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If you're not a fan of sitting on a swinging chairlift with a freezing wind chilling you to the bone, then spring skiing is for you! Rather than having to huddle by the fire in a mountain restaurant, the sunny weather makes the air warm enough for you to linger in a mountain deckchair.
Moreover, the days are longer and the lifts are open till later, and you have a good chance of bagging some great late season ski deals. And as ski resorts enjoy the sunnier, warmer weather, they also stage some of the most exciting festivals and celebrations in the mountains.
And with Easter falling in late March/early April this year, there's no better time to make the most of Easter ski holidays and grab some great April ski deals.
We've teamed up with tour operator Inghams to bring you a guide to 11 resorts to give you the best spring and Easter skiing.
Why ski late season in the Spring?
As winter gives way to spring, the odds shorten on you seeing more bluebird days, when the skies are clear and the visibility is perfect. And you might think all that bright sunshine and warmer temperatures will mean nothing but icy runs in the morning and slush by the afternoon. But the high altitude resorts in particular, such as Tignes and Val d’Isère, are known for having an excellent snow record even late into the season.
Spring is most definitely the most romantic time of the year, too. Not only are the mountains a breath-taking sight certain to quicken the pulse, but off-slope activities such as a horse-drawn sleigh ride for two are perfect for loving couples. In fact, après in the sun means all kinds of fun events, such as crazy sports like pond-skimming and late-season festivals with live music and parties.
It's more fun to learn when the weather is warmer, too, which makes spring an especially good time for families and beginners. Don't forget, too, that the slopes are often quieter and there are usually some great late season skiing bargains to be found, well into April.
What makes a ski resort good for Spring skiing?
For April ski holidays, high altitude is essential - along with plenty to do on and off the mountain - if you want to ensure a great spring ski holiday. So pick a high-altitude resort with a lot of runs above 2,000m, up where the snow is still good late into the season!
Top 10 ski resorts for Spring skiing
Inghams have been organising ski packages for more than 85 years and they know what skiers and snowboarders are looking for. Their flight-inclusive holidays fly from 14 local airports around the UK, and they can organise self-drive trips too. Plus, trusted advisors can help you through every step of your booking journey. Here are the top ten ski resorts for Spring skiing, with Inghams' pick of the places to stay:
Tignes-Val d'Isère, France
The Tignes-Val d'Isère ski domain, is one of the best locations in the world in terms of ski terrain, history of the sport and fantastic mountain location.
Tignes is a buzzing mini-metropolis in an otherwise uninhabited realm of snow and ice in the High Tarentaise. It's split into two main resort centres - Tignes-le-Lac and Val Claret, facing each other across a frozen lake. Perfect for keen intermediates, Tignes has big scenery and masses of space in the ski area.
The variety of terrain is extensive: from the exhilarating glacial heights of La Grande Motte, to the thigh-burning long cruises down to the tree line and valley floor at Les Brevieres. The resort boasts two sports & leisure centres, numerous spa facilities, a tenpin bowling arcade, plus there are various day-time and evening adventure-sports activities available.
Val d'Isère is a Mecca for expert skiers & snowboarders, yet also a popular mainstream resort; the wide range of terrain in its extensive ski area means it can successfully cater for all ability levels.
The village sits at a snow-sure altitude of 1,850m, making Val d'Isère a sound choice for a late-season ski trip. It's brimming with upmarket après-ski venues, chic boutiques, top-class hotels and deluxe chalets, while there's a dizzying array of adventure activities, including ice circuit driving, ice climbing, and paragliding.
Hotel Rosset, Tignes
The Rosset chalet hotel, a Ski Total by Inghams property, has comfortable accommodation, spacious public areas, swimming pool and is located in the heart of Tignes-le-Lac. All bedrooms offer en suite shower or bath with hairdryers, many with the bonus of a balcony looking over the lake.
Just 100m from the Rosset lift, access to the slopes is very easy. From the Rosset lift ski down to the high-speed Tovière for quick access to Val d'Isere. At the end of the day you can ski back to within 100m of the hotel.
Transfer time: 2hrs 15mins from Chambery.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Chalet Hotel Ducs de Savoie, Val d'Isère
Hotel Ducs de Savoie is located in a quiet location in the centre of the main village, just a few minutes walk to the main lifts. The Ducs offers half board with chalet-style catering including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meals with wine included.
