Everything you need to know about high-altitude skiing in France

How high is high altitude? How does altitude affect skiing? Are pistes more challenging the higher they are? Where are the most snow-sure resorts in France?

When it comes to altitude and skiing, there's plenty to cover. So, we’ve condensed everything you need to know into this handy guide.

Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday to France and you’ve read about the importance of altitude or you’re wondering if this season is the right time to take your kids up high, we’ve got you covered. And with over 35 years of experience operating ski holidays across the French and Austrian Alps, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about.

Altitude is how far above sea level a place is. If you’re skiing on slopes that are 2,000m or above sea level, then this is typically known as high-altitude skiing. The altitude of both the ski area and the resort that you’re staying in has an impact on your holiday - higher-altitude slopes tend to be more snow-sure and with better skiing conditions, while the altitude of the resort can affect how you feel (for instance, how quickly you get tired).

Just because the skiing in a particular area is classed as high altitude doesn’t necessarily mean that the resort is also high altitude, however. Take Val d’Isère in France: The village itself sits at 1,850m, but the highest skiable point of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area is the top of the Grande Motte Glacier, some 3,456m above sea level (and nearly three times higher than the village itself).

How skiing altitudes are classed

• Very high altitude: Over 2,500m
• High altitude: 2,000-2,500m
• Mid altitude: 1,500-2,000m
• Low altitude: Below 1,500m

It’s true that the higher the slopes and the colder the temperatures are, the more likely it is for them to see some of the best snow conditions - particularly compared to those at a lower altitude. However, it’s not just altitude that affects snow reliability and quality.

Other factors influence this, too, including:

1. Slope direction

2. Average temperature

3. Number of glaciers

The Télécabine des Glaciers gondola lift in La Plagne, which takes you to the the top of the glacier area

With the draws of skiing at altitude in France covered, it’s time to talk about what it looks and feels like in practice. If you’re heading high, expect:

• Crisp, cold temperatures. Plenty of layers and decent kit (from your jacket to your gloves) are a must to keep you warm while the elements are nippy. For expert advice on what to pack, read our ultimate guide to layering for skiing, written in partnership with Louise Waldron, founder of Snow Finel Ski Wear.
• Some of the best snow conditions you’ve ever skied. You’ll be hard pressed to find any hint of a treetop poking through the snow base. With fresh snow under your skis, you’ll glide down each run - literally. Prefer to play in the powder? The sheer amount of snow that high-altitude ski areas get makes them a goldmine for hitting the off piste, so make sure you pack your twin tips!
• Visibility at both ends of the scale. The weather can change in an instant on the mountain, and it’s no different up high. One minute, the sun will be shining. The next, a weather front will have moved in. Being prepared for sunshine, snowfall, and the occasional whiteout is part of any ski holiday. But when you’re higher up, weather changes can feel more extreme, so it’s important to bear this in mind if you’re taking the little ones or beginners out.
• Stunning and dramatic views. The higher you go, the more open the views around you become. There’s less in the way of what you can see, so as a result, you’ll have other valleys and peaks to take in, as well as the mountain you’re on. On some days, you might experience what it means to be truly above the clouds, which is when the clouds sit lower down in the valley, leaving only sunshine and clear blue skies above.
• To feel it more physically, which we’ll cover in more detail next.

Altitude is great for skiing conditions, but what sort of impact does it have on your body or your ability to ski, if any? The higher you are, the less oxygen there is available to you, meaning your body has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

Any sort of exercise at altitude feels harder than it does at sea level, so you’re likely to feel more out of breath or tire sooner than you usually would. When skiing at altitude, you may find that:

• You may need to catch your breath more often during a long run than you would at lower altitudes
• Your legs might feel tired sooner than usual, particularly if you’ve spent a full day on the mountain or up on a glacier
• You may get a little more breathless when carrying your skis and poles around the resort

Skiing is already a physically demanding sport - and when you add high altitude to the mix, a little extra effort is required to keep you feeling energised. While this is normal, you should also be aware of how ‘typical’ tiredness can turn into altitude sickness, which happens when your body can’t adjust to the reduced oxygen levels quickly enough.

How to prevent altitude sickness while skiing

• Staying hydrated. It’s important to drink water while you’re skiing to counteract the dry mountain air. But it’s equally important to stay hydrated from the moment you set off for your trip, too. Travel can leave you feeling dehydrated as it is, so drink plenty of water during your flight and transfer to set you up for the week ahead.
• Prioritising sleep. We know that as soon as you step into your chalet or hotel, you’ll be full of excitement about the week ahead. But if you can resist the temptation of a late first night, a good night’s sleep is the ideal way to help your body acclimatise to the altitude and rest, ready for the week of skiing ahead.
• Taking the first day at a gentler space. Similarly, you might want to get up and go, go, go on that first morning, but remember that higher altitudes are more demanding on your body. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few easier and shorter runs during those first few hours to get yourself used to the elevation.
• Listening to your body. While feeling out of breath after a particularly challenging or exhilarating run is relatively normal, feeling genuinely unwell isn’t. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, then stop for a rest. If you continue to feel under the weather and your symptoms don’t improve, consider seeking medical advice.

To minimise the chance of feeling poorly at altitude and maximise your enjoyment of your trip to the French Alps, a little preparation can go a long way.

1. Get ski fit before you go

2. Don’t underestimate the sun

Remember to pack your sunglasses, an essential accessory for any ski holiday

3. Invest in warm layers and accessories

For some of the best snow conditions, incredible scenery, and exhilarating runs, look no further than a high-altitude ski holiday in France. Whether you’d like to try a higher resort for the first time or you’re looking for advice on which is best for your family or group, our Alpine Account Managers are on hand to help you plan your perfect trip.

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