Val Thorens to Val-d'Isère: Staying Safe on French Skiing and Winter Sports Trips

By Georgia Pearson. AD written for Prisoners Abroad as a Youth Travel Ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

France’s winter sports scene is one of the most popular in Europe. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, hiking or mountaineering, it’s essential to stay safe in the wintry conditions that differ greatly from the UK’s milder winters.

Travel insurance: your first essential

Purchasing travel insurance before any trip abroad is non‑negotiable. You can find really reasonable policies, but it’s important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions and check what the policy covers such as devices, your equipment and, crucially, covers you for the winter sports you’re doing.

Medical insurance is particularly important. If you experience a medical emergency in France, insurance can protect you from extremely high hospital bills and repatriation costs.

You can also sign up for travel alerts for France and read up on local laws and conduct so you feel fully prepared.

Declaring winter sports activities

When buying insurance, make sure you select the winter sports add‑on. This typically covers:

Skiing
Snowboarding
Sledding/sliding
Hiking and mountaineering in wintry conditions
Ice sports: ice hockey and curling
Others (with slightly peculiar, humorous names) include: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, skimountaineering.

Winter sports insurance may include:

Emergency medical and repatriation cover
Equipment protection (your own or hired)
Ski pack cover for unused lift passes or lessons
Compensation for piste closures or avalanches
Personal liability if you injure someone else

Always read your policy carefully so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Skiing access and restrictions

You can ski anywhere in France but you’re responsible for managing your own activities. Checking the weather can prevent avoidable accidents and emergencies and ski or snowboard to your own ability to avoid dangerous situations.

Skiing too fast in France, especially in a manner deemed dangerous or reckless, can lead to severe consequences, ranging from on-the-spot pass confiscation to legal action and fines. French resorts are cracking down on speed, particularly in designated "slow" zones and near ski schools.

Do not share your ski pass as many resorts can charge you five times the daily fee if you get caught.

Keep your eye on the weather

Conditions in the mountains can change quickly. METEO France is a reliable source for up-to-date forecasts.

Share your plans with friends or family and consider keeping your live location on so someone knows where you are in an emergency.

Carry ID and respect local laws

Behave as you would in the UK: avoid antisocial behaviour such as shouting, spitting or drinking in alcohol‑free zones. If you are arrested or detained, you must be able to prove your identity within four hours. Acceptable ID includes your passport, driving licence or other official documentation.

Alcohol and winter sports

Do not consume alcohol while skiing or partaking in any other winter sports. You may be breathalised if you are displaying antisocial or reckless behaviour. Make sure you save the party for après-ski (socials which happen after skiing has finished).

You must always purchase alcohol from licensed vendors, keep your drinks covered and keep an eye on your mates.

Drugs and illegal substances

British nationals are subject to local law when travelling abroad. The carrying and consumption of illegal drugs in France, including cannabis, carry very severe penalties including imprisonment. Specifically, heavy fines can also be issued for possessing, using or smuggling drugs.

Littering and anti-social behaviour

Littering, including cigarette ends/butts can carry fines. Wherever you are, respect the local laws and keep the beautiful scenery as exactly that, beautiful!

Renting a car

If you’re driving in France:

Drink‑driving limits are lower than in the UK - the safest option is not to drink at all.
You must carry a high‑visibility jacket for each passenger.
A reflective warning triangle (meeting ECE R27 standards) is mandatory.
Some mountain areas require winter tyres or snow chains - check before you travel.

Now you’re fully informed on skiing, snowboarding or doing winter sports in France, don’t forget to sign up for government travel alerts and purchase travel insurance with the additional winter sports policy coverage.

Bon ski (happy skiing)!

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