Winter 2024-25 events in the resort: it’s off to a great start!

Winter season 2024-2025, here we go! Planning a holiday or weekend in the mountains this winter? The good news is that the ski resorts have a whole host of events planned for young and old to make the most of your stay on and around the slopes. Whether it’s a sporting, cultural or well-being event, which one are you going to take part in this winter?

Sports events: it’s all happening in the resort!

• Avoriaz:

Rock On Snow – 13 to 15 December 2024

Rock On Snow is the must-attend event at the start of the season. It kicks off the winter season with a weekend entirely dedicated to skiing and snowboarding. More than 80 brands will be on hand to let you try out the new winter products for free. There will also be concerts, cinema screenings of athletes’ films and lots of free entertainment.

• Courchevel:

Ski Mountaineering World Cup – from 12 to 15 December 2024

Stage 1 kicks off on Thursday 12 December with the Individual event, contested in Olympic format on the resort’s peaks.

After the rest day, the Sprint event, which will be the very first qualifier for the Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, will take place on Saturday 14 December.

The Vertical Race on the official Millet Ski Touring Courchevel course will take place on Sunday 15 December. This event will be open to all to round off this first stage of the World Championships in style.

• Le Dévoluy:

Snow Volley Open – 29 to 31 December 2024

An emerging sport in France, snow volleyball could be a new discipline at the next Winter Olympics. Le Dévoluy is keen to be a pioneer and is organising this 3×3 tournament with Gap Volleyball. Friday’s tournament is for amateurs, while Saturday and Sunday are for pros.

• La Rosière:

“Safety Shred Days – 10 to 14 January 2025

“The mountain has no brain, use yours! France’s biggest freeride event returns to La Rosière for the third year. Presented by Salomon pro rider Victor Daviet, the event offers the general public a chance to learn about mountain risks and first aid at an ultra-affordable price.

In a relaxed atmosphere, trainees will be trained to search for avalanche victims by professionals from ANENA (Agence Nationale pour l’Etude de la Neige et des Avalanches) and big names in snowboarding (Victor De Le Rue, Thomas Delfino, Marion Haerty).

• Les 2 Alpes:

Les Lumières de la Muzelle – 11 January 2025

Every year, the Les 2 Alpes trail association organises a unique white trail. The event takes place with trainers in the snow, on groomed slopes and trails, when the ski lifts are closed, but above all at night.

Anyone can take part and enjoy the trail experience! A number of experts are taking part, including Mathieu Blanchard and Yannick Noël, the 2 Alpes trail ambassadors. Last year, nearly 1,400 people took part… why not you?

• Les 7 Laux:

La Grande Odyssée VVF – 21 January 2025

The resort of Les 7 Laux will be hosting the 9th stage of the 21st edition of La Grande Odyssée. Come and experience this great adventure in Prapoutel. This year, an exceptional line-up of sportsmen and women is expected, with more than 65 international mushers and their 600 top-level dog-athletes covering almost 400 km and 12,000 m of ascent in the superb landscapes of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

La Belle Etoile – 1 and 2 February 2025

Ski mountaineering fans will have the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience on the 2 stages and 3 new routes of this race! During these exciting days, the most talented athletes will challenge each other on the steep slopes of the region, testing their skills and endurance in demanding winter conditions.

• Valmeinier:

La Montée de la Mine – January 2025

The Montée de la Mine will see its format revamped to offer a weekend-long competition pitting civilians and military personnel (from the REG or neighbouring RAMs) against each other in a ski-touring event on a piste inaugurated in winter 2024, in the Villages, coupled with biathlon-style laser shooting to work on cardio fitness.

The Sando Challenge will also be revamped, offering challenges for all ages with breathtaking panoramic views.

• Le Collet – Belledonne:

La Grande Odyssée des Enfants – 21 January 2025

During the 7 Laux stage of La Grande Odyssée VVF on 21 January at Le Collet, children will be transformed into competitive mushers.

The Children’s Odyssey is a race entirely dedicated to children. For one day, the children will race in the same conditions as the mushers taking part in the official stage at Les 7 Laux. Beyond the media impact of such an event, the Odyssée des Enfants is above all part of an educational process carried out before the race.

• Villard de Lans Corrençon:

La Grande Odyssée VVF – 23 January 2025

Villard de Lans is delighted to be hosting the final of La Grande Odyssée VVF for the third year running.

It will bring together more than 65 international mushers and their 600 dogs, in the superb landscapes of the region. Come and cheer on the mushers and their dogs as we celebrate this final together!

• Orcières Merlette:

Southern Region European Cups – 28 January to 1 February 2025

Orcières Merlette 1850 will host the speed events of the Men’s European Alpine Skiing Cup on the splendid FIS-approved “Camile Ricou” downhill run. On the programme: two downhill runs and a Super G.

• Peisey-Vallandry:

Nordic en Fête – February 2025

Nordic en Fête is a not-to-be-missed event during the winter season in Peisey-Vallandry, held on the Pont Baudin Nordic site. The event is jointly organised by the Tourist Office, the Peisey Vallandry ESF and the Vanoise National Park.

