What we love about skiing in France particularly are the events and festivals that we come across, which are the perfect way to make your ski days even more enjoyable and your holiday more memorable.
Where else can you try ski boot wanging (like welly wanging but with ski boots), watch people walking along slacklines over sheer drops as you ski past, or try out retro skis and kit?
March and April skiing means longer days, quieter slopes and plenty of bluebird days, but there's plenty happening off the slopes too. Find our pick of festivals and special events below along with suggestions of where to stay to enjoy them.
March and April festivals and events in French Alps ski resorts
Les Carroz Oasis Cool Zone
Les Carroz in the Grand Massif ski area (265km) is celebrating 10 years of its Oasis Cool Zone. This fun area for families and freestylers alike has "palm trees" and deckchairs for relaxing as well as a fun boardercross, and a snow park with 20 features and zones adapted to two levels (beginners and expert).
To celebrate its 10th birthday, you'll find a Big Air bag and DJs on the slopes on Sunday 9th, 16th and 23rd March 2025.
Where to stay: Les Chalets de Jouvence is right by the covered magic carpet leading straight to Kedeuze cable car, which you can take to get up into the ski area and these apartments are only 400m from the heart of this traditional, friendly village resort.
Les Arcs Festislack
Les Arcs hosts a unique festival from 3rd to 6th April 2025. Festislack celebrates all things slackline and highline. There are slackline demonstrations and the opportunity for visitors to try out a slackline for themselves, circus shows, and this year a unique highline snowboard contest, which takes place on a highline between two rocks (Les 2 Têtes) in Arc 1600 - this might need to be seen to be believed!
Where to stay: EdenArc apartments in Arc 1800 is in a great location just above the resort centre (ski down to the snow front or take the Dahu gondola). It's on the slopes so you have really easy access into the ski area too.
Tignes Mountain Shaker
Tignes dub their Mountain Shaker as THE event of the season. It's a week of festivities based around a number of major events, including the impressive Big Air World Cup and the ski and snowboard Slopestyle World Cup both of which feature the world's best riders in these two freestyle disciplines.
The resort hosts a week of festivities with entertainment, free concerts, games and prizes to be won, parties, film screenings and more... in short, everything you need for a memorable week (and there's the 300km of skiing too)!
Where to stay: Ynycio apartments are in an exceptional location in Tignes Val Claret with direct access on skis to the Grande Motte funicular and the Bollin chairlift and is located on the snow front. It’s a stone's throw from the resort centre.
@ BIT 7 Laux
Les 7 Laux Revival Festival
Step back in time at Les 7 Laux's Revival event on 15-16 March 2025 in Prapoutel. This weekend is all about retro winter sports, with activities like monoskiing bringing back the 80s! Plus you can borrow some fabulous 80s outfits to ski in too!
Les 7 Laux is a bit of a wildcard resort, less well known that other resorts in Isère like Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez, Les 7 Laux has some brilliant challenging skiing, a renowned freeride area and a long loop around the resort (the Ecureuil trail) that suits beginners wanting to grow in confidence too. Read more about why we think this resort deserves your attention.
Where to stay: Les Granges des 7 Laux is a short easy ski away from the snow front and lifts, and you can ski back to these apartments too. We love the Kaktuss restaurant and bar on site for relaxed après.
Val Cenis Nature & Ski Festival
Val Cenis hosts a Nature & Ski festival from 3 to 6 March 2025. The programme for the week includes guided snowshoe walks, fun activities in the resort and on the slopes; all culminating in a torchlit descent and laser show on the Thursday evening.
Val Cenis is the sort of resort that our clients want to keep for themselves. It's made up of two villages, Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard, and has retained an authentic traditional French feel. The 125km of slopes cater well for beginners and intermediates.
Where to stay: Les Balcons Platinium Val Cenis offers modern apartments but with a warm cosy style of decor, close to the slopes and shops. Facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Animation programme in La Rosiere
Most resorts will have a brilliant programme of 'animations' throughout the week, pick up an agenda for the week from the tourist office and you'll find plenty of activities to try.
La Rosière always seems to have a packed programme, which is presented every Sunday at a resort welcome drink. Toasted marshmallows on Tuesdays at the end of the ski day sounds tempting and every Wednesday you can watch the local ice hockey team play (we highly recommend this for a fun evening!).
Where to stay: Les Cimes Blanches apartments are close to the slopes and the shops and restaurants in the Les Eucherts area of La Rosière. Facilities include a wellness area and indoor pool and a bakery service means you can order fresh bread and croissants to be delivered to reception for you each morning.
Looking to book your next March or April ski holiday?
Peak Retreats are a small, UK-based team of ski experts who are here to make your holiday hassle-free.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the French Alps, we’re committed to ensuring your ski trip is as smooth as fresh snow.
We provide 24/7 support while you’re away, personalised info packs, and regular travel updates to keep you informed.
To get tailored advice for your next ski holiday, give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.