Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 is the premier gathering for French mountain tourism professionals, taking place on January 19, 2027, at Alpexpo in Grenoble. This 36th edition will showcase innovations and offerings from various stakeholders in the mountain tourism sector, including tour operators and travel agencies from around the globe.
The event aims to enhance the visibility of French mountain tourism and foster international partnerships. Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event is the 36th edition, showcasing French mountain tourism professionals and their offerings.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by Atout France, the event aims to promote the diversity of French mountain tourism.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include international tour operators and travel agencies seeking innovative products.
- 4Entry: Registration for visitors begins in early November 2026.
Why visit
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with key players in the mountain tourism industry, discover innovative products, and gain insights into the latest trends in tourism. Buyer Authority: Attendees include international tour operators and travel agencies seeking innovative products. Entry: Registration for visitors begins in early November 2026.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to international buyers, showcasing their offerings to a targeted audience. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance brand visibility and engage with potential partners in the mountain tourism sector. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Accommodation providers in the mountain region, Restaurants catering to tourists, Tourism offices promoting local attractions. Use Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 to strengthen.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Ski and snowboard specialty retailers - single-shop owners and multi-door French chains building their pre-season order books for the coming winter
Rental fleet and ski-service operators - choosing fleet skis, boots, snowboards and workshop equipment for hire desks
Sporting-goods buying groups and e-commerce merchandisers selecting winter hardgoods, softgoods and private-label programmes
Ski schools, mountain-guide offices and snow-sports clubs sourcing uniforms, safety equipment and teaching gear
Resort operators, lift companies and mountain destination managers reviewing equipment, signage and visitor services
Outdoor and mountain-specialist distributors and agents evaluating brands for regional or national distribution
Shop managers and retail staff attending for product training, brand presentations and seasonal sell-in
International buyers from neighbouring Alpine markets - Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Andorra and Germany - plus French mass-market sporting chains
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Alpine, piste and race ski brands - carving, slalom, giant slalom and consumer race-stock lines
Freeride, all-mountain and ski-touring (randonnee) brands - wide platforms, pin bindings, skins and touring boots
Snowboard brands - boards, bindings, boots and splitboard equipment
Ski boot and binding manufacturers - overlap and mid-entry boots, ski-walk systems, release systems and mounting hardware
Winter apparel and layering brands - hardshells, insulated jackets, midlayers, baselayers, gloves and socks
Protection and mountain-safety suppliers - helmets, goggles, back protectors, transceivers, probes, shovels and airbag packs
Workshop and rental-technology suppliers - tuning machines, wax and edge tools, boot-fitting benches, rental and fleet-management software
Accessories and mountain-lifestyle brands - snowshoes, luggage, bags, winter hiking gear and après-ski apparel
Service suppliers to winter-sports retail - shop fitting, retail technology, financing, sports media and resort marketing
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Alpine and piste skis - carving, slalom and giant-slalom models for retail shelves and rental fleets
All-mountain, freeride and ski-touring skis - wide platforms, touring skis, skins and mounting hardware
Snowboards, splitboards and snowboard boots and bindings
Ski and snowboard boots - overlap boots, mid-entry boots, ski-walk systems and custom footbeds
Bindings, plates and mounting hardware for alpine, touring and snowboard set-ups
Technical winter apparel - hardshell jackets and pants, insulation, baselayers, midlayers and gloves
Helmets, goggles, eyewear and back protection
Avalanche safety equipment - transceivers, probes, shovels and airbag packs
Snowshoes, winter hiking gear, luggage and mountain-lifestyle accessories
Workshop and rental equipment - tuning machines, wax, edge grinders, boot-fitting tools and rental software
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Hall 89
Alpexpo
Alpexpo, Hall 89, Grenoble, France
Facilities
Parking
Alpexpo in Grenoble typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Alpexpo in Grenoble typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Alpexpo for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Atout France
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Grenoble, France
Why it matters
On 2027-01-19 to 2027-01-19, Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 in Grenoble gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport
The closest airport to Grenoble, south-east of the city near Saint-Etienne-de-Saint-Geoirs. Limited daily flight schedule, so check connections before committing. Coach and taxi transfers are the usual onward options
TBA
to venue
Approx. 45 to 60 minutes by road to Alpexpo, depending on traffic - confirm with your transfer provider
by car
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport
The main international gateway for the region, with direct flights from London, Paris, Istanbul and other hubs in captured Google Flights results for January. Rail and coach links run to Grenoble station
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by road or rail to Grenoble - confirm live timetables
by car
Chambery-Savoie Airport
Small Savoyard airport with seasonal winter routes; useful if your flight lands there, but connections are thinner than at Lyon
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by road - confirm your transfer
by car
Geneva Airport
Large international hub with frequent long-haul connections; the road route crosses into France, so allow time at the border and check winter driving conditions
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 hours by road to Grenoble in good conditions - allow more in winter weather
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
ibis budget Grenoble Sud Seyssins
2-star
Alpexpo area, SeyssinsListed among sponsored Alpexpo hotels in capture; pet-friendly with free parking.
