The arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie: the ski resorts open their doors
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Snow Arrives in Savoie and Haute-Savoie: The Resorts Open
Every year, the arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie is eagerly awaited by mountain lovers. When the first snowflakes blanket the Alpine peaks, the ski resorts gradually come alive, marking the start of a new winter season.
As a mountain photographer , I capture those magical moments when the mountains transform into a white paradise. Discover my photos of Alpine ski resorts and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of an alpine winter.
The Arrival of the First Snows: An Awaited Event
When does the snow arrive in Savoie and Haute-Savoie?
The first snow at altitude usually arrives at the end of September or the beginning of October, but it is mainly from November onwards that the snow cover becomes significant:
- Late September - October : First snows above 2,500 m
- November : Gradual snowfall at high-altitude resorts (2,000 m and above)
- December : Widespread snow cover, most resorts open
- January-February : Peak snowfall, optimal conditions
Factors Influencing Snowfall
Altitude: Resorts above 2,000 m benefit from earlier and more lasting snow cover
Exposure: North-facing slopes retain snow better
Weather: Disturbances coming from the west are bringing snowfall
Glaciers: Some resorts (Tignes, Val d'Isère) can open as early as October thanks to their glaciers.
The Main Ski Resorts of Savoie
Vanoise: The Domain of Giants
The Vanoise massif is home to some of the largest ski resorts in the Alps:
Val d'Isère (1,850 m - 3,456 m)
- Opening: End of November (ice cream available from October)
- 300 km of slopes linked with Tignes (Espace Killy)
- Legendary resort, sporty atmosphere
- My photos of Val d'Isère
Tignes (2,100 m - 3,456 m)
- Opening: October (Grande Motte glacier)
- Year-round skiing possible on the glacier
- Modern architecture, international atmosphere
- My photos of Tignes
Courchevel (1,300 m - 2,738 m)
- Opening: Early December
- 600 km of slopes (The 3 Valleys)
- A prestigious resort offering luxury and gastronomy.
- quality snow
Méribel (1,450 m - 2,952 m)
- Opening: Mid-December
- In the heart of the 3 Valleys
- Preserved Savoyard architecture
- Family and sporty atmosphere
Val Thorens (2,300 m - 3,230 m)
- Opening: End of November
- Highest ski resort in Europe
- Guaranteed snow, long season
- Glacier skiing possible
Other resorts in Savoie
La Plagne (1,250 m - 3,250 m)
- 425 km of slopes (Paradiski with Les Arcs)
- Several villages at different altitudes
- Ideal for families
Les Arcs (1,200 m - 3,226 m)
- Paradiski area
- Modern architecture from the 1960s and 70s
- Spectacular view of Mont Blanc
The Main Resorts of Haute-Savoie
Mont Blanc Massif: Prestige and Altitude
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (1,035 m - 3,842 m)
- Opening: December (Grands Montets from November)
- A legendary resort at the foot of Mont Blanc
- High mountain skiing, legendary off-piste
- Mountaineering and adventure atmosphere
Megève (1,113 m - 2,350 m)
- Opening: Mid-December
- Chic and authentic resort
- Preserved Savoyard architecture
- 400 km of slopes (Mont-Blanc Escape)
Saint-Gervais (850 m - 2,350 m)
- Opening: December
- Spa resort and ski resort
- Domaine Évasion Mont-Blanc
- Breathtaking view of Mont Blanc
Aravis Massif: Alpine Charm
La Clusaz (1,100 m - 2,600 m)
- Opening: Mid-December
- Authentic village resort
- 125 km of trails
- Friendly and family atmosphere
Le Grand-Bornand (1,000 m - 2,100 m)
- Opening: Mid-December
- Preserved Savoyard Village
- Area connected to La Clusaz
- Reblochon and gastronomy
Other resorts in Haute-Savoie
Avoriaz (1,800 m - 2,466 m)
- Opening: December
- Pedestrian-only station, no cars
- Portes du Soleil (650 km of slopes)
- Unique 1960s architecture
Flaine (1,600 m - 2,500 m)
- Opening: December
- Grand Massif (265 km of slopes)
- Bauhaus architecture
