Every winter, the quest for optimum snow cover guides skiers to the resorts with the best weather records. And in France, it's in the Northern Alps that the snow falls in abundance, guaranteeing a thick white blanket from the start of the season until spring.
With more than 250 alpine ski resorts, France is the number one ski destination in Europe and the second in the world, just behind the United States. It's a huge playground, and choosing the right resort can be a strategic decision, especially if you want to maximise your chances of skiing in fresh, abundant snow.
Record snowfall in the Northern Alps
According to a study carried out by SIXTLast year, Les Arcs, Morzine and Avoriaz recorded the heaviest snowfalls in February. But the trend doesn't stop at just one month: Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère are regularly the departments where the most snow falls in winter and early spring.
In addition to this analysis, the data collected on Iglu Ski Snow History has been used to establish a ranking based on the average snowfall recorded between February and April 2024. The result? Tignes, Val d'Isère and Vaujany top the list of France's snowiest resorts.
READ MORE: Which ski resort to choose? The big guide to winter 2024-2025
The high-altitude resorts are logically those with the best levels of snow cover. Tignes and Val d'Isère, with their slopes above 3,000 metres, top the list of destinations with the most snow. But areas such as Les Arcs, Avoriaz and l'Alpe d'Huez also offer excellent conditions, guaranteeing an optimum skiing experience all season long.
Whether you're a fan of downhill skiing, freeride or snowshoeing, these resorts guarantee snowy holidays and breathtaking winter scenery. All you have to do is choose your destination and enjoy the powder!
Here are the French resorts where it snowed the most during the winter and spring of 2024:
- Tignes (Savoie) - Renowned for its exceptional snow cover, this resort rises to 3,456 metres and guarantees quality snow from November to May.
- Val d'Isère (Savoie) - Alongside Tignes in the Tignes-Val d'Isère area, the resort also benefits from a constant and generous snow cover.
- Vaujany (Isère) - This ski area attached to Alpe d'Huez experienced particularly heavy snowfalls last year.
- Avoriaz (Haute-Savoie) - Situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, the resort boasts a very high snowfall every season, with pistes that are accessible even in spring.
- Les Arcs (Savoie) - Its high altitude and access to the Paradiski area make it a popular destination for powder lovers.
- Morzine (Haute-Savoie) - Situated in the same mountain range as Avoriaz, Morzine boasts a charming and varied ski area, as well as excellent snow conditions.
- La Plagne (Savoie) - As part of the Paradiski area, it benefits from a microclimate that is ideal for snowfall, particularly at high altitude.
- Flaine (Haute-Savoie) - This Grand Massif resort is often cited for the quality and abundance of its snow.
- Les 2 Alpes (Isère) - Thanks to its 3,600 metre-high glacier, the ski area has optimum snow cover and one of the longest seasons in France.
- Alpe d'Huez (Isère) - Its privileged position guarantees regular snowfalls, and its altitude means that you can ski even when spring is just around the corner.