Discover the Hidden Gem of the French Alps: Ski for Free in Colomban-des-Villards This Winter

Published on December 25, 2025

As winter sets over Europe, ski villages across the continent are thriving with tourists looking to take advantage of the snow-covered ski ranges. One mountain resort is taking a measurably different approach to enticing these holiday-goers: by allowing them to ski for free. Colomban-des-Villards is a quaint mountain village located deep in the French Alps that is taking a drastic measure to revive their economy without forgoing their tourists either. Obviously, this new trend is one that is not only remarkable but also appealing to holiday-goers who are looking to save a penny or two.

A Ski Resort in Crisis

Colomban-des-Villards, located 1,100 meters above sea level in the Savoie region of the French Alps, has long been a charming destination for skiers and snow enthusiasts. However, the small village has been grappling with significant financial challenges for years. The resort has faced a persistent deficit, primarily due to unreliable snowfall, and the economic impact of operating ski lifts has put the local government in a tight spot.

For 25 years, the ski area has struggled with an annual deficit ranging from €400,000 to €600,000. Yet, the situation worsened in 2025, when the deficit ballooned to over €1 million, roughly £872,000. As a result, almost 40% of the town’s budget was being used to cover the losses from the ski operations. The town’s mayor, Pierre-Yves Bonnivard, recognized that drastic measures were needed to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

The Experiment: Free Skiing for All

In an unprecedented move, Colomban-des-Villards has decided to offer free skiing this winter in an attempt to manage its financial woes. With the resort’s ski area running at a loss, the local government determined that charging for lift passes would only incur additional operational costs. Setting up ticketing systems and staffing the ticket offices would have added tens of thousands of euros to the deficit.

The free-skiing initiative was conceived as a more cost-effective solution. By forgoing lift pass sales, the resort hopes to reduce its operating expenses. This bold experiment will cost the town around €150,000 to €200,000, which is five times less than the cost of last winter’s operations. Although the village will still operate at a deficit, this move will significantly reduce the financial burden.

Easy Access for UK Tourists

For British travelers, Colomban-des-Villards is easily accessible. Located just a two-hour flight away from the UK to Chambéry-Savoie Airport, the village provides a quick and convenient getaway to the French Alps. Many skiers from the UK may find this small resort an attractive alternative to the more well-known, often overcrowded, and expensive destinations in the Alps.

As part of the effort to attract more visitors, the village has maintained a small ski area that includes two drag lifts and a dedicated section for beginners and families. This compact setup is designed to offer a relaxed and affordable skiing experience, making it ideal for novice skiers and families looking for a stress-free winter vacation. Additionally, the region is promoting other winter activities such as snowshoeing and winter walking routes, providing tourists with a variety of ways to enjoy the Alpine landscape.

Impact on Local Tourism and Travel Trends

This free-skiing initiative is expected to draw significant interest from tourists seeking affordable alternatives to the more expensive ski resorts in the Alps. Given the growing demand for budget-friendly travel options, particularly in the wake of financial strains caused by the pandemic, Colomban-des-Villards’ move could set a new trend in European ski tourism.

Travelers who might have once shied away from the high costs of traditional ski resorts now have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the French Alps without breaking the bank. This could lead to a spike in visitors to smaller, lesser-known ski destinations, as more tourists look to escape crowded, expensive resorts in favor of more tranquil, cost-effective alternatives.

Diversification as a Key to Long-Term Sustainability

While the free-skiing experiment may seem like a short-term fix, it also signals a shift towards diversification for the region. The mayor has emphasized that this initiative is not a permanent solution but a step towards rethinking how medium-altitude mountain villages can sustain themselves beyond traditional ski tourism. Diversifying the tourism offering is crucial for the future of these communities, which have long depended on the ski season to drive their economies.

In the long run, Savoie is working on expanding its tourism options to include activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cultural events. By offering a broader range of attractions, the region hopes to attract tourists year-round, not just during the winter months. This could also help reduce the pressure on ski resorts and make them more resilient to the fluctuating weather patterns and unpredictable snowfall that have plagued them in recent years.

What’s Next for the Free-Ski Experiment?

The free-skiing period will end with an assessment of the financial and visitor outcomes, which will be conducted in April. Local authorities will analyze whether the experiment has successfully attracted more visitors and if it has helped reduce the town’s deficit. The results of this review will guide decisions about the future of the initiative, including whether it will be repeated or adapted in future winters.

Colomban-des-Villards’ free-skiing experiment could provide valuable insights for other ski resorts facing similar financial challenges. As the tourism industry continues to recover from the economic downturn, innovative approaches like this one may become more common, offering new and exciting options for travelers while ensuring the sustainability of mountain villages for years to come.

A New Era for Ski Tourism?

Though the concept of ‘free skiing’ could well seem quite novel, the decision of Colomban-des-Villards to make this possible stands out in terms of the kind of adaptability and innovation that needs to be adopted in the face of the current and challenging realities of the world of ski resorts. By loosening their grip on the concept of charging for ski liftables, this ski resort is actually paving the way for others to do the same. This is quite an attractive option in terms of enabling tourists, especially from the UK, to experience the beautiful French Alps this winter.