Six of the Best Resorts for a Late-Season Ski Holiday
- CH Travel
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Missed out on a half-term trip? Sunny slopes, quieter mountains, decent snow, and a lower price tag mean Easter could be a great bet. Here are six of the best resorts to book for a late-season ski holiday.
Why Ski in April?
If you're considering skiing in April, the mountains are still alive! The snow conditions are often better than expected. You will find fewer crowds on the slopes, and many ski classes are available. Prices are significantly lower than during half-term, making it a budget-friendly option.
Skiing in the sunshine adds a touch of summer vibes, making it an enjoyable experience in the mountains!
Key Considerations for Late-Season Skiing
There are two key factors to keep in mind. First, even if it's been a cold winter, choose a snow-sure resort. For the Alps, look for places that offer plenty of skiing on north-facing slopes, especially those with pistes between 2,300m and 3,000m.
Second, adapt your skiing plans according to the changing snow conditions. Start skiing lower 20-30 minutes after sunlight hits the slopes. Finish your day high up, facing north, before 2 PM. After skiing, enjoy a long, late picnic or lunch on a restaurant terrace while soaking in the snowy views. Finally, take one last run back to base.
Sounds fun, right? Here are six awesome resorts where you can dive in and give it a shot!
Tignes, France
Skiing in a t-shirt and enjoying long lunches—there’s a lot to love about spring in Tignes. Of all Europe’s late-season resorts, Tignes is the most well-rounded. It boasts a good mix of slopes above 2,100m and a glacier that tops out at 3,456m. For expert skiers, there are many powder challenges to seek out if an Easter blizzard rolls in.
After an overnight frost, skiing its broad, east-facing pistes as they soften under the sun is a velvety pleasure.
Val Thorens, France
The Cime Caron cable car may be out of operation this season. However, Val Thorens still offers a top-notch lift system in its north-facing mountain bowl. Four areas break the 3,000m mark. In addition to this, it features confidence-building, beginner-friendly pistes.
Families can enjoy two breathtaking zip wires (one for children over 7), as well as an indoor pool and a 6km toboggan run. Your children will stay busy both on and off the snow!
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia can be challenging during a blizzard. But if you love long, rolling pistes, a holiday here is worth the occasional white-out. For ultimate spring convenience, consider staying at the Petit Palais hotel, located near the lifts to mid-mountain Plan Maison.
This placement allows quick access to softer, colder high-altitude snow from 2,500m to a lung-bursting 3,900m just across the border in Switzerland. Other activities include visiting the highest ice grotto in Europe, racing on the ice karting track, joining a guided snowshoe walk, and enjoying après-ski drinks on sunny terraces.
Val Cenis, France
Val Cenis may be cold, but that’s a crucial advantage in spring. This remote resort has gained a reputation as a reliable late-season destination. Despite its middling altitude, the slopes extend from 2,800m down to 1,300m.
Val Cenis is also perfect for a self-drive, self-catering trip. You can use your car to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc's compact area next door. It's also north-facing and tops out at 3,000m.
Gurgl, Austria
The name Gurgl comes from Gurgali, meaning "village at the glacier.” The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort, commonly known as Gurgl, is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Located deep in the valley, it is a hidden gem with top-quality skiing and hotels right on the slopes.
For easy access to the highest slopes, consider lodging in the upper village of Hochgurgl. Group lessons in Obergurgl are pricey, but they include both morning and afternoon sessions—five days costs £290. You can find more information at skischule-obergurgl.com.
Les Deux Alpes, France
All hail the new Jandri 3S ski lift! Opened last month, this lift has significantly reduced travel times to the snowsure glacier to just 17 minutes. If skiers decide to break their journey mid-mountain, they can tackle the north-facing Toura sector, reaching heights of 2,600m. This area features a highly-rated snowpark.
Les Deux Alpes is perfect for families with aspiring acrobats (as long as your travel insurance covers freestyle skiing).
Comments