Winter is approaching and you know what that means: it's almost time to hit the French mountains! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, looking for activities with or without skis, for thrills, or just in the mountains to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere - you'll find plenty of events and activities in the French snowy peaks.
Sporting events and festivals: Let’s race
Ski Cross World Cup and Freeride World Tour – Val Thorens
As in 2025, the highest resort in the Alps, located in the Trois Vallées ski area, will host a stage of the Freeride World Tour. Off-piste ski champions will launch from the summit of Cime Caron at over 3,000 meters before descending more than 500 meters of vertical drop. Please note that the competition takes place on one day between January 24 and 29, 2026, with the exact date to be determined based on weather conditions.
Earlier in the season, Val Thorens also hosts a Ski Cross World Cup event on the champion Jean-Frédéric Chapuis slope.
Dates:
Ski Cross World Cup – December 11 and 12, 2025
Freeride World Tour – January 24 to 29, 2026
IBU Biathlon World Cup – Annecy Le Grand Bornand
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) event is a highlight for biathlon fans, who can watch the French team and the world’s best athletes compete in the stunning setting of the “Monaco of biathlon.” The program includes six races over four days, featuring 250 athletes from 30 nations, with Annecy and the Grand Bornand resort as a backdrop. Around the competition, enjoy an exhibitor village, shows, and evening events to fully experience the atmosphere.
Dates: December 15 to 21, 2025 : Learn more
Ski Slopestyle and Big Air World Cup – Tignes
Freestyle enthusiasts have a date in Tignes from March 16 to 20, 2026 for the Big Air World Cup finals, a spectacular discipline where skiers and snowboarders perform tricks in the air. The resort also hosts a Slopestyle World Cup stage, another freestyle discipline featuring a course with jumps and rails.
Dates: March 16 to 20, 2026 : Learn more
Speed Masters – Vars (Southern Alps)
Will the world speed skiing record be broken in 2026? Find out from March 14 to 27 on the Chabrières slope in Vars, in the Southern Alps, during the Speed Skiing World Championships. The current record, held by Simon Billy since 2023, stands at 255.5 km/h.
Dates: March 14 to 27, 2026 : Learn more
Also Coming Up…
- Critérium de la Première Neige – Val d’Isère – December 13–14 and 20–21, 2025
- La Grande Odyssée – starting in Avoriaz – January 10 to 22, 2026
- Snow Bike World Championship – Châtel – February 7, 2026
Amateur competitions: take up the challenge!
Snow Rugby Tournament at Col du Lautaret (Southern Alps)
At an altitude of 2,057 meters, in the heart of the Écrins National Park, Col du Lautaret near the Serre-Chevalier resort hosts one of the most unusual winter events in the mountains: a five-a-side snow rugby tournament. A festive gathering with several activities to keep warm.
Date: January 17, 2026 : learn more
La Transjurassienne – Les Rousses (Jura Mountains)
In early February, in the heart of the Jura Mountains, La Transjurassienne brings together thousands of cross-country skiing enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of snow and sport. With courses ranging from 13 km to 70 km, this famous race welcomes everyone from casual skiers to seasoned athletes and passes through welcoming villages where cheers and local specialties create a unique, friendly atmosphere. A true immersion in snowy, wooded landscapes with family or friends.
Dates: February 7 and 8, 2026 : learn more
Pyrénéa Triathlon – Gourette (Pyrenees)
Since 1986, the Pyrénéa Triathlon has linked the city of Pau to the summit of Gourette in an endurance adventure combining running (19 km), cycling (35 km), and ski touring (3 km with 700 meters of elevation gain). Open to all, including athletes with disabilities, this event showcases the Pyrenees in a spirit that is both competitive and convivial.
Date: March 29, 2026 : learn more
Mega Bell Race – La Plagne
For those who love challenges with family or friends, the Mega Bell Race is for you. Head to the slopes of La Plagne for one of the wildest winter events in the mountains. On the program: obstacle course, fun track with turns and small jumps, giant slalom with a water slide, and even boardercross for the most daring.
Date: April 5, 2026
Apple Peak – Peisey-Vallandry
Ready for a two-person ascent? In 2026, Peisey-Vallandry launches Apple Peak, a relay race combining uphill trail running (3.5 km) and ski touring (2.5 km) to the top of the Vallandry gondola, with breathtaking views as a reward. A fun and challenging race to share side by side in the warm atmosphere of this Alpine resort.
