The Alps are winter’s great amphitheater: dramatic granite faces, hanging glaciers, and centuries-old villages tuned to the rhythm of snow. Skiing here began as a way to traverse passes; by the mid‑20th century, lift networks stitched valleys together into world-class playgrounds. Today, high-altitude French domains like Val d’Isère–Tignes reliably hold snow deep into spring, making them smart choices when conditions elsewhere vary.

Fun fact: the “Face de Bellevarde” black in Val d’Isère has tested Olympians and weekend warriors alike since the 1992 Albertville Games. Nearby, the Grande Motte glacier above Tignes offers sweeping 360° views and some of Europe’s most consistent late-season cruising. Savoyard cooking—think bubbling raclette, nutty Beaufort cheese, and hearty diots sausages—keeps skiers fuelled between laps.

Practical notes: Always check local avalanche bulletins and lift status each morning. Book airport transfers in advance, and plan to rent gear the afternoon you arrive. As of March 2025, the Val d’Isère–Tignes area typically runs into late April (glacier even later), with extensive grooming and modern lifts. Dining and bars below are open this season; reservations recommended for popular spots.

About the snow next week: where has the most?

I can’t access live snow dashboards in this chat. For a next‑week trip, prioritize altitude and glacier access for the deepest bases and best coverage. Based on typical early‑to‑mid March patterns and terrain height, here’s a smart shortlist to check the morning you book:

• Val d’Isère–Tignes (France) — 1550–3456 m, huge north-facing terrain, Grande Motte glacier; excellent snow security.
• Zermatt–Cervinia (Switzerland/Italy) — 1524–3883 m, year‑round glacier skiing; vast, cold upper slopes.
• Sölden–Obergurgl (Austria) — twin glaciers (Sölden) and high village altitudes; very reliable coverage.
• Andermatt–Sedrun–Disentis (Switzerland) — Gemsstock (2961 m) holds cold chalk and powder.
• Arlberg: St. Anton–Lech (Austria) — immense area; base is lower, but upper bowls typically ski well.

Actionable approach: verify each resort’s base depth, upper-mountain depth, and wind/temperature trend; scan a couple of webcams for snow quality; and skim the daily avalanche bulletin. If you want a single home base with maximum on‑snow time next week, Val d’Isère–Tignes is my pick.

Val d’Isère (French Alps)

Val d’Isère pairs a handsome old-village core with a state-of-the-art lift system linked to Tignes. You’ll find classic fall‑line pistes, superb grooming, serious steeps, and long, confidence-building blues—plus high, cold aspects that protect snow quality. It’s a skier’s mountain with a foodie’s heart.

Don’t miss the Face de Bellevarde for bragging rights, the sweeping Solaise blues for silky warm‑ups, Le Fornet’s wild upper valley toward the Pisaillas glacier, and Tignes’ Grande Motte for high, panoramic cruising. Après runs from sun‑splashed slope parties to cozy wine bars where Beaufort meets Burgundy.

• Where to stay: Search chalets, apartments, and hotels in the village, La Daille (quick lift access), or Le Fornet (quiet, near glacier link).
• VRBO: Val d’Isère stays — best for slopeside apartments and family-friendly chalets.
• Hotels.com: Val d’Isère hotels — compare spa hotels and boutique lodges.

• Getting there: Fly into Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS). For flights to or within Europe, compare on Omio (flights). From the airport, take a shuttle or train+bus combo (about 3–4 hours total).
• By train: To Bourg‑Saint‑Maurice, then 45 min bus/taxi up to Val d’Isère. Plan rail legs on Omio (trains in Europe) and buses on Omio (buses in Europe). Budget €60–€100 each way for shared shuttles; private transfers €350–€600 per vehicle.

• On-mountain essentials: 6‑day Val d’Isère–Tignes pass ~€360–€400 (adult). Quality rentals at Snowberry, Intersport, or Skiset; lessons/guiding with ESF, Oxygène, Evolution 2. Always carry a phone, and if you go off‑piste, take a guide with avalanche gear.

Day 1: Arrival, gear-up, and a golden-hour village stroll

Afternoon: Land GVA/LYS, transfer to Val d’Isère (3–4 hrs). Check in, then pick up rentals (reserve ahead). Stretch your legs with a walk past the stone church and along the Isère river path.

Evening: Dinner at La Baraque (lively bistro; Savoyard classics, great steaks, often live music). For something lighter, try Maison Chevallot—the village’s beloved patisserie—for tartes aux myrtilles and a hot chocolate nightcap. Low‑key drinks at Blue Note (wine and tapas).

Day 2: Solaise warm‑up + valley views

Morning: Coffee and porridge at Arctic Juice & Cafe, then ride the Solaise gondola. Cruise the long blues—Madeleine, Glacier, Pissaillas side warmers—to dial in legs and edges.

Afternoon: Lunch at Le Refuge de Solaise (big windows, sunny terrace; book if it’s bluebird). Add laps off Louise and Plan, then a scenic descent via Plan Milet back toward the village.