Kyriad Grenoble Centre
3-star
Grenoble centreFree cancellation and pet-friendly per Google Hotels capture.
ibis Styles Grenoble Centre Gare
3-star
Grenoble centre near stationPet-friendly with parking per capture.
ibis Grenoble Gare
3-star
Grenoble stationPet-friendly with parking per capture.
ibis Grenoble Centre Bastille
3-star
Grenoble centre, Bastille sidePet-friendly with parking per capture.
Hôtel Mercure Grenoble Centre Alpotel
4-star
Grenoble centreRated 4.2 in capture; pet-friendly with parking.
Novotel Grenoble Centre
4-star
Grenoble centreListed as Alpexpo hotel in Google Hotels capture; pet-friendly with parking.
Hôtel Mercure Grenoble Meylan
4-star
MeylanRated 4.2 in capture; pet-friendly with free parking.
Appartéa Grenoble Alpexpo - Studio
Aparthotel
Alpexpo, 680 m from venueApartment sleeping 4; captured as 680 m from Alpexpo.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
tram / bus (TAG network)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 1.90 for a single TAG journey - confirm the current fare
Best forGrenoble city centre (Gare or Victor Hugo) to Alpexpo
Grenoble's TAG network covers the city with trams and buses; validate your ticket on board or at the platform and allow 25 to 35 minutes door to door. Check the live timetable for the stop closest to your hall at Alpexpo.
day pass (TAG network)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 5.50 to 6.50 for a one-day TAG pass - confirm at the ticket machine
Best forUnlimited tram and bus travel across Grenoble for one day
Economical if you move between a centre hotel, the show and evening meetings in the same day. Buy from a TAG ticket machine or office.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forGrenoble city centre to Alpexpo
Metered taxis and ride-hailing both serve the venue; ask for the Alpexpo hall entrance rather than the main road drop-off.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. EUR 60 to 90 one way - agree the quote before departure
Best forGrenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB) to Alpexpo
GNB is the nearest airport, with taxi ranks outside the terminal. Pre-book if you land late, when availability is thinner.
airport coach
Estimated costApprox. EUR 10 to 20 one way, depending on operator - confirm the timetable
Best forGrenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB) to Alpexpo
Coach services connect the airport with the Grenoble station area, but frequency is limited outside peak days. Check the schedule against your flight time before you fly.
long-distance coach
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20 to 35 one way - confirm with the operator
Best forLyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) to Alpexpo
Coaches run through the day from the airport to Grenoble; the road leg takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic.
regional train (TER)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 25 to 40 one way in second class - book ahead for the lowest fare
Best forLyon Part-Dieu to Grenoble Gare
Frequent TER services link the two cities. From Grenoble Gare take a TAG tram or a taxi onward to Alpexpo.
car / parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 0 to 10 per day at the venue - confirm the rate at the barrier
Best forAlpexpo on-site car park, Grenoble
Alpexpo has on-site parking; the closest spaces fill early on show mornings. Winter tyres or chains are worth carrying if you drive from the mountains.
Weather
January is the coldest month in Grenoble. On the valley floor expect roughly 0 to 7 degrees Celsius by day and around minus 3 to 0 degrees at night, with valley fog, low sun and a real chance of snow or freezing rain. Conditions in the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs around the city are much harsher, and a mountain drive can differ sharply from the city forecast. Pack insulated layers, a waterproof shell and shoes with grip, and check the forecast in the days before departure. These are approximate climatic bands, not a forecast - confirm before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
EU roaming may apply for EU SIMs; local prepaid SIM and eSIM options are widely available - confirm venue Wi‑Fi with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and greetings
French is the working language on the Grand Ski floor, and a simple 'Bonjour' before any question is expected etiquette. Most brand managers and buyers speak English, but a French product summary or a business card with your role helps in meetings.
Trade-day rhythm
Professional shows in Grenoble start early and slow around the French lunch window, roughly 12:00 to 14:00. Book key meetings for the morning, and leave the midday slot for stand browsing and coffee.
Show-floor etiquette
Ask before photographing stands, prototypes or price lists, especially on pre-season product. Badges are checked at the door, so keep yours visible and treat order conversations as confidential.