Date: April 19, 2026 : learn more
Also Coming Up…
- International Hot Air Balloon Festival – Praz-sur-Arly (Alps) – January 10 to 18, 2026
- L’O’xyrace (snow trail) – Les Rousses (Jura Mountains) – January 17, 2026
- Hardiden Blanc (trail and ski touring) – Luz Hardiden (Pyrenees) – February 2026
- Les Coumes du Pic du Midi (ski mountaineering) – March 15, 2026
Major winter festivals
Vars en Scène (Southern Alps)
In Vars, the opening of the ski area is celebrated every year with music. Scheduled for December 13, Ben Harper and his band The Innocent Criminals will kick off the winter season with a free concert beneath the majestic Eyssina ridges, at 1,850 meters altitude, feet in the snow and head under the stars.
Date: December 13, 2025 : know more
International Fantastic Film Festival – Gérardmer (Vosges Mountains)
The International Fantastic Film Festival of Gérardmer is one of the most important French film festivals and among the leading events in its genre in Europe. The festival features two competitions: feature films and short films. It also stands out for combining cinema with other fantastic arts such as storytelling, art exhibitions, comic books, literary salons, and youth spaces, with many free and open-access activities.
Dates: January 27 to February 1, 2026 : learn more
Tomorrowland Winter Festival – Alpe d’Huez (Alps)
This iconic electronic music festival, which gathers hundreds of nationalities in Belgium each summer, also has a winter edition held annually in Alpe d’Huez. For seven days, the resort vibrates to the rhythm of concerts by more than 100 electronic music artists. The 2025 lineup included Agents Of Time, Agoria, Alex Wann, Alok, Andromedik, Amber Broos, Amelie Lens, Argy, Armin van Buuren, Axwell, Dimitri Vegas, Indira Paganotto, Jennifer Cardini, Joris Voorn, Kevin de Vries, Kölsch, Lost Frequencies, and more. An international event to party with your feet in the snow against a backdrop of stunning panoramas. How can you resist?
Dates: March 21 to 28, 2026 : Tomorrowland
Radio Meuh Circus Festival – La Clusaz
Head to the Aravis range and the La Clusaz resort near Annecy for a new edition of the Radio Meuh Circus Festival, one of the most anticipated winter events for contemporary music lovers. Around twenty artists are expected to set the snowfront ablaze (Laurent Garnier, Biga * Ranx, Bonga, Cosmique Béru...) with some free concerts in the village.
Dates: April 2 to 5, 2026 : Know more
Cosmic Mountain Festival – Val Thorens
A new electronic music festival arrives in Val Thorens. Several internationally renowned artists will perform in various venues of Europe’s highest resort, including Agoria, Dubfire, Feder, Irène Drésel, and Jacidorex.
Dates: April 17 to 19, 2026 : Know more
Other Must-See Mountain Festivals
- Sur mon glaçon – January 30 and 31, 2026 – Peyragudes (Pyrenees)
- Mountain Shaker – March 14 to 21, 2026 – Tignes
- Rock The Pistes – March 15 to 21, 2026 – Avoriaz
- Electronic Peak Festival – March 25 to 27, 2026 – Les Arcs
Festivals for the taste buds: the mountain comes to the table!
Chefs au Sommet – Auron (Southern Alps)
How about tasting mountain specialties? As every year, the Auron resort turns into a gourmet playground for the 14th edition of Chefs au Sommet: creative menus, delicious workshops, and relaxed encounters with passionate chefs. Snow, sunshine, and good vibes are on the program. In the Southern Alps, ski and savor.
Dates: January 21 to 26, 2026 : know more
Snow Casetas – Cauterets (Pyrenees)
Dive into the warm and festive atmosphere of Basque casetas… right in the heart of the Pyrenees. At 1,850 meters altitude, the Snow Casetas of Cauterets transform the slopes into a true gourmet village for four days, where you can enjoy tapas, local specialties, and chefs’ creations at high altitude. Between conviviality, music, and breathtaking mountain views, it is a weekend to share with friends or family under the banner of gastronomy and celebration.
Dates: January and March 2026 : know more
Tips and recommendations
To make the most of your stay in the mountains, here are a few tips. If you are visiting a resort for an event, be sure to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. This will give you more choice in terms of the type of accommodation, its location, and price. Once you arrive, remember to take care of the beautiful environment by adopting a few eco-friendly habits. Choose sustainable modes of transport and treat yourself to local, seasonal produce. This is an excellent opportunity to support local producers and artisans, while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. Have a wonderful stay in the mountains!
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
