When is the best time to ski in Europe?

The best time to ski in Europe is between early December and the end of April. Courchevel, one of the most high-altitude and snow-sure European ski resorts, is usually open between the first weekend of December and the third weekend of April each year.

But how do you choose which week to ski between December and April?

The answer depends on what kind of ski holiday you want, and who you are travelling with…

Best time of year for powder skiing?

January, without a doubt, is the most reliable time to ski in fluffy white powder. With the coldest temperatures of the winter season (expect minus temperatures, although it doesn’t usually drop as low as -10. Certainly not as cold as Canada!) and several dumps of snow already fallen, there will be a good base and hopefully some fresh tracks to be had in Courchevel.

January’s also quiet on the slopes, so there are fewer people on the lifts and fewer people to ski out the powder runs!

Powder skiing in Courchevel. (Suisses lift).

Best time of year for a family ski holiday?

If you’re skiing with the children and need to travel during school holidays, then the most obvious choice is February half term, as the snow is good. That said, February half term is one of the first weeks to get booked, often a year in advance, so if you’re not ready to reserve your ski trip then you could consider New Year, Christmas or Easter holidays.

New Year is great as it’s a fun week with fireworks to watch and a buzzy atmosphere, but again – it books up quickly, so you would probably need to be thinking of reserving your chalet the spring or summer beforehand.

Christmas in Courchevel is magical!

Christmas is a beautiful time to be in a ski resort, with a festive vibe and opportunities for magical moments. It’s also a good value time to come, with prices lower than at New Year. If you can sneak in a trip before Christmas then you can get a really good deal, and sometimes lift passes are cheaper during the early weeks of the season. Read more about skiing at Christmas.

Easter holidays shouldn’t be overlooked either; the weather is warm, and if you’re worried about the snow, then be assured that Courchevel has a ‘snow guarantee’ with huge investment in the infrastructure to keep pistes groomed and topped up with man-made snow to keep the resort open until late April. It’s also good to know that 80% of the slopes in Courchevel are above 1800 metres.

Apres-ski in the Three Valleys in Spring: sunnies, salopettes and happy faces!

How to cope with the cold skiing in January?

If you’re well equipped with helmet, goggles, neck warmer, good gloves, a down jacket, mid layers and thermals, you can’t go far wrong, but remember to stop frequently to warm up. There’s a reason vin chaud and hot chocolate are so popular in Courchevel!

You could also choose to take a bubble lift over a chairlift, and take warm water in an insulated drinks bottle, as you still need to keep hydrated. If you really suffer with cold, then boot warmers and even heated socks are available. You can also get reusable hand warmers for your gloves.

I don’t like being cold – when’s the best time to go skiing?

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about being too cold when you ski in late February, March and April. Most of the season, really!

It’s hard to imagine basking in the warm sunshine in March when you’re in the damp UK climate, but up in the mountains, you can experience a glorious day of skiing, with a rosé-soaked lunch on a sunny terrace and watch the sun set as you sip a hot chocolate at the end of the day. In February, March and April, the Alps are covered in pure white snow, the sky is blue, there’s no wind and you definitely need sunglasses!

When’s the best value time of year to go skiing?

If you’re looking for a ski holiday on a budget, then it’s good to know that the first and last weeks of the season are cheaper in terms of lift passes. (Also good to know is that the Three Valleys actually offers great value for skiing! Click to read more).

Aside from that, January and April are usually less in demand so prices are lower for ski chalets in these months. Check our live availability and pricing.

+ Looking for a good value ski chalet? Browse our Courchevel chalets.

+ Read our month-by-month guide to the winter ski season in Courchevel

January 2023 in Courchevel: beautiful pistes and snowy trees