The idea is to promote Nordic sports, some of which are less well known. The programme includes free introductions to cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowshoe walking, Nordic walking, ski joëring, dog-sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides and reindeer rides.

• Chamonix:

La Trace des Grands – 8 and 9 March 2025

Launched in 2021, La Trace des Grands is a ski mountaineering race held on the Grands-Montets site. There is a choice of three events, giving expression to all forms of ski touring. Find out more here.

• Tignes:

Mountain Shaker – 8 to 14 March 2025

The best freestylers in the world are meeting up in Tignes!

It’s going to be an ultra-vitamin-filled week, just the way Tignes knows how to prepare them! The formula is simple and effective: good snow and sunshine, demos and shows galore, concerts and good sound, tricks and style. For this 4th edition, Tignes is spoiling all the fans of board culture by keeping on the programme a Big Air Ski World Cup stage at night, followed by a Ski Slopestyle World Cup! Two crystal globes will be awarded at the end of the competitions.

• Praz-de-Lys Sommand:

La Traversée de la Ramaz – date to be confirmed, in 2025

A not-to-be-missed winter event, this popular cross-country ski race is open to all, and is almost 40 years old! Bringing together more than 1,000 participants, young and old, with courses ranging from 2.5km to 30km (and an adapted sports event), it’s a friendly event packed with excitement!

• Serre-Chevalier:

The Grand Prix of Serre Chevalier – from 21 to 23 March 2025

The flagship winter event with 100% Serre-Chevalier DNA. The biggest gathering of amateur skiers in the world, with over 2,000 participants! The principle: an obstacle race across the entire ski area, with new events every year, each crazier than the last!

• Puy-Saint-Vincent:

Youth Ski Mountaineering World Cup – from 25 to 30 March 2025

Several events to discover: Vertical Race (dry ascent), Sprint, Relay, Individual event… Around 130 participants are expected!

• Les Menuires:

Completely at the Mass! – 29th March 2025

Sporty, offbeat and great fun: Complètement à la Masse is the event not to be missed this winter in Les Menuires! The day is divided into two parts: a morning of competition and pushing yourself to the limit, solo or as part of a team.

The Masse sector is the setting for a tricky descent with entertainment all along the way. The afternoon will be even more fun, with a giant barbecue, toboggan race and concert on the Stade Olympique and Croisette sides.

• Le Grand Bornand:

Glisse en Coeur – from 21 to 23 March 2025

24 hours of skiing and concerts in aid of a great cause: in 15 editions, Glisse en Coeur has established itself as the charity event of the French mountains.

This success is based on an original concept combining solidarity and skiing in relay teams from Saturday 2pm to Sunday same time, all in an atmosphere brought to life by live concerts given each winter by top names from the French music scene. The challenge for the teams in the race is to ski down the eponymous slope, having first raised several hundred thousand euros over the weekend in donations for recognised children’s charities.

• Les Saisies:

French Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon Championships – 27, 28 and 29 March 2025

• Les Contamines Monjoie:

Telemark World Championships – 19 to 23 March 2025

In the history of the Telemark World Cup, Val Montjoie has played an important role, particularly in Les Contamines-Montjoie. Numerous athletes will be giving their all to shine, like contaminard champions Antoine Bouvier (Crystal Globe in 2013 and bronze medallist at the 2015 world championships) and Ludovic Callamard (5th place at the 2001 world championships in Val Thorens). Four events will take place during this intense competition.

• Valloire:

Le Grand Parcours – 22 and 23 March 2025

The Grand Parcours is a gathering of touring skiers and snowboarders in the mountains, an exceptional opportunity to discover the activity or improve your skills. Themed courses with workshops and guided tours led by our guides.

• Monts-Jura:

Jura Sick Race MTB – 6 and 7 April 2024

Third edition of the Jura Sick Race, the first national race to open the Enduro season. Find out more here.

Cultural events: feast your eyes and ears

• Val Cenis:

“Tous en Piste” – 14 and 15 December 2024

“Tous en Piste” celebrates its 10th anniversary: skiing to the heart! This is the not-to-be-missed event that officially kicks off the ski season in Val Cenis with the partial opening of the ski area!

Under the banner of solidarity, volunteerism and mutual aid, this 10th edition is expecting 5,000 people for 2 days of festivities, skiing and treats: tastings of local produce, activities on the slopes and a big après-ski concert on Saturday with DJ The Avener!

Price: €45 for a 2-day pass without accommodation. More info here.

• Vars:

Vars on Stage – 14 December 2024

The must-attend event to launch the season for several years now.

Outdoormix Winter Festival – 17th to 19th January 2025

Sport, fun and sharing, with unusual sporting activities and festive evenings.

• Val d’Allos:

Opening concert of the resort – 14 December 2024

In its 3rd year, the opening concert, which has welcomed Queen Alive and Keen’V in previous years, returns to launch the 2024/2025 winter season.

