Smoking Banned in French Ski Resorts
Smoking in nearly all outdoor public places in France is banned – including ski slopes, lift queues and chairlifts.
Off-piste skiing and resort streets remain exempt.
Some resorts are establishing marked designated smoking zones, and they are usually located near mountain restaurants, bars, and the main resort.
Smoking remains permitted on restaurant terraces, subject to the establishment’s own rules.
The local mayor has the power to set the fine amount which can range from €68 to €1,500.
E-cigarettes are not included in the ban, with vaping still allowed.
We reported on the move in this earlier story on PlanetSKI:
Tignes. France. Image c/o Helen Gillespie/PlanetSKI.
The nationwide enforcement stems from Decree No. 2025-582, published on June 27, 2025.
“The decision is final,” said France Montagnes.
“The ban applies to all ski slopes, regardless of altitude, all lift systems, and waiting lines.”
France Montagnes has unveiled a campaign featuring slogans designed to encourage compliance without alienating visitors:
- The view is breathtaking enough as it is.
- Extend your ski life expectancy.
- We’re handing you a pole to help you quit.
- Designated Areas Only
The ban is primarily driven by health concerns but there are environmental benefits.
According to the environmental group Mountain Riders, over 60,000 cigarette butts were recovered during a single cleanup operation in the French mountains.
“A single cigarette butt can contaminate up to one cubic meter of snow and 500 liters of water,” said the environmental agency.
“With snowmelt, the toxins from discarded filters leach directly into mountain streams and groundwater.”
The national ban follows a move by Les Gets in 2022 when it became the first European resort to ban smoking on its slopes.
We reported on the move at the time.
“The feedback from Les Gets has been excellent, even from smokers,” said the resort.
“It proved that a smoke-free mountain is not only possible but preferred by the vast majority of families and skiers.”
Other alpine countries and resorts will be looking at the French ban with interest.
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