Despite rising prices and less snow, French ski resorts are seeing high occupancy rates for the end-of-year holidays. Professionals expect a profitable season with 12 billion euros in tourist revenue. Foreigners head to high-altitude areas with guaranteed snow, while French visitors remain plentiful.
Ski slopes opened in late November and early December at iconic resorts such as Tignes, Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, Courchevel, and La Plagne. As many families choose winter sports stays for Christmas and New Year's, the mountain sector is thriving amid France's challenging political climate.
According to the National Association of Mountain Resort Mayors (ANMSM), the occupancy rate for commercial accommodations stands at 81% for the end-of-year holidays, up 2 points from the previous year. This rises to 90% for New Year's week. Joël Retailleau, the ANMSM's general director, notes: "Reservations started very early for Christmas and February holidays. Even January looks promising. These strong figures confirm the enthusiasm for the mountains, especially among French families."
This influx is projected to yield 12 billion euros in tourist revenue for the season. Foreign visitors are flocking to high-altitude domains with assured snow cover, while French tourists also play a significant role. Despite climatic and economic hurdles, French winter tourism shows notable resilience.
