Mountains

Snow is here (more on way): Many French ski resorts set to open this week

Resorts in the Pyrenees announced their opening dates following heavy snowfall on Sunday and Monday

Les Cévennes: Escape the daily hustle and bustle with the beauty of untouched French mountains

Explore the timeless allure and hidden gems of the secluded Cévennes mountains

The top 20 cheapest ski stations in France named in new study

France has one of the lowest rates for ski passes in the world

news

No snow: Largest ski resort in Pyrenees delays its opening date

So far the only snow has been a light covering of artificial powder at 2,500 metres altitude

Franco-Scottish climber, 20, climbs world's 14 highest peaks

Alasdair McKenzie is the second youngest to ever achieve the mountaineering 'grand slam'

Closure of major ski station in France pushed back by one year

Local officials have acknowledged public support and a crowdfund of €200,000

2024-25 dates for ski slopes to open in French Alps and Pyrenees

Most resorts are set to be open before Christmas, with the first opening next month

Switzerland to change border with France due to melting glaciers

It comes after the glaciers were found to have lost 4% volume in 2023

Work to protect birds from dangers of French ski resorts is a success

Simple actions like attaching brightly coloured discs to electricity wires and ski lift cables is helping to prevent accidents

SEE: Old French skis turned into colourful tables and benches

A cooperative is selling the recycled pieces to mountain businesses or members of the public

Ski-speak: Eight expressions to speak like a local skier in France

Peuf, le dahu, des virolets, dré dans l’pentu - we show you how to blend in during your next mountain holiday

PHOTOS: See the Pyrenees… from Marseille

The mountains are visible from over 250 kilometres away from observation points

Car stuck on piste as driver tries to drop off skier in Pyrénées

The vehicle was discovered stuck part way up the slope when the ski resort opened

The five best places to live in France, according to new ranking

The ranking used a vast array of data and criteria to sort more than 34,900 towns nationwide

Trapped rock climbers rescued in south of France

The rescue operation lasted more than four hours

Why Mont Blanc has shrunk by two metres in two years

The highest mountain in the Alps now measures 4,805.59 metres

The Franco-Scottish teen on track to break mountain-climbing record

Alasdair McKenzie aims to become the youngest person ever to climb the 14 highest peaks in the world, and he is well on his way

Watch: landslide closes major train route from France into Italy

Roads also closed as damage will take ‘several days’ to repair after the 700 m³ rockfall

UK couple living in remote French barn guided through birth on call

First-aid workers had to give instructions to the father in English while a helicopter was on its way as he is reported to not speak any French

French mountain farmers keep herding and hospitality traditions alive

Culture of transhumance, good food and accommodation is passed down the generations of farmers, known as marcaires

What is the Foehn effect and how has it intensified France’s heatwave?

The phenomenon is thought to have increased temperatures in Ariège from 17C to 36C in under an hour

Watch: Daring helicopter rescue saves British climbers in French Alps

The helicopter’s rotor blades got very close to the mountain as the trio were winched to safety near Mont Blanc

MAP: where in France do you now need winter tyres or snow chains?

A new law means the requirements can be enforced in 48 mountainous departments, but not all have opted to bring the rule in

French forest officials remind mountain bikers to keep to marked paths

‘Wild’ off-trail biking is not allowed and can prove dangerous, especially on hunt days, they warn

'Travelling with my cats taught me so much': France according to cats

American cat lover Teresa Kaufman enjoys countryside walks and has spent 18 years travelling the country with her two cats

French ski stations under pressure as energy contracts up for renewal

Prices up to 20 times higher than before are putting the opening of several resorts in doubt with sector professionals issuing a ‘cry for help’

Holiday-makers opt for the cool air of the French mountains

Occupancy could exceed 50% in July and August with reservations rising with the very hot weather

Climate change: Snow disappearing from Alps, France included

Vegetation cover above the tree line has increased by 77% in 40 years, in a phenomenon known as the ‘greening’ of the Alps, scientists have confirmed