The lounge, bar and dining room on the ground floor have been completely renovated for the 2021/22 ski season providing a more rustic and Alpine feel. The hotel has a relaxed family atmosphere best appreciated by couples who wish to enjoy some of the very best skiing in this world-class resort.
Transfer time: 2hrs 15mins from Chambery.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Obergurgl, Austria
Together with its lift-linked neighbour Hochgurgl, Obergurgl, is a small, friendly, high-altitude snow sure destination at the upper end of Austria's Ötztal Valley. You can ski both villages on the same lift pass. The area's biggest draw is the reliable snow conditions, particularly early and late in the season, as the village sits at 1,927m, and the lifts go up to above 3,000m.
As a family resort, many of the hotels offer kids activities and are close to the ski school and lifts. Obergurgl has some challenging freeride slopes, as well as some great pistes for every level of skier.
Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl
The ski-in ski-out Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is perfectly located to make your day on the mountain as easy as possible. The Hohe Mut and Rosskar ski lifts are right next to the hotel, as is the rest of the town centre, providing easy access to Obergurgl's shops and restaurants. The hotel also has an après ski ice bar with a large terrace, and for a cosy place to relax with a cocktail, the hotel's bar and lounge is a great choice.
There is also the Glacier Spa with indoor and outdoor pools, Finnish sauna, cold grotto, whirlpool and fitness room. Taking a dip in one of the pools with spectacular views of the slopes is a must after a long day on the mountain.
Transfer time: 1hr 30mins from Innsbruck airport.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Cervinia, Italy
This famous Italian resort is at its best when the skies are blue and the sun shines, as the high mountain views are magnificent. It sits in a high-altitude basin under the gaze of the Matterhorn, and is linked with the challenging Swiss resort of Zermatt. Together, they share the highest pisted ski domain in Europe, offering 360km of pistes. Despite its height, Cervinia is actually a good choice for beginners and intermediates. The ski area mostly consists of easy to mid-range blue and very light red runs, and grooming here is superb.
The town is welcoming with plenty of bars and restaurants. There's plenty to do away from the slopes, too - have a go at the many activities on offer, such as ice karting, or tandem paragliding. You can also have a dip in the local pool or visit the highest ice grotto in Europe over on the Swiss side of the mountains.
Grand Hotel Cervino
This brand new five-star hotel opened its doors this season. Located at the foot of the Gran Becca, every room here looks out along the snowy valley or the incredible mountain range surrounding the hotel. The hotel operate a shuttle service every day to both the lifts and Cervinia's centre up until 10.30pm, so getting around is simple - perfect if you want to check out the après scene in town.
The hotel has an impressive wellness area with sauna, steam room and pool. And there's a relaxing hotel bar for a drink before your three-course evening meal.
Transfer time: 1 hr 45 mins from Turin airport.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Sölden, Austria
With some of Austria’s highest pistes, and bags of intermediate terrain, Sölden won’t disappoint on any level, on or off the pistes. Freeride lovers - including those venturing off-piste for the first time - will find perfect powder runs and more than 70km of lift-accessible off-piste terrain. It's only 90km from Innsbruck, so is highly accessible even for weekends.
A regular on the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, Sölden hosts world class ski events throughout the season, yet the 144km of pistes, and uplift capacity of 68,000 people/hour, soon eats up all the crowds. And with its glacier skiing, it remains open into May.
It's a great party resort and attracts a lively crowd. Off the slopes, the James Bond Experience at the top of the Gaislachkogel lift (a film location for the Spectre movie) is well worth visiting.
Hotel Sölderhof & Residenz Tamara
The comfortable Hotel Sölderhof and Residenz Tamara are located in a quiet, yet central part of Sölden, 100 metres apart across the road. The Giggijoch gondola is only 300 metres away, and there are numerous bars close by. Each building has its own small wellness area - and you can also use the swimming pool for free at the nearby Freizeit Arena leisure centre. Buffet breakfast and evening meals are served in the Hotel Sölderhof building.
As it's included on your lift pass, make sure to jump on the ski bus and have a day or two in the Obergurgl Hochgurgl area during your stay for some contrasting slopes and scenery.
Transfer time: 1hr 10mins from Innsbruck airport
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Banff, Canada
Nestled in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Banff is one of the best ski towns in Canada. The authentic mountain town offers fantastic Canadian hospitality with over 130 bars, restaurants and coffee shops, loads of interesting shops if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, and also hosts great events throughout the season.
