French Ski Resorts Report 54.8 Million Ski Days In The Winter Of 2024/25,
On the first day of the annual congress of Domaines Skiables de France (DSF) in Toulouse, DSF takes stock of the winter and summer season 2024/2025.
- Domaines Skiables de France (DSF) is the industry association of French operators of ski resorts and cable car systems.
- DSF unites 380 members, of which 230 are active operators (lift or area operators) and around 150 are associate members (suppliers, manufacturers, training centers, planning offices, etc.).
- The ski resorts are the main source of the attractiveness of the mountain stations, which receive 10 million tourists every winter, including 7 million winter sports enthusiasts.
- As key players in the mountain economy, ski resorts shape local economic life (retail, accommodation, ski schools, services, etc.).
- The activities of ski resorts are crucial for employment and social life in mountain regions. DSF members employ 18,500 people in approximately 20 different professions.
- In total, over 120,000 jobs in France (directly and indirectly) depend on the opening of ski resorts (retail, accommodation, ski schools, services, etc.).
- With 54.8 million ski days in 2024/2025, France ranks second worldwide among ski nations – behind the USA and ahead of Austria.
The 2024/2025 season ended with positive developments for all French mountain resorts. Thanks to an early onset of winter weather, the ski resorts recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers: +5.5% compared to the previous winter and +4.9% above the average of the three preceding winters. This positive result was further boosted by abundant snowfall at all altitudes at the beginning of the season. As economic and social drivers of the French Alpine regions, the mountains and skiing have once again confirmed their appeal.
France – the world's number 2 in ski days
With 54.8 million ski days in the winter of 2024/25 (compared to 51.9 million in 2023/24), France recorded a growth of +5.5% and once again took second place worldwide, behind the USA (No. 1 with 61.5 million ski days) and ahead of Austria (51.8 million).
The start of the 2024/2025 season was characterized by snowfall at all altitudes, followed by a period of fine weather that attracted many skiers during the Christmas holidays. All mountain ranges recorded significant increases – especially those that had suffered from a lack of snow the previous year.
The positive trend continued in January, with visitor numbers increasing by 3% compared to the previous year and by 7% compared to the three previous seasons. Even before the winter holidays, the cumulative increase was 6% compared to 2023/2024 and 13% compared to the average of recent years.
The winter holidays maintained this momentum, reaching +6% compared to 2024. On March 7th, the national cumulative visitor count was +6% higher than the previous year and +7% higher than the average of the three previous winters.
Despite a changeable March, which – as has been typical since the start of the coronavirus pandemic – saw a decline in visitor numbers, the lead from the beginning of the season remained intact. On April 4, shortly before the last ski resorts closed, the cumulative national visitor count was still solidly positive: +4% compared to the previous year and +4% above the average of the last three winters.
The end of the season (April 4 to May 8) went significantly better than in previous years – mainly thanks to the unusual shift in the holiday periods of British and Flemish guests from March to April.
Overall, the 2024/2025 season is proving to be a good one for the French mountains – benefiting from sufficient snow conditions in most mountain ranges and strong visitor numbers during all peak seasons. This confirms the renewed interest of French and international guests in French ski resorts.
Results by region
- The 2024/25 season was a good year in most mountain regions.
- In all regions, it was better than the previous season, which was characterized by a lack of snow at mid-altitudes.
- The Massif Central, the Vosges Mountains and the Jura Mountains recorded the largest increases, but without achieving exceptional results compared to the average of recent years.
Main trends of the 2024/2025 season
- Increase in ski days:
- 54.8 million for the season, which is +5.5% compared to 2023/2024 and +4.9% compared to the average of the last three (post-Covid) seasons.
- High occupancy rate:
- The accommodations achieved occupancy rates of 71% to 83% (depending on the period), with peaks during the winter and Christmas holidays. Holiday clubs performed particularly well – thanks to their wide range of activities.
Growing international tourism:
- More and more European and non-European guests are traveling to the French mountains, contributing to a more even distribution of visitors during the season.
- Stable French clientele:
- The number of French tourists remains robust and constant.
Summer season: Summer 2025 with clear growth – the French ski resorts confirm their attractiveness even in the warmer months.
French ski resorts continued to show dynamism and appeal in the summer of 2025. Visitor numbers increased once again. Tourist accommodations recorded occupancy rates of around or above 65% nationwide¹, while some offerings – such as holiday clubs – reached an average of up to 77%.
Thanks to a wide range of activities, a fascination with nature, the concept of "slow tourism," and the desire for cooler temperatures, the mountains attracted a broad audience – especially families and international guests. Hiking, mountain biking, events, wellness, and sporting activities characterized the season. Despite a cautious economic climate, the French mountains maintained their position as a top summer destination, supported by a revitalized offering and the commitment of all tourism stakeholders.
¹ Source: Atout France – ANMSM
