Ski resort closing dates 2025: Everything you need to know

As the 2025-2026 ski season draws to a close, many skiers are wondering when they can still enjoy the slopes. Every year, French ski resorts gradually close their ski areas between the end of March and the beginning of May. However, the closing dates of ski resorts vary depending on altitude, the exposure of the slopes, and especially the snow conditions.

For spring ski enthusiasts, some high-altitude resorts remain open particularly late. They therefore represent an excellent solution for enjoying the last descents, sometimes during the spring holidays and until the beginning of May.

When will the ski resorts close in 2026?

Ski resort closures do not take place on a single date. Each resort sets its own schedule based on its altitude, snow conditions, and infrastructure.

For the 2025-2026 season, several major Alpine resorts chose to extend their operations until early May. This was notably the case for Tignes, Val d’Isère and Val Thorens-Orelle. The Tignes ski area had planned to close on May 3, 2026. The official calendar also indicated that the linked Tignes-Val d’Isère area would close at that time. In Val d’Isère, the ski area was also announced as open until May 3, 2026. However, the resort specified that these forecasts could change depending on snow cover and safety conditions. As for Val Thorens, the Val Thorens-Orelle ski area was also due to operate until May 3, 2026. The resort was also holding its end-of-season event, «La Grande Dernière», on May 2 and 3, 2026. These resorts are among the favourite destinations for late-season skiing.

Why do some resorts close later?

Altitude plays an essential role in how long a resort stays open. The higher the slopes, the lower the temperatures remain and the longer the snow can last.

Large high-altitude resorts therefore have a significant advantage when spring arrives. This is especially true for ski areas where a large part of the slopes are above 2,000 meters.

The aspect of the slopes is also a decisive factor. A north-facing slope can keep good-quality snow for longer than a south-facing sector. Resorts can thus keep certain sectors open while others are already closed.

The presence of glaciers is also an asset for certain destinations. Tignes, for example, benefits from a high-altitude area and a glacier that allows for extending skiing in good conditions as the season progresses.

Resorts open until May

If you want to ski in April or enjoy a last weekend on the slopes at the beginning of May, several destinations are particularly interesting.

Ski resort closing: Tignes

Tignes is one of the French resorts renowned for its long winter season. For the winter of 2025-2026, the resort was scheduled to be open until May 3, 2026. The resort offered a «Closing» period from April 25 to May 3, among other things.

Its altitude and the Grande Motte glacier allow Tignes to maintain favourable conditions for late-season skiing.

Ski resort closing: Val d’Isère

Connected to Tignes within a vast ski area, Val d’Isère also planned a closure on May 3, 2026.

The resort indicated that all its sectors should remain accessible on skis until that date, while specifying that openings could be adjusted depending on snow and safety conditions.

The end of the season is often a period that is appreciated by skiers who seek more tranquility on the slopes.

Ski resort closure: Val Thorens and Orelle

Val Thorens is also among the French resorts with a very long season. For the winter 2025-2026, the Val Thorens-Orelle resort was announced to be open until May 3, 2026.

Thanks to its particularly high altitude, Val Thorens is regularly cited as one of the preferred destinations for spring skiing.

The resort also takes advantage of this period to organize end-of-season events. In 2026, «La Grande Dernière» was scheduled for May 2 and 3, just before the resort closed.

Ski resort closing: Chamonix

Chamonix operates differently. The valley has several ski resorts and their schedules are not necessarily identical.

It is therefore important to check the chosen sector before booking a stay or traveling. The Grands Montets, for example, enjoy a high altitude and have traditionally been one of the preferred areas for spring skiing.

The diversity of Chamonix's ski areas makes it possible to enjoy the mountains at different times, but opening conditions can vary greatly from one sector to another.

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