Author: Romain Boisaubert

With the winter holidays just around the corner, ski resorts are preparing to welcome thousands of holidaymakers, and with them a growing interest in mountain property. Yet behind the lure of snow-covered chalets and residences with views of the slopes, the mountain property market is undergoing profound changes. High prices, the impact of the climate, pressure on the property market: the FNAIM's annual survey paints a picture of a market that is as dynamic as it is demanding. Prices per square metre in French ski resorts remain well above the national average. At €3,781 per square metre, compared with €2,931 per square metre in France,...

While the mountains continue to attract millions of visitors every year, a recent study by Atout France and its partners sheds light on the winter activities of the French, their aspirations and the challenges ahead. While skiing remains a firm favourite, the diversity of activities on offer and environmental concerns are gradually reshaping the landscape of mountain tourism. The mountains appeal to a large proportion of the French population: 59TP3T of French people have been there at least once in the last three years, whether for a single day or an extended stay. Unsurprisingly, summer remains the...

With the winter holidays fast approaching, the resort of Les Arcs and the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice are getting ready to offer a week of activities packed with thrills, discoveries and fun. From 1 to 7 February 2025, holidaymakers and locals alike can look forward to a varied programme of skiing under the stars, artistic challenges and social events. At Arc 2000, night-skiers will have the opportunity to extend their pleasure. On Thursday 6 February, from 5.15pm to 6.15pm, the Marmottes piste will remain open especially for a night skiing session. This rare experience will give skiers the chance to...

After the resounding success of the first show organised for the inauguration of the Jandri cable car, the magic of drones returns to Les 2 Alpes for a new spectacular event. On Tuesday 4 February at 6.30pm, the Lutins piste in the centre of the resort will be the setting for a brand new performance, open to all and completely free of charge. The show, orchestrated by Allumee and presented by POMA and SATA Group, in partnership with Les 2 Alpes Tourist Office, promises an extraordinary visual and aural experience. LIRE AUSSI : Les 2 Alpes: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... The guide to...

Much more than just a ski destination, Courchevel is the ideal playground for thrill-seekers. This winter, go beyond your limits with these five memorable experiences combining adventure, thrills and spectacular Alpine scenery. ALSO READ: Courchevel: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... Winter 2025 guide 1. Paragliding over the peaks Want to soar to new heights? Paragliding is a unique way to discover Courchevel from another angle. Accompanied by an experienced instructor, take off from the Col de la Loze or the summit of Vizelle. Once in the air,...

This winter, the Pyrenees are stepping up their efforts to appeal to winter sports fans, with resorts that are modernising and adapting to skiers' needs. Between major innovations, ambitious investments and new experiences, resorts such as Gourette, Grand Tourmalet and Luz-Ardiden are reinventing themselves to offer unforgettable holidays. ALSO READ: Winter 2025. Opening dates for ski resorts in France: we take stock Discover the assets of five emblematic resorts that will put the Pyrenees at the top of your wish list this winter. Gourette: a major transformation A pioneer of skiing in the Pyrenees, Gourette is continuing its metamorphosis with...

For lovers of luxury and spectacular scenery, some ski resorts combine a top-of-the-range experience with prices that reflect their exclusivity. Here are Holidu's top three most expensive resorts for this winter season, where refinement, snow-covered expanses and top-of-the-range services meet. 1 Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria Located in the Austrian Alps at an impressive altitude of between 1,793 and 3,030 metres, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl stands out as the most expensive resort this season. With 26 lifts serving 108 km of pistes, it attracts winter sports fans thanks to its...

Nestling in the heart of the Alps, in the 3 Valleys, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is gradually being transformed into a veritable haven of peace for mountain wellness enthusiasts. Marlene Giacometti, director of the Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville tourist offices, tells us about the ambitious projects that are reinventing the village as a prime destination for those in search of serenity. From December, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville will be offering a major innovation with the opening of the La Belle Vie wellness centre, a human-sized space right in the heart of the village. The centre, which focuses on relaxation and well-being, fits in perfectly with the...

Nestling in the majestic Swiss Alps, Arosa Lenzerheide has established itself as the world's leading ski resort, a title recently confirmed by the rankings published by the booking website Omio. Located in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, this resort combines authentic charm with an excellent infrastructure, offering an unrivalled experience for winter sports enthusiasts. An exceptional ski area Arosa Lenzerheide has 225 kilometres of pistes, linked by 43 modern ski lifts. These facilities guarantee fluid access to the slopes with reduced waiting times, enabling skiers and snowboarders to maximise their enjoyment of the...

The Dévoluy massif (Southern Alps) is home to a Nordic area that attracts more and more winter sports enthusiasts every year. Straddling the resorts of Superdévoluy, La Joue du Loup and Col du Festre, this area is designed to offer a variety of activities, from cross-country skiing to snowshoe trekking. The Nordic area of Dévoluy offers seventeen kilometres of cross-country ski trails, divided into several levels of difficulty. There are five green runs for beginners, five blue runs for intermediate skiers, as well as two red runs and one blue run for intermediate skiers.