Storms, avalanches - and a record 26.1C: All in same day in France

France’s position means that its climate is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well currents from the various mountain ranges

Farmers and hikers given safety tips on French Pyrenean Mountain Dogs

The dogs are trained to prevent attacks on livestock in mountain areas and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Here’s what to do if you come across one when hiking

In France you are more responsible for yourself, says UK adventurer

A French resident of nearly 20 years, Jerry Gore talks about his life of adventure, climbing mountains, living with diabetes and why he loves his life in the southern Alps

France reopens to UK tourists: Rules for adults and children

We explain how to get a QR code for the French health pass (pass sanitaire) and the rules for ski stations

Five-year-old British girl dies in ski accident in France

The incident happened in the Haute-Savoie ski station of Flaine while the girl was taking part in a ski lesson. She was accidentally ‘run over’ by a man in his 40s, who is now in custody

International effort saves sick Briton in remote French mountain hut

The seriously ill 69-year-old was found collapsed without heating by Pyrenees rescue teams after friends in the UK and Germany raised the alert

France lockdown: Will ski resorts open in December?

Currently the answer appears to be yes, with ski stations preparing to open - although it is not yet clear if restaurants, bars or cafes will be allowed to open

Hunter fatally shoots bear in southwest France after it bit him

The incident is the latest to take place during a boar hunt, and is the second fatal shooting of a bear in Ariège in as many years

MAP: French ski slopes begin to reopen after Covid closure losses

It comes after the Covid-19 pandemic all but closed ski resorts last year, after all ski lifts were closed, with station directors saying they ‘are looking forward to seeing clients back’

Mountain life: 200 years of guiding us at Chamonix in the Alps

Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix is the world’s oldest company of mountain guides. Its President, Olivier Greber, talks about their their mission to communicate their mountain passion to others

France ski season 2021: Face masks to be mandatory

The prime minister said the rules would ‘guarantee the Covid health situation for skiers’ and allow the restart of economic activity in the struggling sector

Mountain refuge in France seeks guardian - must like crowds

The Aigle refuge, nestled in the middle of a series of peaks in Les Ecrins, is looking for a guardian for the 2022 summer season

Exploring mountain refuges and cabins in France

Mountain refuges are simple lodges designed for hikers so you will need to walk to them. The rewards are total peace and quiet, plus stunning views

The French hills are just the tonic after a bustling summer

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the hidden villages and charming cities, mountain vistas and outdoor activities of France’s main magnificent and varied mountain ranges

French ski resorts boost as ‘this winter, we’re open’ slogan launches

Use of the Covid health pass for ski lifts has not been completely ruled out but is looking less likely, a situation welcomed in particular by smaller stations

Mont Blanc three metres shorter than in 2010 - and 16 more peak facts

Researchers say the height of the mountain changes continuously, but this year’s measurement is the most accurate yet. We explore more on the ‘white mountain’

Mandatory winter tyres in France: key details to look out for

From November 1, all cars driving along certain roads in 48 mountainous departments will have to be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains. We help you prepare

Shepherd's guard dogs attack hiker on French Alpine route

Trails close to livestock can bring walkers into contact with the enormous dogs used to protect them from wolves. Find out what to do if you come across one

New winter tyre rules take effect on some French roads from November

Vehicles in 48 mountainous departments must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains between November and March, under a law which aims to improve road safety and avoid hold-ups

Police call off search for American hiker missing on Mont Blanc

Scott Putnam was reported missing on Tuesday, August 31, and police say that if he is still on the mountain it is ‘almost certain that he is dead’

170km Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc marathon begins in French Alps

The 170km race will see 10,000 competitors race on mountain tracks. Completing the route in under 20 hours is considered extremely fast

Bones found in Pyrenees near where British hiker went missing

Esther Dingley has been missing since November 2020 after going for a solo hike in the mountains along the French-Spanish border

Role reversal as Saint-Bernard dog needs rescue after fall in Pyrénées

The 75kg dog, whose breed is well known for its mountain rescue skills, needed evacuating on a stretcher after it fell 10m from a steep path

