ANYONE heading across to France for a ski trip this winter needs to remember one very important rule, as breaking it could result in major fines.
It comes months after a major announcement enforced to help improve public health across the country.
Over the summer, France introduced a new smoking ban in public outdoor places.
France‘s health and family minister announced in May 2025 that “where there are children, tobacco must disappear”.
As the ban was introduced in the summer, it mostly affected beaches, parks and bus stops – but now that it’s winter it also counts for ski resorts.
Any Brits heading on a ski holiday in France this winter won’t be able to light up on the slopes, lifts or in queues for pistes.
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While these rules will be blanketed across all resorts in France, it’s not the first time that a ban on smoking has been put in place.
In 2022 Les Gets (Haute-Savoie) became one of the first ski resorts in France to ban smoking on the slopes.
It was followed by some others including Crest-Voland (Savoie).
There will be no smoking across all resorts now, however some may have designated smoking areas – and the ban doesn’t apply to vapes.
Anyone seen breaking the rule on the slopes could face fines up to €135 (£118) per person.
Not only is it in place to improve public health, but it’s an attempt to clean up France as cigarette butts remain one of the top three littered items in the country.
According to Connexion France, more than 57,000 cigarette butts were cleared from French ski resorts last year.
France’s health and family minister Catherine Vautrin announced the restrictions would come into force on July 1, 2025.
And anyone who fails to follow the new rules could face a fine over over €100.
The minister added that children have the “right to clean air”.
Cigarettes will also be banned in areas close to schools, to prevent students being tempted to smoke in front of their school.
The ban, however, does not apply to cafe terraces or include electronic cigarettes.
The five best ski resorts in Europe from beginner slopes to toddler-friendly resorts…
Trying to choose the right ski resort for the family – here are some of the best…
Hundfjället, Sweden
Just a 15–20 minutes transfer from the airport, Hundfjället is easy to get to and simple to navigate. The resort is designed with families in mind.
Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu offers calm, family-friendly skiing, with the main gondola taking visitors straight to nursery slopes and the ski school. Wide green and blue runs through the trees make progression easy. Younger kids can build confidence in the playful Baba Boom Circus area, complete with obstacles and fun features.
Rauris, Austria
A peaceful, compact resort, Rauris is perfect for first-time skiers. Everything is within walking distance – from family-run accommodation to the gondola and ski school. Children can learn on the nursery slopes, progress to gentle blue runs with panoramic views, or have fun on the mini racetrack.
Obergurgl, Austria
High in the Austrian Alps, Obergurgl combines alpine charm with family convenience.
Quiet slopes and excellent ski schools help children gain confidence quickly, while parents enjoy high-quality hotels, hearty Tyrolean cuisine, and stunning mountain views.
Family-friendly facilities like pools and playrooms add extra appeal, and reliable snow cover keeps everyone happy all season.
Flaine, France
Flaine has both sunny slopes and reliable snow, ideal for beginners and families. Kids can enjoy Crystal Childcare while exploring beginner areas, and there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained off the slopes – from ice skating and bowling to magical dog sled rides. And with accommodation near the lifts it ensures a smooth and comfortable stay.
For more, these are the best resorts for early season trips from France to Italy according to ski experts.
Plus, take a look inside Europe’s southernmost ski resort – with 320 days of sunshine each year and views of the Med.