A French Alps Winter Experience
- Hannah Cameron
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Brrr! Has anyone been cold lately? Here in Brisbane, where France Travel Solutions is based, we’ve been waking up to some of the coldest winter mornings, with temperatures reportedly 5 to 8 degrees below average! On Friday June 13th temperatures in the CBD fell to 5.2 degrees— the coldest June morning since 2002!
While these chilly weeks may have some people dreaming of a summer getaway, we have a different suggestion… experiencing winter the authentic European way— and no, that doesn’t necessarily mean a colder way!
Where winter in Australia has us tucked under mountains of blankets inside our homes, winter in France is all about embracing and overcoming the cold! After all, if you’ve got six to seven months of temperatures cold enough for snow (as they do in the Alps) you can’t very well spend them all inside! Instead picture yourself amongst snowy winter wonderlands, enjoying deliciously warming food and drinks, and revelling in the indomitable Christmas cheer of the season.
Read on to discover why you shouldn’t settle for Australian winter as we explore why experiencing an authentic European winter is so special, and why the French Alps is the perfect place to experience one.
Architecture and fashion
In Europe, destinations such as the French Alps are built for winter. Literally. Their buildings are of course actually insulated for sub-zero temperatures and have heaters (unlike most Queensland homes)! When visiting the Alps you will see a variety of buildings but by far the most prominent are the traditional Chalets.
Once used by Alpine herders, chalets (or at least chalet-inspired buildings) now play host to many tourists and locals. Traditionally made of wood, these charming cabin-like structures have steeply pitched roofs and wide eaves to allow snow to slide off easily. Chalet exteriors often features terraces, which treat guests to splendid alpine views, while their interiors have a cosy and rustic feel which is often completed with a stone fireplace.
As well as fireplaces and comfortable cabins, inhabitants of the Alps also have impeccably designed winter fashion to keep them snug. Many skiers take to the slopes in high-end skiwear brands and luxury outerwear, that somehow manages to remain practical for sport despite hefty price tags.
Beyond its weather resistant architecture and fashion, the Alps and its inhabitants boast a fantastic winter-time culture, brightened and warmed by the Christmas atmosphere.
The snow-sports culture
In the Alps, wintertime is all about snow sports. There’s no better way to keep warm than a bit of exercise and when you’re gliding down mountains on powdery snow, while taking in alpine views, it’ll hardly feel like exercise!
France attracts a staggering 55 million tourists to its ski slopes each year, with the Alps accounting for about 80% of these visits. Some of the most popular ski resorts include Val d’Isère, Avoriaz, and the gigantic Les 3 Vallées complex— which encompasses seven ski resorts (including Meribel and Val Thorens), with 183 ski lifts crisscrossing 600km of skiable terrain.
The status of the French alps as a must-see location for skiers and snowboarders gives it an unparalleled atmosphere. Travellers are sure to feel excited and adventurous in this international hub of adventure and cheer despite the colder, shorter days.
Ultimately everyone is here for a good time. Some are carving it up on the slopes with friends and family. Others are catching gondolas to the highest peaks and taking in panoramic views. Many are visiting slope-side bars for après-ski (after ski) drinks and dancing. At these institutions you’ll find skiers and snowboarders from all over the world with their boots on tables boogying the night away to the tune of great live music!
Après-ski broadly refers to the social activities and relaxation that take place after a day of skiing or snowboarding. The fun can include live music and entertainment, dinner and drinks, casual gatherings and lively parties, and even a dip in a hot tub! These activities make for a dynamic and energetic atmosphere on the mountainsides and après-ski traditions can draw tourists just as much as the skiing itself.
Food and drink
Of course deliciously warming food and drinks such as fondue, mulled wine, and hot chocolate keep everyone in the Alps toasty when the sun sets and the snow begins to fall.
Chocolat Chaud
Creamy, chocolatey, delicious; hot chocolate in France is a luxurious treat with a much thicker consistency that what you order from the barista in Australia.
Vin Chaud (Mulled wine)
Hot wine infused with spices! A delicacy invented by the Romans and enjoyed around Europe at Christmas markets and for après-ski.
Fondue
Originating in the Alps on the Swisse side of the border, this dish involves decadent melted cheese and bread for dipping. In the French Savoie region the local "Fondue Savoyarde" is sure to warm you up and fill your stomach!
A white Christmas
We simply can’t talk about winter in the Alps without talking about Christmas. Even during the darkest and coldest days of the year, this region sparkles with the light and warmth of Christmas cheer.
Many ski resorts are decorated with impressive Christmas light displays and snow sculptures which make for a magical festive atmosphere. The ski town of Courchevel is particularly beloved for its Christmas traditions including an alpine Christmas market, which is visited by Santa Claus on a horse drawn carriage, bringing delight to children and families. By far the most incredible Christmas display in Courchevel is the stunning torchlight descent which sees 300 ski instructors descending the slopes with flaming torches in hand, creating awe-inspiring patterns of light.
With such beautiful Christmas traditions it is easy to forget the cold weather that inevitably plays a part during winter in the French Alps. However, it is impossible to forget the excitement that comes when this cold brings flurries of snowflakes, creating the perfect conditions for a White Christmas. Such fun it is to build snowmen and have snowball fights on Christmas day, and how very different it is compared to our Christmases here in Australia.
Winter wonderland
While Christmas and winter traditions throughout all of France and Europe are incredible, there is one key aspect that elevates the winter experience in the French Alps: the views.
The alps truly are a Winter Wonderland in every sense. Be it huge, rugged cliff faces and imposing peaks towering over snow dusted villages, or tiny crystalline snowflakes landing on branches where icicles hang precariously, every view will take your breath away.
Luckily, even those who don’t partake in snow sports can explore these sights. There are 43 mountain ranges in the French Alps, including France’s tallest mountain Mont Blanc. Upon many of these peaks, particularly those that play host to ski-resorts, gondolas offer pedestrians access to incredible mountain viewpoints.
For some this breathtakingly beautiful landscape inspires adventure, for others it promotes peace and tranquillity. Who knows what it will be for you? The only way to find out is to explore the French Alps for yourself!
Ready for your French Winter adventure? Contact us NOW!
At France Travel Solutions our most festive and wintery tour, French Winter Christmas Delights, will give you the incredible Alps experience plus so much more! Over 13 unforgettable days, you’ll explore stunning destinations in the heart of the Alps like Annecy and Chamonix, soak up the Christmas magic, and yes—you’ll definitely see snow! This small-group tour is perfect for guests who want all the beauty, food, and wonder of a French winter without hitting the ski slopes.
But if skiing and snowboarding is what you’re after, no matter whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, we’re still your go to! As an official partner of Club Med—the leading French ski-travel company offering all-inclusive holidays across 13 premier French Ski resorts—we can help you plan your ultimate French ski holiday.
No matter what you’re looking for, let us help you plan your perfect winter in the French Alps.
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