Practical guide · Winter 2026/2027
Ski Resort Opening Dates for Winter 2026/2027
Planning your winter break in the French Alps? Here are the provisional opening dates for the 18 resorts where GSI by Foncia manages holiday rentals, spanning Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère. These dates are set by each ski area operator ahead of the season and can shift by a few days depending on snowfall.
Tarentaise Valley: Paradiski and Les Trois Vallées
Resorts in the Tarentaise Valley open between early and mid-December 2026, with Méribel opening earliest thanks to the Trois Vallées ski area.
| Resort | Ski area | Provisional opening |
|---|---|---|
| Méribel | Les Trois Vallées | December 6, 2026 |
| Méribel-Mottaret | Les Trois Vallées | December 6, 2026* |
| Saint-Martin-de-Belleville | Les Trois Vallées | December 13, 2026 |
| Les Arcs | Paradiski | December 12, 2026 |
| La Plagne | Paradiski | December 12, 2026 |
| La Plagne – Les Coches | Paradiski | December 12, 2026 |
| Peisey-Vallandry | Paradiski | December 12, 2026 |
| Valmorel | Le Grand Domaine | December 19, 2026 |
*Méribel-Mottaret shares the same ski area and typically the same opening as Méribel; to be confirmed separately with the Mottaret tourist office before publication.
Espace Diamant, Portes du Mont-Blanc and Le Grand-Bornand
This part of Haute-Savoie and Savoie, between the Beaufortain massif and the Arly valley, tends to open a little later, from early to late December depending on altitude.
| Resort | Ski area | Provisional opening |
|---|---|---|
| Les Saisies | Espace Diamant | December 5, 2026 |
| Megève | Évasion Mont-Blanc | December 12, 2026 |
| Le Grand-Bornand | Aravis massif | December 12, 2026 |
| Crest-Voland | Espace Diamant | December 19, 2026 |
| Flumet | Espace Diamant | December 19, 2026 |
| Praz-sur-Arly | Espace Diamant | December 19, 2026 |
| Combloux | Évasion Mont-Blanc | December 19, 2026 |
| Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe | Espace Diamant | December 26, 2026 |
Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski (Isère)
In the Oisans massif, the whole linked ski area opens on the same day.
| Resort | Ski area | Provisional opening |
|---|---|---|
| L’Alpe d’Huez | Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski | December 5, 2026 |
| Auris-en-Oisans | Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski | December 5, 2026 |
When should you book your chalet or apartment for winter 2026/2027?
For the Christmas and New Year period, the best availability on family chalets and ski-in/ski-out apartments typically goes as early as September and October. For February half-term and Easter, a comfortable booking window runs into November and December, though French school holiday weeks remain the busiest for family-friendly resorts such as Valmorel, Les Saisies and Peisey-Vallandry.
Frequently asked questions
Can ski resort opening dates change?
Yes. The dates listed here are provisional and are announced by each ski area operator ahead of the season. They can move earlier or later by a few days depending on snow conditions.
Which GSI resort opens first for winter 2026/2027?
Among the resorts where GSI manages rentals, Les Saisies, L’Alpe d’Huez and Auris-en-Oisans open first, on December 5, 2026, followed by Méribel on December 6.
Should I book before the resort’s official opening date?
Yes, particularly for the Christmas period. Availability on the most sought-after properties drops sharply from early autumn, regardless of when the slopes officially open.
Where can I find the final, confirmed opening date for a resort?
The confirmed date is published by each resort’s tourist office or ski area operator, usually a few weeks before opening.
Check availability for winter 2026/2027 in Les Arcs, La Plagne, Méribel, Valmorel, Megève, L’Alpe d’Huez, or browse all 18 French Alps destinations.
Our local team, based across all 18 resorts, can advise you based on your profile (families, keen skiers, or those seeking a quiet stay).