charge.
International Festival of Pyrotechnic Arts – 13th February to 5th March 2020
Firework artists from all over the world are set to provide four Game of Thrones themed evenings for the 18th edition of this festival. The only event of its kind in the world, come and delight in world-class sound and light shows.
For more information, click here to search their website
Book a Courchevel holiday here
©courchevel Tourisme Media
Les Gets
Father Christmas lives in Les Gets – 20th to 28th December 2019
Included in the week’s programme are story-telling visits in the heart of Santa’s magical and happy land along with numerous other activities and surprises for the whole family. Included are shows, local village fêtes and fairs, fireworks and the arrival of Father Christmas in to the centre of the village on the 24th December. More info here.
The Savoie Mont-Blanc Grande Odyssée – 14th January 2020
A unique event uniting the best mushers from around the world. This international long-distance dog sledge race spans 900 kilometres across the French and Swiss Alps. The circuit covers the Chavannes pistes following a spectacular section under the Maison des Gets. A wide choice of themed shows and family events are planned for all ages.
The 100 Ciels D’Hiver – Dates to be confirmed
Inspired by the summer version of this festival, this themed week is dedicated to well-being in all its forms. Individual and group workshops run by professionals both inside and outdoors enable visitors to discover or deepen their understanding of the wide variety of well-being disciplines available. All with the common objective of relaxing, unwinding and taking time out for oneself.
ESF charity torchlit downhill run – 16th February 2020 onwards
One evening a week during the school holidays in February, holidaymakers can ski down the slopes by torchlight in this charity event open to everyone. The funds raised (from the purchase of torches) are donated in full to a different association every year. The atmosphere at the event is always friendly and it gives everyone the opportunity to help a good cause.
Rock the Pistes Festival – 15th to 21st March 2020
Les Gets Concert: 18th March 2020
A series of concerts organised on the pistes across the Portes du Soleil ski area. Dance in your ski boots at the top of the mountain with a magnificent view – the atmosphere is electric! A long list of artists have already performed including Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Selah Sue, Caravan Palace, Ben l’Oncle Soul, Shaka Ponk, Alice Merton or Hyphen Hyphen. This year will be extra-special as it is the 10th edition of the festival. Not to be missed! See the full programme here.
Spring Lounge Music Festival – 21st to 29th March 2019
Spring is a great time to party. Days get longer, temperatures get warmer, clothes get lighter and we spend longer on the snow and sun-drenched terraces 11 enjoying après-ski activities. With this relaxed mood in mind, and to prolong the atmosphere of the Portes du Soleil Rock The Pistes Festival, Les Gets has created a winter version of its renowned summer event – The Lounge Music Festival. The concept involves thirty or so free concerts performed not only in the village but also at altitude, at the top of the ski slopes. More info here.
To find out more about events in Les Gets, click here
Book a Les Gets holiday here
©PDS M. Vitré