Still not answered: for seasons under what conditions we & do not you use à with definite article. Examples do not clarify
Le/la/l, vs au/à la / à l,
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Le/la/l, vs au/à la / à l,

Bonjour Shannon and Rose,
You cannot say -
à l'hiver/le printemps/l'été/l'automne prochain ou dernier
l'été/ l'hiver/le printemps/l'automne/dernier ou prochain is sufficient to express
last or next winter/spring/summer/autumn
This is true when you are talking about a specific temporal season.
But if you were talking about what you do in winter ( in general) or in the spring, summer or autumn generally, you would use -
En hiver, je fais du ski = In winter, I go skiing
En été je vais à la plage = In summer, I go to the beach
Au printemps, j'aime jardiner = In the spring, I like to garden
En automne, je m'occupe de ma maison = In the autumn, I look after my house
I hope this answers both of your queries.

Hi Rose Marie,
I am not sure that I understand your question but if you're looking to say 'in winter', 'in the spring', etc. please take a look at the following lesson -
En/l'/au with seasons (French Articles and Prepositions)
Let me know if we can help any further.

I believe the person above is referring to the same thing that’s causing me confusion. The lesson says that you can use the following:
l' + [été/automne/hiver] + dernier /
prochain
l'/à l' + [automne] + dernier / prochain
Can you not also say “à l’été dernier” or “à l’hiver dernier” ? Is this construction only reserved for automne?
Thank you!
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