For skiing and boarding, Banff has three distinct resorts, all covered by the SkiBig3 lift pass. These are Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Each brings something different to the table, from gentle beginner slopes to unbeatable off-piste powder. Getting around is also easy with a free bus service included with your ski pass. Other snowy activities include snowshoeing, dogsledding, winter hiking in the magical landscapes of Banff National Park or nearby Jasper National Park, and, of course, relaxing in one of Banff's famous hot springs.
Moose Hotel & Suits
The Moose Hotel & Suites is the newest hotel in Banff, with a great central location in downtown Banff. This 4-star plus hotel offers a warm welcome, an in-house Italian restaurant and 174 guest rooms with a combination of rooms and suites. Plus, an added bonus of staying at the Moose Hotel & Suites is the Banff Meadow Spa which has two rooftop pools, providing guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. You can also book yourself in for a massage or beauty treatment, use the indoor pool, sauna or gym.
Transfer time: 1hr 30mins from Calgary airport
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Livigno, Italy
Known as 'Little Tibet', Livigno is a high-altitude, remote ski resort in Italy's Lombardy region, in a duty-free enclave close to the Swiss border. Generally promoted as an ideal destination for beginners, Livigno is also a good choice for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, particularly for those on a budget and those who enjoy lively après ski. Skiing Livigno works for all levels.
The majority of the 115km of pistes are mid-range reds, with a couple of short black runs providing a slightly more testing workout for progressing intermediates; the pick of the runs are the long descents from the Carosello sector down to the base area at San Rocco. The resort is also set to host the freestyle and snowboarding events when the Winter Olympics come to Cortina in 2026.
Livigno is renowned for having a lively après ski scene, although it's really the later nightlife that's liveliest. More active alternatives include an ice skating rink in the San Rocco quarter, snowmobiling, or driving / skidding around an ice-circuit in cars, go-karts, or on quad bikes.
Hotel Amerikan
An eco-friendly, mountain-style hotel right next to the No.10 Amerikan drag lift. This means you can connect directly to the Carosella gondola and be on the mountain in no time - plus you can ski almost all the way back to the hotel. The centre of Livigno is around one and a half kilometres away but it's easy to get to with the free bus service.
There's a smart look to this hotel - they've used local wood inside and the rooms are all a good size. They come with a private balcony too. Don't miss out on some time in the spa. The indoor pool and hot tub are a great way to re-energise after a day on the slopes.
Transfer time: 3 hours from Innsbruck airport.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Sestriere, Italy
The highest resort in the Via Lattea (Milky Way), which straddles the Italian-French border, and stretches across 400km of lift-linked pistes, Sestriere, Italy, was one of the world's very first purpose-designed ski resorts. Reliably snow-sure, it's a strong all-round choice for beginners and keen intermediates. The resort boasts an open-air ice rink, heated outdoor swimming pools and a well-equipped fitness club, plus indoor tennis & squash courts at a big municipal multi-sports centre.
Modern and trendy, the village does a fair selection of shops and cafés, and several nice restaurants. There are also a handful of pleasant bars and the resort gets especially lively at weekends, with the Tabata nightclub a highlight of any party-lover's stay..
Grand Hotel Sestriere
The Grand Hotel has great facilities and an even better location. The lifts are just a few minutes away and you can get to them easily on the free shuttle. The town centre is a short walk away and you can enjoy some great mountain views from the hotel - we recommend enjoying them from the bar. You can pick from over 1,500 wine labels and sit next to the open fire.
There's three restaurants here so you can change things up and upgrade to à la carte for a couple of nights. Make sure you try the pizza place - they're all homemade and cooked in a traditional oven. If you've got some spare time, head for the spa and check out the sauna, steam room and whirlpool (payable locally).
Transfer time: 1 hour 45 mins from Turin airport.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Known as 'The Pearl of The Alps', Saas-Fee is a high-altitude, year-round mountain resort set in a crown of 13 soaring 4,000m peaks, in the Mischabel range of Switzerland's Valais Alps. The slopes are snow-sure and the car-free village is attractive; its facilities are modern, its restaurants are good, and its après ski is lively; Saas Fee is definitely a Alpine jewel.
Families will appreciate the friendly atmosphere as well as the fantastic, large beginners’ area in the village centre. There is plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied off the slopes, from the Aqua Allalin pool and spa complex to the Feeblitz bobsleigh/rollercoaster. Après ski ranges from the sophisticated to the downright fun.