- quality snow
Photographing the Arrival of Snow
Magical Moments to Capture
The arrival of snow offers exceptional photographic opportunities:
First snow on the peaks:
- Contrast between white peaks and still green valleys
- Soft autumn light on fresh snow
- Warm colors of golden larches with snow
Stations that come alive:
- Opening of the ski lifts
- First skiers on the slopes
- Nighttime damage to the slopes
- Christmas lights in the villages
Transformed landscapes:
- Chalets under the snow
- Snow-covered fir forests
- Frozen lakes at high altitude
- Glaciers regaining their white mantle
Photo Tips for Winter in the Ski Resort
Recommended settings:
- Exposure compensation : +1 to +2 EV (snow misleads exposure)
- White balance : Cloudy or shaded to preserve cool tones
- ISO : 100-400 for maximum quality
- Aperture : f/8 to f/11 for good depth of field
Equipment protection:
- Additional batteries (cold reduces battery life)
- Waterproof bag to protect from snow
- Avoid thermal shock (condensation)
- Cloth for wiping the lens
Enjoying the First Snows
Advantages of Skiing at the Beginning of the Season
- Fewer people : Less busy slopes
- Fresh snow : Quality powder
- Great deals : Early season packages
- Relaxed atmosphere : Quiet resorts before the holidays
Precautions to Take
- Check snow conditions : Not all slopes are open
- Variable conditions : Snow is sometimes uneven
- Suitable equipment : Skis/snowboard for hard or powder snow
- Caution off-piste : Increased avalanche risk at the beginning of the season
Transform Your Station Photos into Decorative Prints
Bring the Ski Resort Atmosphere into Your Home
Photos of ski resorts bring a dynamic mountain atmosphere to your decor:
- Sporting energy : A reminder of your ski vacation
- Nostalgia : Memories of moments shared with family
- Escape : An invitation to travel and adventure
- Alpine style : Perfect for a chalet or mountain apartment
Where to integrate a ski resort map?
Mountain chalet : A reminder of your favorite resort
Urban living room : A touch of escape and nature
Office : Motivation and holiday memories
Children's room : Passion for skiing and the mountains
Dibond aluminum for station photos
My photo prints of the Alps are printed on matte Dibond aluminum :
- Dynamic rendering : The vibrant colors of the stations are magnified.
- Snow/sky contrast : Perfect rendering of pristine white
- Matte finish : No glare, perfect readability
- Durability : Resists time and humidity
- Made in France : Gallery quality, artisanal expertise
Station Opening Calendar 2024-2025
Early Openings (October-November)
- Tignes : Glacier open from October
- Val d'Isère : Late November (glacier from October)
- Val Thorens : End of November
- Les 2 Alpes : Glacier open from June
Openings in December
- Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires : Early December
- Chamonix, Megève, Saint-Gervais : Mid-December
- La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand : Mid-December
- Avoriaz, Flaine : December
Track Snow Conditions in Real Time
Tools and Applications
- Resort websites : Daily snow reports
- Météo France Montagne : Snow and avalanche forecast
- Skiinfo : Snowfall Comparator
- Webcams : Check live conditions
Conclusion: The Magic of Alpine Winter
The arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie marks the beginning of a magical season when the ski resorts of the Alps come alive. From the glaciers of Tignes to the legendary slopes of Chamonix, via the prestige of Courchevel and the charm of La Clusaz, each resort offers its own unique atmosphere.
As a photographer, I capture those moments when the mountain transforms into a white paradise, where the first tracks in the powder tell the story of the beginning of a new winter adventure.
My photo prints of ski resorts allow you to extend this magic into your home, bringing the energy and beauty of the Alpine winter into your everyday life.
Let the magic of the Alpine winter illuminate your interior.
