Skiing during springtime can be very satisfying; the days are longer, generally, the weather better. But skiing can also deliver some of the most fun snow conditions of the ski season in late March or April.
In the Alps, late-season or spring skiing is usually considered to run from late March until the end of the typical “winter” season, with most resorts closing from mid-to-late April and a few continuing to offer skiing throughout May. The Alps join what is considered to be its’ summer skiing’ season from around mid-May onwards, by which time skiing is almost only limited to the glaciers.
Given the sun’s intensity at the end of the season, snow conditions will differ enormously depending on altitude and orientation. With consideration, pick your resort, and there will always be snow, contrary to common opinion. However, you would preferably want a ski resort with north-facing terrain above 2500m for the best snow quality.
The best ten ski resorts in the Alps for late-season snow are:
- Zermatt, Switzerland
Resort height: 1620m
Slopes: 1620-3820m (1525-3820m including Cervinia)
Pistes: 200km (350km including Cervinia)
Normal closing: Late April (open all year round on glacier)
2020/21 ski season: Closes on 2nd May 2021 (open all year round on glacier)
Zermatt is suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, there is plenty of easier terrain, especially on the glacier.
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Resort height: 1800m
Slopes: 1800-3500m
Pistes: 100km
Normal closing: Last weekend in April
2020/21 ski season: Due to close on 18 April 2021
Saas-Fee is suited to beginners and intermediates, with the easiest terrain on the glacier at the top of the mountain.
- Val d’Isère/Tignes, France
Resort height: 1850/2100m
Slopes: 1550-3455m (Espace Killy)
Pistes: 300km (Espace Killy)
Normal closing: First weekend in May (Tignes open until the second weekend in May)
2020/21 ski season: Espace Killy: to close on 2nd May 2021
Tignes: due to close on 8th May 2021
Val d’Isère and Tignes are superb for all skier levels, with much of the most accessible terrain at high altitude.
- Obergurgl, Austria
Resort height: 1930m
Slopes: 1795-3080m
Pistes: 110km
Normal closing: First weekend in May
2020/21 ski season: Due to close on 25th April 2021
Obergurgl is suited to beginners and intermediates.
- Val Thorens, France
Resort height: 2300m
Slopes: 1800-3230m (1260-3230m – 3 Valleys)
Pistes: 150km (600km – 3 Valleys)
Normal closing: First or second week in May
2020/21 ski season: Closes on 9th May 2021
Val Thorens is suited to all skier levels, with snow-sure nursery slopes, and access to the challenging terrain, across the 3 Valleys ski area.
- Hintertux, Austria
Resort height: 1500m
Slopes: 1500-3250m
Pistes: 86 km
Normal closing: Open 365 days a year
2020/21 ski season: Open 365 days a year
Hintertux is suited to intermediates, with variety and challenges on the glacier.
- Ischgl, Austria
Resort height: 1400m
Slopes: 1400-2870m
Pistes: 238km
Normal closing: Early May
2020/21 ski season: Closes on 2nd May 2021
It boasts one of the best lift systems in the world, Ischgl is suited to intermediates.
- Arc 1950 / Arc 2000 (Les Arcs), France
Resort height: 1950-2000m
Slopes: 1200-3225m (1200-3250m – Paradiski)
Pistes: 200km (425km – Paradiski)
Normal closing: Late April
2020/21 ski season: Due to close on 30th April 2021
Les Arcs is excellent for all skier levels, with some of the most challenging and easiest slopes above Arc 1950/2000.
- Sölden, Austria
Resort height: 1380m
Slopes: 1350-3250m
Pistes: 150km
Normal closing: Early May
2020/21 ski season: Due to close on 2nd May 2021
Sölden is suited to intermediates, who enjoy a challenge.
- Argentière (Chamonix), France
Resort height: 1035m
Slopes: 1035-3275m
Pistes: 155km
Normal closing: First or second week in May
2020/21 ski season: Due to close on 2nd May 2021
Argentière is suited to advanced skiers, with some of the most exciting and challenging off-piste in the world.