Spring is in full swing, with the Spring Equinox which took place last week, March 20th, marking the official start, and ski experts are saying that the end-of-season months are some of the best times to visit the Alps.
Whether it’s a long Easter-weekend break or a last-minute dash to enjoy the latter end of ski season, Ian McIlrath, Travel Expert and Managing Director at Ski Solutions, shares why spring is one of the best times to escape to the Alps.
Ian says, “Spring is one of the best times to head to the slopes, offering longer days, fewer crowds, and plenty of end-of-season events to enjoy. With many resorts staying open until the latter end of April, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of longer ski sessions and après ski events.”
He adds, “High altitude and glacier resorts are generally better for skiing in spring. The higher the altitude, the colder it is, resulting in better snow coverage and quality.”
Spring is an ideal time for beginners to hit the slopes
Ian suggests, “Spring offers the perfect opportunity for beginners to hit the slopes. Outside of Easter weekend, resorts see fewer crowds compared to peak winter months, meaning beginners can practice runs more consecutively and experience a quieter environment.”
He continues, “Warmer weather and longer days allow beginners to spend more time on the slopes, helping them to refine their skills and build confidence. The higher temperatures create soft snow, which provides better grip and is much more forgiving.”
Spring is considered the best time for après ski
Ian says, “Winter après-ski has a cosy charm, but the end of ski season is often one of the best times to experience the ski party scene. Resorts often save their best parties for the latter end of the season, and most weekends in resorts are packed with closing events, live music, and competitions.”
He adds, “Notable locations for end-of-season parties include Mayrhofen, Austria, known for its lively parties and for hosting the Snowbombing festival, which is taking place between 6th and 11th April this year. Val d’slère, France, is another fantastic location for après activities, where skiers can visit La Folie Douce, to enjoy a Cabaret-style show or music mixed by a DJ, or the Bar de l’Ouillette, which is a great location to enjoy the sun, sipping at a glass of rosé on the spacious terrace.
You can pack lighter
“With warmer weather, you won’t need heavy layers.” Ian suggests, “You’ll still need to layer up with a base, midlayer, and outerwear, but these can be much lighter and breathable than what you’d typically pack for winter skiing. For example, swapping a hardshell for a softshell.”
He adds, “In some resorts, where temperatures run especially high, it’s not unusual to see skiers taking a break to sunbathe on the slopes. Just remember, when skiing, it’s crucial to protect your skin from UV rays, especially as they become stronger throughout spring.”