Spring in the French Alps offers not just a late season ski-fest, but a whole load of sports. Hiking, walking, road biking, mountain biking, abseiling, white water rafting, mountain climbing and heaps more activities await the adventurous – guaranteed to blow the winter cobwebs far away.
And if you want to recharge your batteries, rejuvenate and relax, the French Alps are the perfect place in the spring to slow down. Enjoy the dazzling scenery, spas, walks to make the most ardent nature lover sigh at the beauty, fabulous gastronomy and a big dose of alpine culture.
After the winter season, everything slows down just a little as the alpine pastures bloom. With a backdrop of dazzling snow-capped peaks and azure blue sky, and the longer, sunnier days bring bucket loads of feelgood factor to your stay.
Ski in the French Alps in spring
There’s still snow in the spring in the Alps with March and April the best months for a late snowfall, especially on the high peaks. It’s a great time to go for beginners as it’s less busy, and for families it’s ideal. Less lift queues, uncrowded pistes, still great apres-ski.
Feel good French Alps
The mountains aren’t just for skiing and sports addicts though, and for those who seek a more relaxing break the French Alps are ideal. Long walks in the fresh air, lingering over a delicious al fresco lunch soaking up the sensational sights, spa treatments and feel good, wellness activities to suit all. Spas and altitude are a match made in heaven.
Book a yoga session in the mountains, or take a mat and follow a class online. Enjoy a picnic in the mountains surrounded by meadows full of colourful wild flowers. Take a cooking class, drawing class, go horse riding, watch the shooting stars in the velvet black sky as you soak in a hot tub or, try paddleboarding. The tourist offices have a slew of fabulous activities to recommend and help you organise and wind down.
OVO Network, the French Alps accommodation specialist, has some great tips for pampering yourself in the French Alps.
Family fun in the French Alps
Spring is an ideal time to visit with the family. Head to the local tourist offices to discover potteries, cheese makers, and farms like child friendly goat farm La Chevrerie d’Antan in Manigod where you can walk with the goats and then buy fresh milk and cheese to take back to your chalet. Cheese lovers will enjoy Manigod’s Caves d’Affinage Paccard where you can learn all about cheese making. Head to local markets to buy fabulous seasonal products – perfect for fondue, tartiflette and raclette, robust cheesy dishes that pair well with mountain air.
Festive in the French Alps
Spring is also a time to celebrate the end of winter in the Alps. There are festivals galore from DJ sets to live concerts on the slopes. A a few of our favourites include: ‘Rock the Pistes’ at Portes du Soleil (March). Live in Tignes by Francofolies (April). Families and freestylers love the LCZ Freestyle show in La Clusaz (February or March). The free event (with a ski pass) ‘Sublicimes’ in La Plagne (April) features a roller disco, spa, ski jumps and a diving board.
Meanwhile ‘Le Septi Contest’ in Samoëns (April) has a great festive vibe. And ‘Glisse au Coeur’ at Le Grand Bornand (March) features a race with a heart. It’s the premier charity event of the French mountains and features 24 hours of non-stop skiing and challenges.
Easter in the Alps
Easter is a great time to fit in a last blast on your skis or enjoy the other activities of the mountains, with longer days and plenty of sunshine! This year Easter Sunday falls on 9 April, and you’ll find a range of gorgeous chalets and apartments available with OVO Network, who have the best range of holiday homes in the French Alps. And of course the chocolate shops and boulangeries of the Alps will be full of temptingly delicious things.
Where to stay
Staying in a gorgeous chalet is part of the holiday in the French Alps. Take a look at properties such as the stunning Chalet Pativerdan in La Clusaz, Chalet Paralpin in Manigod, Chalet Bellanis in Morzine, Chalet Mevi in Crest-Voland, and many more on the OVO Network website.
Be the first to hear about special offers, new chalets and news from the Alps with the OVO Network newsletter – sign up here
If you have holiday rental accommodation in the French Alps, find out more about how OVO Network can help you achieve year-round bookings.