Animal mountain rescue charity in France is a world first

The Equipe de Secours Animalier en Montagne, created in 2019, covers most of the Alps in the departments of Isère, Savoie and Haute Savoie

Caught on camera: Rare lynx sightings in French Alps

The animals had disappeared in the 20th century but have slowly made a comeback, and have remained relatively mysterious - until now

Meet the mountain rescuer who spent 30 years on the Pyrenees

Pascal Sancho's career in the police CRS unit was the most dangerous job in the force and he has now written a book about it

Traps along mountain and country paths in France on the rise

Bikers and walkers should be aware of traps including wires strung across mountain bike and rural paths, or upturned nails hidden along popular routes, gendarmerie warn

Sahara sand to turn French skies orange again

Strong air currents are picking up the Saharan sand particles, which will cause a faint orange hue to appear over skies in France - ahead of a cold snap forecast for Thursday

Successful Pyrénées mountain rescue of... a St. Bernard dog

“Without our intervention, Beethoven [the dog] would probably have died of exhaustion,” said one of the rescuers

February holidays in France still possible - so far

Although ski lifts remain closed, you can still go on holiday in France as no movement restrictions are currently in place - but things may ‘still change’ as ministers call for ‘collective responsibility’

Walker found alive after hours under snow in Alps avalanche

A man has been found alive in the French Alps after being buried for several hours under 2.5 metres of snow after being hit by an avalanche during a walk with his family

Confirmed: French ski lifts will stay closed into February

Opening later in the month is also unlikely and the whole winter season may be cancelled the government said yesterday

French Alps ski station opens to show Covid health protocol

Workers wanted to show that social distancing can be respected, as decisions on when ski lifts can reopen are expected today

Watch: Snow and ski joy in Paris as mountain lifts stay shut

Residents in Ile-de-France took to skis and sledges in the city, on the same weekend as ski teachers protested in solidarity against ongoing mountain closures

Fears for ski season as lifts stay closed in France

Industry professionals have called for more certainty to save the season as ski lifts remain closed to the public

Andorra reopens ski stations - but not yet to France

The independent principality has said it expects to allow entry to ski to French residents from January 9 at the earliest, depending on the health situation

French ski station replaces closed ski lifts with horses

A ski station in the Hautes-Alpes has turned to an ingenious four-legged solution as ski lifts remain closed

Five killed in French Alps mountain rescue helicopter crash

Five of the six people on board were killed in the crash, but the cause of the incident is not yet known

French ski lifts remain closed to public

Ski lifts remain closed to the general public but a new decree allows certain exceptions, as other European countries also move to limit skiing over Christmas

Search for British hiker missing in Pyrenees called off

After an extensive search involving helicopters, dogs and drones, the rescue mission on the French side of the border was forced to stop yesterday afternoon due to bad weather. An inquiry looking into the disappearance has been launched

Christmas: Petition for French ski stations to open

The petition is supported by high-profile MPs and industry representatives and calls on President Macron to ‘rethink’ his decision to close stations over Christmas

Search for British hiker missing in Pyrenees

The experienced hiker set out on a solo trip last Sunday and was due to return on Wednesday but has not been seen

Nice mayor calls for exception as French ski stations closed

Mayor calls for local stations to be allowed to open to local residents and second home owners as France reacts to news that stations must remain closed over Christmas

‘A cold shower’: French reaction to ski station closure

The French ski industry has reacted to President Macron’s speech with ‘concern’ despite fears that opening stations at Christmas could pile pressure on hospitals

Video: remarkable footage of bears in France's Pyrénées

Infra-red cameras left in the mountains for a month capture images of bears in the wild

French Alps Mont-Blanc firm releases Chamonix ski open dates

The 2020-2021 ski season opening dates for the popular Alps station area of the Vallée de Chamonix have been released by ski lift group, Compagnie du Mont-Blanc.

Crisis team helps animals trapped in French Alps after snow

A crisis team has been set up to help feed and evacuate more than 6,000 sheep and cows that are trapped in the French Alps after heavy, surprise snow fell over the weekend.