Ski resort openings : official dates and first runs with Evolution 2

Ski resort openings winter 2026-2027 : full calendar with Evolution 2

Every year, it’s the same question: when do the ski resorts open?!
For the 2026-2027 winter season, the ski areas have already announced their provisional opening and closing dates. And here’s a tip for skiers looking for more than just a regular holiday in the snow: pick a resort where the Evolution 2 ski & outdoor school is present. That way, you’re guaranteed a complete experience: ski lessons, snowboarding, freeride, off-slope activities, and fun for the whole family (or with friends).

In this article, you’ll find the full opening calendar for winter 2026-27 in the resorts with Evolution 2 (plus a little help to choose the right one) 😉

Evolution 2 snowboard instructor in Val Thorens during a private lesson

Which ski resort kicks off the 2026-2027 season first?

The competition is tough every winter, but of course the high-altitude resorts keep the advantage.

In 2026, Val Thorens and the Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area will be the first to open, starting on November 21, 2026.
Their high elevation and glacier terrain ensure early snow coverage, allowing them to kick off the season ahead of all other French resorts.

From November 28 , the Grands Montets sector in Chamonix will take over.

Opening calendar by resort (Evolution 2 network)

In Savoie:

Val Thorens: November 21, 2026– May 2, 2027 / Highest resort in Europe, guaranteed skiing
Tignes: November 21, 2026– May 2, 2027/ Glacier, early snow, XXL ski area
Val d’Isère: November 28, 2026 – May 2, 2027 / Authenticity, guaranteed snow, Alpine prestige
La Rosière: December 12, 2026– April 17, 2027/ Linked with Italy, exceptional panorama
Les Arcs: December 12, 2026 – April 23, 2027/ Paradiski, wide choice of slopes
Peisey-Vallandry: December 12, 2026 / Heart of Paradiski, family-friendly
La Plagne Montchavin–Les Coches: December 12, 2026 – April 17, 2027 / Vast area, child-friendly sectors
Val Cenis: December 13, 2026 – April 16, 2027 / Wide beginners’ area, perfect for learning
Valfréjus: December 19, 2026 – April 9, 2027 / Intimate resort, quick access

In Haute-Savoie:

Chamonix: Grands Montets and Flégère: Nov 28; Brévente: Dec 12; Balme: Dec 12; Houches : Dec 19 / Legendary freeride destination, but with family-friendly zones
Avoriaz: December 11, 2026 – April 18, 2027 / Car-free, ski-in/ski-out resort, ideal for families
Les Gets : December 13, 2026– April 12, 2027
Morzine: December 13, 2026– April 6, 2027 / Portes du Soleil, family atmosphere
Megève: December 12, 2026– April 4, 2027
Saint-Gervais: December 13, 2026– April 6, 2027 / Panoramic domain facing Mont Blanc
La Clusaz: coming

In the Pyrenees:

Saint-Lary: coming / Pyrenees, warm and welcoming atmosphere

In the Massif Central:

Super Besse: December 19, 2026 / Massif Central, affordable family stay

Students from an Evolution 2 ski lesson on a chairlift in Avoriaz

The best resorts to learn with Evolution 2

If you or your children are taking your first steps on skis, some resorts in the Evolution 2 network stand out for their family-friendly ski areas:

Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets: safe beginner zones, family-oriented and accessible resorts.
La Plagne / Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry: wide gentle green and blue slopes, perfect for progressing.
Super Besse: a small, welcoming resort in the Massif Central with an affordable budget and a family atmosphere.

Evolution 2 is the perfect ski school for beginners, with instructors specialized in progressive learning, but above all, small group lessons for more personal attention. Group lessons are limited to a maximum of 8 people, with fun teaching methods for children. Nothing better to feel safe and confident on your very first runs!

All our resorts

Evolution 2 client on an off-piste outing in Les Arcs

The best resorts for advanced skiers

For thrill-seekers and off-piste lovers:

Chamonix: the temple of freeride with its legendary Grands Montets.
Tignes and Val d’Isère: endless variety of slopes, snowpark, and glaciers.
Val Thorens: record altitude and direct access to the world’s largest ski area (Les 3 Vallées).
La Rosière: cross over to Italy for even more variety in your runs.

With Evolution 2, you can also book guided freeride outings or technical lessons to refine your style! We’ll support you safely so you can progress quickly on all types of terrain.

All our resorts

Snowshoe outing with an Evolution 2 guide in Megève

Why choose a resort with Evolution 2 ?

Present in more than 20 destinations, Evolution 2 offers:

Ski and snowboard lessons for all levels.
Dedicated beginner areas.
Unique outdoor activities (paragliding, dog sledding, guided off-piste, etc.).
A friendly, personalized approach tailored to families as well as advanced athletes.

Discover all

Ice floating activity in Tignes with Evolution 2

Tips for booking your 2026-2027 ski holiday

When it comes to resort openings, we recommend checking the snow conditions and possible early openings, you might be able to enjoy the slopes before everyone else! Also, make sure to choose a resort that matches your profile and what you’re looking for. If you want large ski areas to have fun, head to Chamonix, Tignes, or Val d’Isère! For families, opt for Les Gets, Morzine, or Super Besse. And if you’re a beginner, take a look at La Plagne or Avoriaz. Each resort has its own unique character, while still offering terrain for all levels. Make sure to get informed before booking!

We also recommend booking your Evolution 2 lessons early, especially during Christmas and February holidays. And don’t forget about après-ski: plenty of activities with Evolution 2 such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice climbing.

Discover all activities

The 2026–2027 ski season promises to be exceptional 😊 : early openings as soon as November in Tignes and Val Thorens, guaranteed snow, and a wide variety of ski areas for every profile. Choosing a resort with Evolution 2 means enjoying high-quality instruction and activities for the whole family and all skill levels. All that’s left is to book your lessons and get ready for your first runs!

Opening of the ski resorts!