Where are the best late-season ski resorts in Europe? There are several; however, Hintertux in Austria is open year-round. Skiing in the spring can be fun because the days are longer, and the weather is often better. In late March or April, though, skiing can provide some of the most enjoyable snow conditions of the season.
The Alps
Late-season or spring skiing in the Alps is generally considered to run from late March to the conclusion of the traditional “winter” season, with most resorts closing from mid-to-late April and a handful remaining open into May. From roughly mid-May onwards, the Alps begin what is known as their summer skiing’ season, at which time skiing is virtually exclusively limited to glaciers.
Snow conditions will vary greatly depending on height and orientation due to the sun’s intensity near the end of the season. Choose your destination carefully, and contrary to popular belief, there will always be snow. However, for the finest snow quality, choose a ski resort with north-facing terrain above 2500m. Look at the best 10 ski resorts for snow sure slopes as another guide for you.
The following are the top ten ski resorts in the Alps for late-season snow:
Zermatt in Switzerland
1620m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1620 to 3820 meters (1525-3820m including Cervinia).
200 kilometres of pistes (350km including Cervinia).
Usually, closes in late April (open all year round on glacier).
Ski season ends early May (open all year round on glacier).
Intermediate and experienced skiers will enjoy Zermatt since there is much softer terrain, particularly on the glacier.
Switzerland’s Saas-Fee
1800m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1800 to 3500 meters.
Pistes: 100 kilometres.
Typically, closes on the last weekend of April.
The ski season ends in mid-April.
Beginners and intermediates like Saas-Fee have the most straightforward terrain on the glacier near the summit.
Tignes/Val d’Isère, France
1850/2100m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1550 to 3455 meters (Espace Killy).
300km of pistes (Espace Killy).
Expected closing date: first weekend in May (Tignes open until the second weekend in May).
Espace Killy will close in early May.
Tignes is set to close on the second week of May.
Val d’Isère and Tignes are excellent for all levels of skiers, with much of the most accessible terrain located at high elevations.
Obergurgl in Austria
The resort is 1930 meters high.
Slopes range from 1795 to 3080 metres.
Pistes: 110 kilometres.
Usual closing date: May 1st weekend.
The ski season ends the last week of April.
Beginners and intermediates will like Obergurgl.
France’s Val Thorens
2300m is the resort’s elevation.
800-3230m (1260-3230m – 3 Valleys) Slopes.
Pistes: 150 km (3 valleys, 600 km).
Specific closing dates are the first or second week of May.
Ski season ends the second week of May.
Snow-sure slopes with access to the more challenging terrain across the 3 Valleys ski area, Val Thorens caters to all abilities of skiers.
Austria’s Hintertux
1500m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1500 to 3250 metres.
86 km of slopes.
Regular hours of operation: 365 days a year.
The ski season will be open 365 days a year.
Intermediates will enjoy the variety and challenges of the Hintertux glacier.
Ischgl in Austria
1400m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1400-2870 metres.
238 km of slopes.
Early May is the expected closing date of the ski season.
Ischgl is suited to intermediates and has one of the best lift systems in the world.
France, Arc 1950 / Arc 2000 (Les Arcs)
The resort’s elevation ranges from 1950 to 2000 metres.
1200-3225m (1200-3250m – Paradiski) Slopes.
Pistes: 200 kilometers (425 kilometers – Paradiski).
Typically, closes in late April.
The ski season is set to end in late April.
Les Arcs is an excellent place for all levels of skiers, with some of the most challenging and easy slopes above Arc 1950/2000.
Sölden in Austria
1380m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1350 to 3250 metres.
150km of pistes.
Early May is the expected closing date.
The ski season is set to end in early May.
Intermediates who enjoy a challenge will love Sölden.
France, Argentière (Chamonix)
1035m is the resort’s elevation.
Slopes range from 1035 to 3275 metres.
155 km of slopes.
Specific closing dates are the first or second week of May.
The ski season is set to end the second week in May.
Argentière is for advanced skiers, featuring some of the world’s most exhilarating and challenging off-piste.
