© Val d'Isere
March in Val d'Isère: What's on and weather
It's quieter, warmer, and there's some great quality spring snow to play in
Magical March is here. Enjoy some great skiing and lunches in the sunshine.
With fewer families around you also tend to find far fewer ski schools on the hill which, of course, also means an end to those long, snaking trails of beginners making their way down. It also makes for much quieter lift lines. So, all in all, an ideal month to visit Val d'Isère to make the most of the near-perfect conditions.
Read on for a look at what we like to get up to when spring arrives in town.
Worth knowing
March is set to the best month on the slopes this season. Take a look at our events calendar for a full rundown and check out all the things to do in resort.
What are the snow and weather conditions like?
In terms of weather, you can normally expect pretty mixed conditions this month. You can be making sunny powder turns one minute then be in the middle of a storm the next. Don’t think just because we’re nearing the end of winter that means the end of the snow. There is regular snowfall - on average eight days - and temperatures still dip below freezing at night to freshen it up. In March the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 1°C and a low of -6ºC, getting around six hours of sunshine. March riding usually gives us the best of both worlds – regular top-ups interspersed with sunny days. The ideal mix.
What's on in Val d'Isère in March?
Val d'Isère Carnival
Carnival is big in France and Val d'Isère is no exception. This year’s parade will get you in the spirit of things, there will be free face painting workshops at the tourist office, and the centre of town will be closed to traffic for the duration of the parade which starts at the church before making its way into town. Alongside the parade, there will be Airstar illuminations, hot drinks and live music. The fun starts at 15:00 and the parade is on between 18:00 to 19:30, if you’re in town it’ll be hard to miss and you shouldn’t!
St. Patrick’s Day
March might be considered the party month here in Val d'Isère. Longer days and warmer weather make for better après ski, while more adults and fewer children mean bigger nights in the bars. Of course, one of the biggest parties of the season is on 17th March. For St. Patrick’s Day, even the beer turns green as the bars try to outdo each other with Irish themed nights. Expect promotions on Irish drinks, fancy dress and lots of live renditions of the Irish Rover.
Classicaval
This festival will see a one off classical music concert held in the Baroque church in Val d'Isère. Featuring internationally renowned musicians, this is a great little event in an intimate setting for classical music fans and a great alternative to the usual après if you want a more relaxed evening after skiing. Works by Schubert, Haydn, Debussy, Chopin, Mozart, Dvorak and Ravel can be expected.
European Snow Pride
The only winter sports Gay Pride event in Europe takes place in neighbouring Tignes. The week-long celebration will involve plenty partying on and off the slopes with big-name DJs taking to the stage. You can buy an event pass with or without a ski pass or even book your entire holiday via their website.
Mountain Shaker
And to add to all those events up the mountain is this event that will see pro and amateur riders compete in four comps, ending the week with the Slopestyle World Cup.
Check out our events calendar for more information on what's on in resort during March.
Skiing
Lessons
Now is a great time to take a private lesson or join a group ski or snowboard lesson, with the quieter slopes there's less queues and the softening snow makes for a much kinder landing.
Things to do
Ski de fond by night
Join in this friendly cross-country ski race that is for teams of two to race around the Place des Dolomites in the centre of resort.
You'll find endless activities to suit everyone in Val d'Isere, why not enjoy the ice rink or dog sledding, snowshoe hiking or even try ice floating. Take a relaxing day out at the Aquasportif Centre, a temple of sport and wellness, swimming pool complex, aquagym, sauna, hammam and hot tubs.
Check out our activities page for some ideas of what you can do in Val d'Isere this March.
Bars and clubs
When the lifts close for the day hundreds of skiers / revellers head down the slopes to find an après-ski party, and Val d'Isère has a bit of a reputation for parties and, when you look at the list of après sessions and club nights, it's easy to see why.
All month, all season even, there’s a host of weekly shindigs on and off the slopes. The Folie Douce hosts its famous on-mountain après parties daily, and when you’re done on the slopes, keep the good times rolling with après at Cocorico and, if you’re not partied out by then, head to Doudoune nightclub which is open until late every day.
One thing's for sure, you won't have far to stumble in your ski boots to find a jug of beer and some good snacks before you head home for dinner...or not! It's much easier to get a last-minute table for dinner now the school holiday crowds aren't here.
