Winter is approaching and you know what that means: it's almost time to hit the French mountains! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, looking for activities with or without skis, for thrills, or just in the mountains to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere - you'll find plenty of events and activities in the French snowy peaks.
Sporting events and festivals: Let’s race
Moguls World Cup - Alpe d'Huez - 16 and 17 December 2023
Ready to be amazed? The Moguls World Cup will be held this winter in Alpe d'Huez. Come and admire the best freestylers from all over the world who will offer you an extraordinary show during the 2 events on the programme: single moguls and parallel moguls.
Dates: 16 and 17 December 2023 Prices : Free access More information here
Amateur competitions: take up the challenge!
La Pyramide D'Oz, 24th Edition - Oz-En-Oisans - March 2024
This ski mountaineering event is one of the major French and world events. When it was created in 1997, the event initially brought together a few enthusiasts, but today it has become a flagship race. The course, designed by the Oz tracers, attracts participants for its diversity and technicality. Amateurs will be able to discover the discipline and set off on an adapted route accompanied by mountain professionals during the introductory ski touring session.
Dates : March 2024 More information here
Major winter festivals
Festival Tomorrowland - L'Alpe D'Huez - From 16 to 23 March 2024
There's no need to introduce you to this can't-miss electronic music festival that brings together hundreds of nationalities every summer in Belgium. But did you know about its winter version, held every year in Alpe d'Huez? For 7 days, the resort vibrates to the rhythm of the various concerts by over 100 artists from the electronic music scene, including Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Lost Frequencies, Amber Broos and Martin Garrix for the 2024 edition. It's an international event where you can party with your feet in the snow against a backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views. How can you resist?
Dates: 16 to 23 March 2024 Line-up and tickets
Vars en Scène - 16 December 2023
Vars celebrates the opening of its ski resort with music! On 16 December, the French artist JAIN will inaugurate the 2023-2024 winter season with a free concert at the foot of the majestic Crêtes de l'Eyssina, at an altitude of 1850m feet in the snow and head in the stars!
Date: 16 December 2023 Practical information
Festival International du Film Fantastique de Gerardmer - 24 to 28 January 2024
The International Fantastic Film Festival of Gerardmer is one of the largest film festivals in France and one of the first of its kind in Europe. The festival offers two different competitions: feature films and short films. The festival is also unique in that it combines cinema with other fantastic arts: storytelling, art exhibitions, comic strips, a literary salon, a children's area... all free of charge.
Dates: 24 to 28 January 2024 Programme and practical information
Festivals for the taste buds: the mountain comes to the table!
Fondue and snow groomer evening at altitude Oz-Vaujany
The high altitude restaurant Les Airelles located in Montfrais on the Oz-Vaujany ski area, opens its doors once a week for an atypical evening. An evening in this old mountain chalet with a Savoyard fondue on the menu, rather classic? Not quite, because the particularity of this evening, which the children will remember for a long time, is to get there... in a snowcat! Information and reservations
Fondue evening in an igloo - Alpe d'Huez
Here is a great idea to enjoy your fondue in an unexpected way! With a guide, snowshoes and warm clothes, get ready to enjoy a delicious fondue nestled in an igloo! An activity that will mark your stay in the mountains, to be experienced with family or friends! Information and reservations
Reopening of the Caves de Chartreuse in Voiron
The tourist site of the Caves de la Chartreuse has been given a new look after 18 months of work. The opportunity to come and live a new experience and discover a redesigned visit in a new space. Learn about the history of Chartreuse liqueurs, their exceptional heritage and the incredible know-how of the Chartreuse monks. More information here
Sports event 2024-2025 season
IBU World Cup Biathlon - Annecy Le Grand Bornand - 16 to 22 December 2024
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is the flagship event for biathlon fans, who will be able to see the talents of the French team and the world's best biathletes compete in the "Monaco of biathlon"! The programme includes 6 events over 4 days, with 250 athletes from 30 nations taking part in a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of Annecy and the Grand Bornand resort. The competition will be accompanied by a village of exhibitors, shows and evening events to make the most of the atmosphere of the event.
Dates: 16 to 22 December 2024 For further information and Biathlon Annecy.
Recommendations and advice Looking for adrenaline and fun in a breathtaking setting? Then head to the sublime French mountains, where every year there's a host of inventive sports competitions and festivities to keep you entertained. But to make the most of your stay, a few tips are in order. If you're visiting a resort for an event, it's a good idea to book your accommodation and transport well in advance. This will give you a greater choice of accommodation, location and price. And once you're there, don't forget to take care of the magnificent environment that welcomes you by making a few eco-friendly gestures. Use soft mobility to get around the resort and treat yourself to local, seasonal produce. It's a great way to support local producers and artisans while reducing your carbon footprint. Enjoy your stay in the mountains!
Learn more All events for the winter season in the French mountains.
More information for your ski holidays : - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - Savoie Mont Blanc - France Montagnes - Isère Tourism
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