According to a study carried out for Odalys on how ski resorts are perceived by European customers, Austria has been the preferred destination for some years now, ahead of France. Austria, the undisputed winter sports paradise? A survey carried out by Madeinvote for Odalys, a specialist in tourist accommodation, reveals that 62% of European tourists have visited Austria at least once in the last five years. LIRE AUSSI: Top 5 of the best ski resorts in Austria A figure that exceeds that of France (52%), which occupies second place on the podium and which can nonetheless claim...

Winter is the perfect time to get away from it all and enjoy unique experiences in the heart of the mountains. If you're looking for accommodation that's out of the ordinary, here's our selection of the most unusual chalets to book this winter. Combining luxury, rustic charm and exceptional surroundings, these places promise unforgettable memories. ALSO READ: Winter guide to ski resorts The Whitepod - Monthey, Switzerland Why we love it: Perched high up in the mountains, these eco-friendly domes offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Each pod has a fireplace and a streamlined decor that blends comfort with the...

As the winter season approaches, many winter sports enthusiasts are looking for affordable ski destinations without sacrificing the quality of the slopes or the beauty of the scenery. Here is a ranking of the three cheapest ski resorts this year according to Holidu, offering excellent value for money and memorable experiences. ALSO READ: Our big guide to winter ski resorts 1. Réallon (France) Located in the French Southern Alps, Réallon stands out for its intimate charm and attractive rates. At an altitude ranging from 1,560 to 2,145 metres, it offers...

Since the first tourists seeking thrills in snowy mountains in the XIXᵉ century, Alpine villages have evolved into modern ski resorts. Between traditions, technological innovations and contemporary challenges, this retrospective explores how these small rural settlements were transformed into popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. At the end of the XIXᵉ century, skiing, which originated in the Nordic countries, reached the French Alps. The first enthusiasts, often mountaineers, saw it as a way of getting around snow-covered mountains. ALSO READ: Once upon a time: Davos (Switzerland), the very first...

Cross-country skiing, the ultimate winter sport, attracts large numbers of enthusiasts every year, seduced by its combination of calm, physical effort and snow-covered landscapes. Few people realise it, but you can enjoy this sport in a number of French resorts with open-access trails. Here's a selection of the best spots for cross-country skiing without spending a penny. ALSO READ: Which ski resort should you choose? Winter guide 2024-2025 1. Barcelonnette (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) In the heart of the Ubaye valley, Barcelonnette is a popular destination for outdoor activities...

France and its mountains are brimming with ski resorts, some of which are among the biggest in the world. 1) 3 Vallées (Savoie) Located in the Northern Alps, the 3 Vallées ski area is quite simply the largest ski area in the world, with over 600 kilometres of pistes served by almost 200 ski lifts. The 3 Vallées brings together a number of world-famous ski resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires, all of which are interconnected, offering a wide variety of slopes accessible to all levels. The resort of Val...

Because there's more to the Côte d'Azur than the sea, Le Petit Montagnard presents three winter sports resorts less than 2 hours' drive from Nice, Cannes and the Côte d'Azur coastline. Isola 2000, for its exceptional snow cover With snow guaranteed every year thanks to its altitude, one of the highest in France, Isola 2000 offers optimal conditions every year. The only drawback is the lack of vertical drop (2000 m - 2603 m), which means that long descents are out of the question. But with ultra-fast, state-of-the-art ski lifts,...

The Serre Chevalier valley is set to vibrate to the rhythm of the Serre Chevalier Snow Trail on 18 and 19 January. For this 8th edition, a record 600 runners are expected to take to the snowy trails of La Salle-les-Alpes. The Serre Chevalier Snow Trail has a reputation for diversity and accessibility. On Sunday 19 January, all the participants will set off from La Salle-les-Alpes at 9am, before choosing their own adventure: On Saturday 18 January, the event kicks off with a night run of 8km and 300m of ascent. This unusual format, which starts...

Whether you're looking for a second home or a rental investment, investing in new property in the mountains offers many opportunities, both personal and financial. Since 2020, the mountains have been attracting more and more people looking to get away from the cities, particularly thanks to the possibility of teleworking in a natural setting. This trend is growing, and ski resorts are no longer just seasonal tourist destinations, but are becoming popular year-round destinations. New-build property in the mountains, whether in Savoie, Haute-Savoie or...

The Vanoise Express is a ski lift located in the Northern Alps, linking La Plagne and Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry, and has helped create Paradiski, one of the world's largest ski areas. Inaugurated in December 2003, this cable car is remarkable for both its technical features and its role in French and international skiing. The idea behind the Vanoise Express was to create a fast, efficient link between two of France's biggest ski areas, La Plagne and Les Arcs, giving skiers easy access to over 425km of pistes. One of the...