Evening: Apéritif at Le Blizzard Bar (fireplace, cocktails). Dinner at Avancher (textbook raclette and tartiflette with farmhouse cheeses). Early night or a single set at Petit Danois for relaxed après vibes.

Day 3: Bellevarde steeps, La Daille, and classic après

Morning: Espresso and croissant at Maison Chevallot, then take the Olympique gondola to Bellevarde. Confident skiers can tick the Face de Bellevarde black; otherwise warm up on Joseray and Verte.

Afternoon: Slide toward La Daille via long, rhythmic reds like Orange and OK. Lunch at La Peau de Vache (legendary gourmet burgers mid‑slope on the Face). Wrap with a set at La Folie Douce (La Daille) or later‑day dancing at Cocorico by the village lifts.

Evening: Savory grill night at Restaurant 1789 (open kitchen, côte de bœuf). Nightcap at Le Bananas (casual cocktails) or a mellow stroll through the lantern‑lit village.

Day 4: Tignes link-up and Grande Motte glacier

Morning: Quick breakfast at Café Face (espresso, tartines). Traverse via Tommeuses to Tignes Val Claret; ride the funicular and cable car to the Grande Motte for sweeping glacier turns.

Afternoon: Ski the long Double M back to Val Claret, then cruise to Le Lac for laps under Palafour and out to the iconic rock arch at Aiguille Percée. Lunch at La Ferme des 3 Capucines (farm-to-table Savoyard) or grab-and-go at Tignes Cuisine (fast, tasty pan‑Asian). Après at Loop Bar (sunny deck).

Evening: Either taxi back for dinner in Val or make it a Tignes night with pizza/pasta at La Pignatta, then return. If you’re hotel‑based in Val, consider an early spa session and quiet dinner at La Table de l’Ours (Michelin-starred, refined mountain cuisine; book ahead).

Day 5: Le Fornet and the Pisaillas glacier

Morning: Breakfast at Flash Pizza & Coffee (good coffee, quick bites). Ride the Le Fornet cable car and Signal lifts; if open, continue toward the Pisaillas glacier via Cascade/Céma. These high, cold aspects hold quality snow.

Afternoon: Long, quiet laps above the tree line. Lunch at L’Edelweiss (charming mountain hut, slow‑braised dishes) or Le Signal (view‑soaked terrace). Strong skiers: book a half‑day off‑piste session with a guide for safe exploration of Fornet bowls.

Evening: Wine bar crawl: Le Salon des Fous (by‑the‑glass discoveries), then a fondue finale at Fondue Factory (creative riffs alongside the classics).

Day 6: Storm‑day plan or Sainte‑Foy powder pilgrimage

Morning: If visibility is low, keep it mellow: sleep in, then Centre Aquasportif for pool, sauna, and climbing wall. Coffee at Arctic Juice; pastry run to Maison Chevallot.

Afternoon: Window of good weather? Pop onto tree‑lined La Daille runs for contrast. Or take a mini‑trip to Sainte‑Foy Tarentaise (30–40 min by bus/taxi; passes usually cheaper, often with soft snow and glades). Plan buses on Omio (buses in Europe).

Evening: Celebrate with Savoyard comfort at Le Refuge (classics done right) or Le Garage (smart-casual, contemporary plates). If energy remains, swing by Cocorico’s later set or keep it cozy fireside.

Day 7: Favorites lap and departure

Morning: One last tour: a Bellevarde-Solaise loop or quick Tignes hop if legs allow. Target your favorite groomer for a perfect final carve.

Afternoon: Early lunch at La Fruitière (above La Daille; bistronomic fare) or a quick bowl of soup in the village. Return rentals, pack, and transfer to the airport (3–4 hours). Check trains on Omio (trains in Europe) and buses on Omio (buses in Europe).

Evening: If overnighting near the airport, toast the trip with Savoie white (Apremont) and plan your next run list.

Dining & café short list (save this)

• Breakfast/coffee: Arctic Juice & Cafe; Maison Chevallot; Café Face.
• Lunch on mountain: La Peau de Vache (Face); Le Refuge de Solaise; Le Signal; L’Edelweiss; La Fruitière (La Daille).
• Dinner: La Baraque (buzzy bistro), Restaurant 1789 (grill), Avancher (raclette), Fondue Factory (fun, social), La Table de l’Ours (Michelin-starred).
• Après/late: La Folie Douce (showtime), Cocorico (live bands), Blue Note (chill), Le Bananas (casual cocktails).

Backup lodging in Tignes (if you pivot for snow)

• VRBO: Tignes stays
• Hotels.com: Tignes hotels

Optional warm‑weather add‑on (for a future shoulder‑season escape)

Craving sun after the snow season? If you later route to Greece, consider a scenic boat day from Skiathos:

Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island — A cinematic day on turquoise waters visiting filming spots and hidden coves.

Alternatively, go full sail-and-snorkel with this relaxed day on deck:

All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch — Big, comfortable yacht, lunch included.

Final tip: next week, pick the highest, coldest terrain available, verify snow and wind the day before you travel, and lock transfers and rentals early. Have a phenomenal week on the hill.