Are you looking for the best spring skiing resorts? We love spring skiing when warmer spells of weather and more sunshine arrive in the mountains. You can strip off the extra layers you were wearing during January and enjoy a drink on a sun terrace in the latter part of the ski season. Spring skiing has its ups and downs. Yes, the snow is starting to turn slushy nearer the bottom of the mountain but there are plenty of ski resorts that maintain great snow. With plenty of bluebird days, a spring skiing holiday can offer the best of both worlds. Our experts have scoured the Alps and put together a list of springtime resorts that should be on your skiing bucket list. Here’s our pick of the best late season ski resorts for your next ski break.
Val d’Isère/Tignes, France
One of the best places to go skiing in spring, these two ski resorts go hand-in-hand on this list. They are situated at a fantastic height of 1850/2100m making them incredibly snow sure deep into the spring months. The skiable slopes in the famous Espace Killy ski area range from 1,550m all the way up to 3,455m, offering almost 2,000m of vertical skiing. Another bonus is that the majority of its north-facing slopes (around 60%) are all above 2,500m, on two superb glaciers. Both ski resorts have a great atmosphere with plenty of après-ski activities to enjoy, such as Val d’Isère’s popular ice-driving experience. Or, for the really adventurous try ice diving in Tignes on your skiing holiday.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria
Obergurgl is one of the highest non-glacier ski resorts in Austria standing at 1,980m. Even higher is its close neighbour, Hochgurgl ski resort, standing at 2,150m. Obergurgl ski resort makes for some great high-altitude spring skiing with slopes going as high as 3,082m. There’s also the added option to head over to Sölden to reach up to 3,250m and enjoy more of the traditional Austrian après ski. Obergurgl is fantastic for families looking for a snow-sure ski resort.
Val Thorens, France
One of the best places to ski in the late season, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe at 2,300m. It’s also one of the three powerhouses, as well as Méribel and Courchevel, that make up the largest ski area in the world, the Three Valleys. The slopes range from an incredible 600m to 3,250m offering an enormous 2,650m vertical drop. Val Thorens is a lively ski resort with an array of restaurants and bars. If that’s not enough, you can ski to other nearby ski resorts including Méribel and Courchevel for lunch or an afternoon aperitif in the spring sunshine. Val Thorens has proven a favourite with skiers for reliable spring skiing.
Flaine, France
Flaine ski resort is one of the best places to ski in the late season. This hidden gem is one that most people wouldn’t contemplate for spring skiing. Don’t be fooled by its modest 1,600m resort height and 2,500m maximum skiing height. This ski resort is arguably one of the most snow-sure resorts on this list and in the whole of the Haute-Savoie region. Not only does the resort have incredible high natural snowfall records due to its ideal location and proximity to other mountains but it is also set within a bowl of wind-shielding north-facing slopes. This means that the average 15m of snowfall that Flaine receives on its higher slopes is preserved almost perfectly all the way through the season, so you can still look forward to great powder runs even skiing in the latter part of the season.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt ski resort is one of the best places to ski in spring. Whilst not the highest of ski resorts, at a moderate 1,620m has the highest skiing in Europe. With slopes ranging up to 3,899m it has some of the most snow-sure slopes in the Alps. Zermatt itself is a beautiful, lively resort filled to the brim with Alpine traditions. It has fantastic chalets and great restaurants that sit right in view of the iconic Matterhorn. Zermatt shares its 362km of skiing, a lot of which is above 3,000m, with its neighbours Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in what is known as the Matterhorn Ski Paradise area.
Ischgl, Austria
Although frequently overlooked by British skiers, Ischgl is one of the best late season ski resorts, and typically stays open until early May. Many of the slopes are over 1,800m and face north-west, guaranteeing better snow for longer. Get in right at the end of the season to experience the huge outdoor rock concert used to mark the occasion. Superstars such as Elton John and The Killers have rocked out here during previous years. The ski resort is well known for its dynamic Austrian après ski scene, with plenty of ice-bars and nightclubs. The 1950s-style Allegra Bar serves drinks until 1am and has become quite the local hotspot in recent seasons.
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is one of the best late season ski resorts, perfect for skiing in spring. This famous Austrian ski resort is known for its foot-stomping après scene and impressive snow record. A combination of north facing slopes and a top up from snow machines makes St. Anton one of the best places to ski in spring. The ski resort regularly welcomes skiers all the way through the spring, with the promise of off-piste territory to explore across the vast 305km of terrain.
State-of-the-art lifts link the local area with Lech and Zürs across the Arlberg ski area. There is plenty of choice if you are on the hunt for the freshest powder. St. Anton pulls out all the stops with its famous choice of slopeside après bars. Enjoy a beer at the MooserWirt or Krazy Kanguruh as the sun goes down. Tuck into hearty plates of local delicacies at one of the many traditional eateries in the town.
Verbier, Switzerland
The glamorous, sun-kissed resort of Verbier is one of the best places to go skiing in spring if you are looking to hit the slopes in style. Stay at one of the ski resort’s luxurious, boutique chalets or hotels that feature the likes of Sir Richard Branson’s own ski chalet, The Lodge. With the high-altitude peaks boasting some of the best back country terrain in the world, and a wide choice of marked off-piste itinerary runs.
Stay At:
This hotel has an impressive choice of suites and rooms, and superb spa facilities
Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen ski resort is one of the best places to go skiing in the latter part of the ski season. The ski resort has a relatively low altitude in the town at 630m, and high-altitude slopes that reach up to 3,250m. This means you can benefit from epic late-season powder days on the 204km of pistes, with top-ups from the extensive snow canons promising 100% snow cover. When the day draws to a close, head back down to the town to enjoy a well-earned beer or two in the sunshine.
Stay At:
A Hotel centrally located property with a sports lounge and spa facilities.
Alpe d’Huez, France
If you are looking for the best spring skiing resorts then Alpe d’Huez may well be the answer. This high-altitude ski resort has peaks that reach up to 3,330m. The glacial terrain guarantees powder days late on into the season. The ski resort offers stunning wide open views across the Southern Alps. The ski resort has glorious sunshine that makes for the perfect setting in which to enjoy an evening apéritif.
Stay At:
This hotel is great for a family-friendly all-inclusive holiday package.
Are you interested in a spring skiing holiday? Call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700 to find out more about the best late season ski resorts.
