06/10/2026
🇫🇷 31 seasons in the French Alps. Here’s what I’ve seen change, and what I’d tell anyone booking a ski holiday today.
I’m Tony Leece, founder of Ski4Less, and I’m now going into my 32nd season organising ski holidays in the French Alps.
Over that time, I’ve seen a few things change. Here’s my honest look at where skiing stands today, and what I’d tell a friend who asked me before booking. ⛷️
❄️ THE SNOW: ALTITUDE MATTERS MORE THAN IT USED TO
The biggest shift is that where you stay now makes a real difference to your snow. French research on Alpine resorts shows that snow reliability is more and more tied to altitude, and that resorts have come to rely on snowmaking and careful grooming to keep pistes in good shape. Snowmaking helps, but it only works in the right temperatures.
For me, that points one way: higher is safer.
Val Thorens sits at 2,300m, the highest resort in Europe, with glacier terrain above it and the whole Three Valleys on its doorstep. If snow is your priority, especially for early-season and late-season weeks, I’d choose a high resort every time. 🏔️
💶 COSTS: LIFT PASSES HAVE CREPT UP
Lift passes have crept up over the years. For 2026/27, the official price of a 6-day adult Three Valleys pass is €421 at peak dates.
That’s why we pay close attention to what’s included. Our Val Thorens group deal includes a 6-day Val Thorens pass in the price, and you can upgrade to the full Three Valleys pass for £50pp. 🎿
🛂 GETTING THERE: A BIT MORE PAPERWORK
Since October 2025, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System has been rolling out at borders, with fingerprints and a photo taken the first time you cross. In practice, that can mean longer queues at passport control in busy periods.
ETIAS, the separate travel authorisation, has been delayed and isn’t live yet, but rules like this can change, so check before you travel.
My advice is to allow plenty of time at the airport, keep your passport handy and check its validity well before you book. ✈️
💡 MY INSIDER TIPS
📅 Shoulder weeks are where the value is. Prices swing hugely across the season. In our Altineige apartments, an early-season week in late November starts at £800 per apartment, while February half-term starts at £2,300. If you can be flexible, you can save hundreds.
🎄 Book the peak weeks early. New Year and February half-term go first. I’ve seen it happen: weeks sell out quickly, so don’t wait for a better price that never comes.
🏠 Self-catered saves a lot. With an apartment sleeping five, the cost per person drops fast, and you get to cook on your own schedule. Add a mini-market in the residence and you won’t go hungry.
🎿 Pre-book ski hire. It’s cheaper than renting on arrival, and one less queue on the first morning.
🏅 Book lessons for beginners and kids. A good instructor in the first couple of days changes the whole week. We can help you arrange lessons for your group.
👨👩👧👦 Keep groups simple. If you’re travelling with friends or other families, each family gets its own invoice from us, so nobody has to chase anyone for money.
🏔️ THE BOTTOM LINE
Skiing in the French Alps has changed, but it’s still one of the best holidays you can take, especially if you pick your resort and dates with a bit of care.
The mountains haven’t gone anywhere. 🏔️
Thinking about next season? Drop us a message, or tell us in the comments what you’d like to know. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction. 💬
