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3 clusters · 17 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

France leading global ski tourism

Overview

France has reclaimed its position as the world’s leading ski destination for the first time in eleven years. During the 2025-2026 winter season, French resorts recorded 56.1 million skier days, a 2.4% increase that allowed the country to surpass Austria and the United States.

While France saw growth, analysts noted its rise to the top was partly influenced by a 14% decline in the United States, which recorded 52.6 million skier days. Austria followed France with 53.7 million. The French market remained stable, supported by strong snowfall in November and January and a 20% increase in mid-winter activity compared to previous years.

Regional growth was observed across several areas. The Pyrenees showed the strongest performance with a 9% increase in attendance, which was 12% above the average of the last four seasons. Other gains included the Southern Alps (+5%) and Haute-Savoie (+4.5%). In Haute-Savoie, the Grand Massif ski area—connecting Samoëns, Les Carroz-d’Arâches, Morillon, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, and Flaine—prepared for its season running from December 12 to April 11.

Despite rising attendance, the cost of skiing remains high. In major French domains, daily lift passes can exceed 80 euros. The 3 Vallées in Savoie, the world’s largest ski area, recorded a high-season adult rate of 84.20 euros. Laurent Reynaud of Domaines skiables de France stated these costs are driven by staff wages, taxes, and the high cost of maintaining and amortizing lift infrastructure.

Entities

Domaines skiables de France · France · Alps · Le Grand Massif · United States

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    France regains position as world's top skiing destination

    France has become the world's leading ski destination with 56.1 million skier days, overtaking Austria and the US, even as high lift pass prices continue to impact the industry.

  2. [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    France leads global ski tourism with record attendance

    France has become the world's top ski destination with 56.1 million skier days in 2025-2026, led by significant growth in the Pyrenees and the Alps.

  3. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    France becomes world's top ski destination for the first time in 11 years

    France has become the world's top ski destination for the first time since 2014, recording 56.1 million skier days in the 2025-2026 season, ahead of Austria and the United States.

Sources

actu.fr · admagazine.fr · archynewsy.com · edito.seloger.com · estrepublicain.fr · eurosif.org · fall-line.co.uk · freshmagparis.com · kayak.fr · Lalsace.fr · ledauphine.com · leprogres.fr · presseagence.fr · sportbusiness.club · sportstrategies.com · sudouest.fr · vosgesmatin.fr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history