13.10
2011
News and events
Skiing in October or November ? Yes, it is possible, in resorts with slopes at altitudes of 3000 metres or higher. In November, you will have even more choice, with lower-altitude resorts opening their doors early. The French mountains offer a wealth of possibilities for early season skiing.
First snowfall
Skiing in October or November ? Yes, it is possible, in resorts with slopes at altitudes of 3000 metres or higher. In November, you will have even more choice, with lower-altitude resorts opening their doors early. The French mountains offer a wealth of possibilities for early season skiing.
First snowfall
Pistes that open on October 1st? No, you are not dreaming, it takes just 7 minutes on the funicular to reach your first ski destination of the season. Tignes is the first resort to welcome ski enthusiasts who flock to the station to enjoy their first descents. It is the exceptional environment of the Grande Motte Glacier that makes it possible : with pistes situated between 3000 and 3500 metres, ski season begins with the falling leaves. Snowpark and freestyle enthusiasts will not be left behind, quite the contrary. Many have already marked the dates in their agendas : from October 22nd to November 2nd for the first session, and from November 11th to november 13th for the second. Tignes boasts a top-class snowpark where amateurs can train next to pros, in a fun, musical atmosphere. It is the perfect way to warm up for high season, and the definitive opening of Killy Tignes Val d´Isère. But to take on all 300 kilometres of pistes, you will need to be patient : the station opens definitively on November 26th.
Freestyle
Les Deux Alpes is also situated in an ideal setting for early-season skiing, the glacier attracting those who simply can´t wait to hit the slopes. And the price is right – from October 22nd to November 1st, passes are just 20 euros at the weekend and 26.50 euros during the week! And the icing on the cake, a new snowboarding event including competitions, exhibitions, concerts, films, and the possibility to test new equipment! Plus, the same weekend will host the « Ski Tests and Rock'n Roll » event, where you can meet the pros and test out the latest equipment for just 20 euros per day.
Youth culture in the mountains
With or without the snow, the season begins early even in some lower-altitude stations, such as Gerardmer, where the « Graines de Toiles » festival attracts more of a following each year. At this film festival for youth, attend specially selected projections and a multitude of activities that delight parents as much as children. Cooking classes, a book fair, film-theme snacks and a cinema workshop led by a professional filmmaker are on the program. The theme of this year´s festival will be « Potions et autres délices » (Potions and other delights), and it is not to be missed. From October 17th to october 29th.