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
The Walliserhof has recently undergone extensive renovations and is ready to show you its new design and unique concept. The public areas have a modern alpine style which follow through to the individually decorated guest rooms. You'll be positioned in the centre of the village and have free use of the hotel shuttle service to the slopes.
Be sure to check out the superb 2,100m² spa complete with swimming pool, various saunas, a steam bath, a whirlpool and a light-flooded relaxation area. You can dine around in the hotels three restaurants and for families with children over the age of two, there's a free supervised play room service.
Transfer time: 3hrs from Geneva airport
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Val Thorens, France
With dependable snow conditions, Val Thorens is not only the highest village in France's famous Three Valleys ski area, it's also the highest ski resort in Europe. With some 99 percent of its slopes at over 2,000m, it's pretty much all doorstep skiing, while for down-time, the resort's leisure centre has a spa, swimming pool, a gym and fitness suite, squash courts, multi-sports hall plus a children's fun-park area.
Other activities include snowmobiling, mountain biking on snow and an epic 6km toboggan run from the top of the Peclet gondola. Everything you need for a Spring ski holiday.
Chalet Mathilde
One of the Ski Total by Inghams chalets, Chalet Mathilde is in a fantastic location, close to the Plein Sud blue piste which runs down through the village. You can ski or walk the 100m from the door across to the piste, where you can just ski straight to your choice of ski-lifts.
The chalet sits on the side of the mountain, with the entrance on the top floor and a shared staircase to the chalets, each individually run and hosted. Stylishly decorated, with comfortable furnishings, all bedrooms have en suite facilities, hairdryer, TV/DVD player and some also have a balcony. After a day on the slopes, take advantage of the shared wellness spa with a sauna and steam-room for all guests.
Transfer time: 2hrs 15mins from Chambery; 3 hours from Geneva
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn, just across the border from Cervinia, Zermatt is one of the world's most famous and spectacular ski resorts. The skiing here is on a grand scale and Zermatt attracts a high percentage of advanced skiers, but much of its terrain is ideal for adventurous intermediates and even non-skiers can reach the magnificent viewpoints and superb mountain restaurants.
Cars are banned from Zermatt's streets, with only electric carts permitted, and the village retains much of its traditional charm and human scale. The quaint, narrow lanes in the oldest quarters are lined with age-old buildings, while the central quarter has an almost urban buzz about it, filled with designer boutiques and elegant cafés.
Le Mirabeau Hotel
Le Mirabeau is a boutique hotel in the heart of Zermatt, five minutes from the Gornergrat lift, Sunnega lift, bus stop and centre. Explore the chic design in the modern reception, elegant lounge, mahogany bar and restaurant with floor to ceiling windows perfect for enjoying the magnificent Matterhorn views. Unwind in the spa featuring a crystal steam bath, saunas, glacier showers and a modern swimming pool with whirlpool.
In-house diner, Marie’s Deli was named after the owners great aunt who owned a 1960’s deli in Zermatt. Bedrooms are bright, spacious and luxuriously furnished. Many have private balconies.
Transfer time: 2hrs 40mins from Geneva (via coach); 3hr 30mins from Zurich (via train)
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
Obertauern, Austria
Much like Hochgurgl/Obergurgl, Obertauern which sits at 1,740m in the Salzburg region, doesn’t have a glacier but does have one of the best snow records in Austria, with 147km of pistes rising up to 2,350m. The long season reaches into May, making this an assured destination for a late ski holiday and an ideal place to hop over to for a well-deserved short break.
OIbertauern offers high altitude, queue-free skiing with traditional fun Austrian après and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Shrouded by the spectacular peaks of the RadstädterTauern, the ski circus is suitable for all levels and great for mixed ability groups. What more could you want?
Hotel Steiner
Fabulous family-run hotel where you are assured of a very warm welcome. The hotel has a superb location two minutes' walk from the centre of Obertauern and slopes just across the road. The Steiner family have recently invested in a new adults-only spa area. The wellness area is complete with a rooftop infinity pool, Finnish sauna, organic sauna, Roman tepidarium, steam bath, rock crystal grotto and relaxation area.
Youngsters are not forgotten, however - there is a youth lounge with a climbing wall, games consoles, air hockey, and table football. New for this season, the indoor forest playground has a wood workshop, indoor mud room, and painting studio, making this the perfect destination for a family ski holiday.
Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 30 mins by coach from Salzburg airport.
BOOK NOW: inghams.co.uk
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