Mountain and ski culture
Grenoble is a university city and the gateway to the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Ski touring, mountaineering and winter hiking are part of local identity, and small talk about snow conditions is a natural opener with exhibitors.
Money and tipping
The currency is the euro, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Service is included in French restaurant bills, so rounding up or leaving small change is the normal practice rather than percentage tipping.
Winter travel practicalities
January brings frost, fog and occasional snow to the city, and much more in the surrounding mountains. Allow extra time for transfers, keep a warm layer in your bag, and if you rent a car check winter-tyre and chain requirements.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: GNB
Google Flights searches for 18 January 2027 used Frankfurt (FRA), New York (JFK) and London (LHR) origins to Grenoble (GRN); captured alternative routings via Lyon (LYS), Nice (NCE), Marseille (MRS) and Paris showed single fares from €35. Book early for the 19-20 January 2027 trade dates and confirm ground transfer from GRN or LYS to Alpexpo.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB): Approx. 45 to 60 minutes by road to Alpexpo, depending on traffic - confirm with your transfer provider; Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS): Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by road or rail to Grenoble - confirm live timetables; Chambery-Savoie Airport (CMF): Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by road - confirm your transfer; Geneva Airport (GVA): Approx. 2 hours by road to Grenoble in good conditions - allow more in w
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Alpexpo: Alpexpo area, Seyssins: ibis budget Grenoble Sud Seyssins; Grenoble centre: Kyriad Grenoble Centre; Grenoble centre near station: ibis Styles Grenoble Centre Gare.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Grenoble; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Alpexpo; check operator timetables.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Alpexpo; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Approx. 0 to 7 degrees Celsius by day and minus 3 to 0 degrees at night on the Grenoble valley floor in January; colder and snowier in the surrounding massifs. Approximate climate bands - confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January falls in the heart of the Alpine winter: short daylight, frequent valley fog, moderate precipitation that can arrive as rain, sleet or snow, and occasional clear, very cold days after a front passes. Snow lying on the ground in Grenoble itself is possible but not guaranteed, while the mountain roads above the city are routinely snowy. Build a buffer into airport transfers and check road conditions if you plan to combine the show with a ski day.
Packing: Approx. 0 to 7 degrees Celsius by day and minus 3 to 0 degrees at night on the Grenoble valley floor in January; colder and snowier in the surrounding massifs. Approximate climate bands - confirm the forecast before travel. January falls in the heart of the Alpine winter: short daylight, frequent va
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
confirm your registration status on grandski.org and note the opening hours for 19 January 2027 at Alpexpo.
T-13
book travel to Grenoble, choosing between Grenoble Alpes-Isere (GNB) for the shortest transfer and Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS) for the widest flight choice.
T-12
reserve a hotel in Grenoble centre or the Alpexpo and Seyssins area, and check the cancellation policy before paying.
T-10
draft a buying list by category - skis, boards, boots, bindings, apparel, safety, workshop equipment - so you can shortlist stands before arrival.
T-9
request meetings with the brand account managers whose lines sit in your seasonal plan.
T-7
check the Grenoble forecast and pack insulated layers, a waterproof shell and shoes with grip for snow and slush.
T-5
look up TAG tram and bus timetables between your hotel and Alpexpo and save the route offline.
T-4
confirm your return transfer and, if flying from Lyon, allow the extra coach or train leg.
T-3
assemble business cards, a tablet or notebook for order notes, and a charger for a full day on the floor.
T-2
reconfirm any hotel shuttle, parking or late check-in arrangements in writing.
T-1
travel to Grenoble, check in, and walk the route to your nearest tram or bus stop for the morning.
T-12
Show day: arrive 30 to 45 minutes before opening for badge collection, pick up the floor plan at the entrance and work stands hall by hall rather than doubling back.
T-13
After the show: log orders, quotes and contact names the same evening while the details are fresh, and diarise follow-up calls for the following week.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Alpexpo
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 registration concourse
Alpexpo
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Alpexpo
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing your sector solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 in Grenoble.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching your sector products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Grenoble show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does Grand Ski take place in Grenoble?
The edition on record runs on 19 January 2027 at Alpexpo, Grenoble's exhibition centre in the south of the city. Opening hours, build-up days and any changes to the programme are published by the organiser at grandski.org - check the site before booking travel.
Is Grand Ski open to the public or trade only?
Grand Ski is run as a professional winter-sports trade show, with badge access aimed at retailers, rental operators, distributors and resort professionals rather than the general public. Confirm your eligibility and the exact badge rules with the organiser when you register.
How do I register and get a badge for Grand Ski?