• Les Arcs:

Les Arcs Film Festival – 14 to 21 December 2024

It’s the fusion of mountains and cinema, with the 16th edition coming to Les Arcs! This year, the spotlight will be on Iceland. On the programme: a host of films and concerts.

• Les Angles:

“France Bleu Live” – 12 and 13 December 2024

In partnership with France Bleu radio, 2 days of music. 2 free concerts open to all. Past performers include Yannick Noah, Boulevard des Airs, Christophe Maé, Zaz, Amir and Jérémy Frérot. Programme available soon!

The Adventure Festival – 17 to 23 January 2025

A week during which the heroes of our time tell their stories through conferences and films… Each session ends with a debate with the protagonists. Modern-day adventurers who tell fabulous stories by bike, boat, foot, car, underwater, in the mountains, in the jungle and so on!

The Bandas Festival – Weekend of 15 March 2025

For 2 days, brass bands from all over France will be competing in colourful battles! A festive atmosphere in different parts of the resort and on the ski slopes.

• Valberg:

New Year’s Eve Party – 31 December 2024

New Year’s Snow Trail – 1 January 2025 by night

• La Bresse-Hohneck:

Accords des Montagnes Festival – 12 to 17 January 2025

The “Accords des montagnes” festival is an ever-popular tradition. Over 6 days, no fewer than 20 solo accordionists or groups will perform at the Halle des Congrès in the Bresse town. Hailing from the Vosges, the four corners of France and even Switzerland and Belgium, artists of all generations will be celebrating the accordion throughout the week.

• Méribel:

Franglish Comedy festival – from 27 to 31 January 2025

In Méribel, English DNA is part of the resort’s history, so when the idea came up of combining French and English origins in a comedy festival, it was an instant success.

Launched last winter, the ‘Franglish Comedy Festival’ features French and English comedians on stage. On some nights, each performs in his or her native language, but for one evening, they swap languages: the English perform sketches in French and vice versa. A number of artists from the international comedy scene will once again be present for this second edition. There will be shows in the auditorium, but also in bars in Méribel in late show format.

An ode to life, but also to conviviality and good humour, in the enchanting setting of the Vosges mountains. It’s a unique opportunity to discover all the styles that the instrument has to offer. And there’s no doubt that the musette atmosphere will delight fans at the concerts, dinners and gala dances!

• Albiez-Montrond:

Les Savoyardises Givrées” week – from 3 to 8 March 2025

• Tasting of Savoyard products with Emy our Mascot (cheeses, cold meats, mulled wine, fruit juices, etc.) Products from Savoyard producers and the Coopérative des Arves.
• Meetings with local producers and craftsmen at a craft market
• Film on gastronomy and/or Savoie, possibly with the presence of the director
• Cooking workshops for children with the nursery and leisure centre
• Social networking photo competition of local specialities.

• Val Thorens:

“Astronomy workshop – date to be confirmed

Explore the Sun during our daytime observation, then immerse yourself in exciting scientific workshops: Investigation of Time, Spectacle of the Planets and History of the Alps. An exciting exploration combining solar observation and original scientific discoveries.

• Alpe d’Huez:

Comedy Film Festival – from 13 to 19 January 2025

TomorrowLand Winter – 15 to 22 March 2025

• Val d’Arly:

Val d’ARTly Festival – 2 to 6 March 2025

With the second street art festival in the mountains, Val d’Arly is breaking new ground in 2025! The Val d’Arly Tourist Office will be putting on a whole host of events over the five days, including exhibitions, frescoes, live shows, workshops and conferences! These are just some of the subjects that will delight enthusiasts and amateurs, young and old, gathered together over these few days around Street Art in the heart of Val d’Arly.

40 artists, 2 exhibition galleries, 19 frescoes (including 14 new ones), live performances, events, workshops, 4 highlights… It promises to be a fast-paced event!

• Val d’Isère:

International Adventure & Discovery Film Festival – 14 to 17 April 2025

A springtime cultural event, the four-day festival features 11 après-ski screenings at the Convention Centre, in cinemas and online. The films in the selection are presented by travel writer Sylvain Tesson in the presence of the adventurers and directors. Debates, meetings, events and exhibitions around the projects make the festival a hub of human exchanges where the public can take part in a wide range of activities.

Well-being events: the rejuvenating mountains

• Grand Tourmalet:

Sunset animations – 3 times a week

This winter you can watch the sunset at the Pic du Midi 3 times a week during the school holidays. The entertainment on each of the 3 evenings is different, with, for example, a DJ or cocktail bars…

• Saint-Martin-de-Belleville:

“Yogiski” – 5 to 12 April 2025

An unmissable week of wellbeing and yoga, to give your head a boost and gently tone your body. Yoga enthusiasts of all levels meet up every day in Les Menuires and Saint-Martin de Belleville, for original yoga workshops and other practices such as hypnosis, sophrology, the Tibetan bowl and well-being through singing. Also on the programme for this year’s event: a yoga wake-up call at an altitude of 2800 metres, an evening of snowshoeing and yoga at the refuge du Lou and a full-day retreat. Find out more here.