Registration is handled through the organiser's site, grandski.org. Have your company details, business activity and ID ready; badges are usually collected on site at the entrance on the day. Verify the current registration route and any deadlines directly with the organiser.
Which airports are closest to Grenoble for the show?
Grenoble Alpes-Isere (GNB) is the nearest airport, with Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS) the main international gateway and the usual choice for long-haul connections. Chambéry-Savoie (CMF) and Geneva (GVA) are further road options. Compare transfer times and book a late-arrival plan before you fly.
How do I get from Grenoble city centre to Alpexpo?
The TAG tram and bus network links the centre with the Alpexpo district on a single ticket, and taxis cover the same trip in around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. From the station area, take a tram or bus toward the south of the city and confirm the stop closest to your hall on the live timetable.
What product sectors will I find on the Grand Ski floor?
Expect winter hardgoods and softgoods: alpine, freeride and touring skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, apparel, avalanche safety equipment and the workshop and rental equipment that supports ski shops. Buyers typically arrive with a category plan rather than browsing generically.
Where should I stay for Grand Ski?
Hotels in the Alpexpo and Seyssins area are the closest, while the Grenoble centre gives more choice of restaurants and easy tram access to the halls. January is peak ski season in the Alps, so book early and confirm cancellation terms before committing.
What is the weather like in Grenoble in January?
Cold and often grey on the valley floor, with daytime temperatures roughly between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius, night frost and a real chance of snow or freezing fog. Bring a warm waterproof shell and footwear with grip; mountain conditions around the city are considerably harsher.
Do I need a visa to attend Grand Ski in France?
Grenoble is in France and inside the Schengen area, so entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the France-Visas portal or your local French consulate for current short-stay requirements, and carry your passport, registration confirmation and hotel booking when you travel.
Can exhibitors ship skis and stand material to Alpexpo?
Exhibitors normally work through the organiser's appointed freight and handling arrangements for delivery windows, storage and build-up access at Alpexpo. Confirm the technical manual, loading bay times and any customs paperwork for non-EU goods directly with the organiser before dispatch.
Glossary
- Hardgoods
- The hardware side of the winter sports trade: skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles and helmets. At Grand Ski these are the lines that retail and rental buyers commit to months before the snow arrives.
- Softgoods
- Textile and apparel product - jackets, pants, midlayers, baselayers, gloves and socks. Softgoods buying at a January winter-sports show is usually about the following season's colour and fabric story.
- Randonnee / ski touring
- Skiing uphill on skins and descending with a free-heel binding. Touring is one of the fastest-expanding categories in the French market and a recurring theme on the Grand Ski floor.
- Freeride
- Off-piste and big-mountain skiing or snowboarding on wider, more rockered equipment. Freeride lines sit alongside race and piste ranges in most exhibitor stands.
- Rental fleet
- The pool of skis, boards and boots a resort shop hires out. Fleet buyers look for durable constructions, standardised binding interfaces and easy serviceability, rather than top-end race specs.
- Pre-season order book
- The written orders retailers place before the winter season, typically agreed in January to March. Grand Ski falls inside this window, which is why shop buyers attend with their seasonal plan already drafted.
- Ski-walk mode
- A boot or binding system that releases the cuff or heel for walking. Common on touring and all-mountain products and a frequent point of comparison between boot brands.
- DIN setting
- The release-force setting on an alpine binding, adjusted to the skier's height, weight, boot sole length and ability by a qualified technician. Rental and retail shops must document each setting.
- DVA / transceiver
- The avalanche beacon (detecteur de victimes d'avalanche) worn by off-piste skiers. Safety hardware of this kind is usually grouped with probes, shovels and airbag packs at the show.
- Splitboard
- A snowboard that separates into two touring skis for uphill travel and locks back together for the descent. Splitboarding has its own buyers and a growing presence in Alpine retail.
- Tuning and waxing
- Workshop servicing of bases and edges - waxing, base grinding and edge sharpening. Workshop equipment and consumables are a distinct buying category at winter-sports trade shows.
- Alpexpo
- Grenoble's principal exhibition and congress centre, in the south of the city near Seyssins. It hosts Grand Ski and is the reference point for hotel and transport planning around the show.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Destination Montagnes - Grand Ski 2027 Grenoble 2027
- Destination Montagnes 2027
- Destination Montagnes Grenoble 2027
- Grand Ski Grenoble 2027
- Grenoble France
- Alpine and piste skis -
- All-mountain, freeride and ski-touring skis
- Snowboards, splitboards and snowboard boots and bindings
- Ski and snowboard boots -
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.