BEST SKI RESORTS FOR LATE SEASON SKI HOLIDAYS
The end of the ski season can be a sombre time for skiing enthusiasts. However, the end of winter doesn’t have to spell the end of skiing.
Plenty of European ski resorts offer amazing skiing conditions all the way through until May! With the added bonus of longer days and quieter slopes, an April ski holiday could be just what the doctor ordered.
Not ready to give up the powder just yet? Here’s our guide to late season ski holidays with all the best picks of the late season ski resorts and closing dates in one handy place.
Why You’ll Love an End of Season Ski Trip
Before we get started on where to ski, we thought we’d explain what we love about late season skiing.
Quiet, Open Slopes
One of the best things about a late season ski trip is the lack of crowds! Waiting just a few weeks after peak ski season can drastically cut ski lift queues and will give you full reign of the slopes.
Sunny Bluebird Days
Spring skiing brings with it longer, sunnier days. Catch a tan in the sunny weather and enjoy the slopes far longer into the afternoon.
Lower Prices
Off-peak skiing means low-cost prices. The amount you can save on a late season ski holiday means you can splash the cash elsewhere.
The Best Late Season Ski Resorts in 2024
The best late season resorts in Europe enjoy high elevation and north-facing slopes. If you’re worried about snow quality, picking a resort with an altitude of anything above 2500m is a safe bet.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places for late season skiing in Europe which stay open well into the warmer months;
Late Season Skiing, France
France is home to some world-renowned ski resorts that open later into the season. Here are some of our favourites;
Val Thorens in France
Resort closing date: 5th May 2024
Peak altitude: 3230m
Nestled in the magnificent Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens is the place to go for a spot of world-class skiing. Explore one of the many runs in the biggest connected ski area in Europe and rest assured that snowmakers are on hand for backup.
Val d’Isere in France
Resort closing date: 5th May 2024
Peak altitude: 3456m
A modern lift system, varied slopes and reliable snow make Val d’Isere in France a popular ski destination for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Luckily, later on in the season sees fewer visitors, meaning you can explore the mountain in peace.
A transfer from Geneva airport to Val ’dIsere takes less than three hours and is even quicker during off-peak periods.
Tignes in France
Resort closing date: 5th May 2024
Peak altitude: 3456m
With some of the highest slopes in the Alps, Tignes is a great late season destination for high altitude skiing. Enjoy breath-taking Alpine scenery, multiple trails and impressive glaciers at this picturesque resort.
Get there in under three hours with a transfer from Geneva to Tignes.
Les Arcs in France
Resort closing date: 27th April 2024
Peak altitude: 3250m
With 70% of the ski resort located above 2000m, Les Arcs, France is perfect for a late-season ski trip. Offering varied slopes both on and off-piste and some incredible woodland runs, it’s great for ending the winter season on a high.
La Plagne in France
Resort closing date: 29th April 2024
Peak altitude: 3250m
Located in the valley of Haute Tarentaise, La Plagne ski resort offers a great helping of spring snow – in March and April, the average snow depth is nearly two metres, so snow conditions should stay tip-top right to the end of the season.
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Late Season Skiing, Italy
Although the Italian peaks aren’t as lofty as those at other European ski destinations, there are still a couple of high-calibre resorts with later closing dates. Here are three of the best;
Cervinia in Italy
Resort closing date: 5th May 2024
Peak altitude: 3480m
A great choice for beginners and families, Cervinia’s peaceful slopes are open late into the season thanks to its position high up in the Alps. It may not be a looker, but for serious skiing addicts, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Livigno in Italy
Resort closing date: 5th May 2024
Peak altitude: 1820m
Good snow coverage makes Livigno a great spring skiing destination. Excellent après ski and Italy’s largest snowboard park are sure to be a hit with thrill-seekers.
Champoluc in Italy
Resort closing date: 14th April 2024
Peak altitude: 3550m
The pretty ski resort of Champoluc is close to some of the Alps’ highest peaks, meaning there is an adequate amount of snow for some great late season skiing.
Late Season Skiing, Austria
High altitude and north-facing slopes make Austria a great choice for an end of season skiing break. Here are our top picks;
Solden in Austria
Resort closing date: 28th April 2023
Peak altitude: 3000m and above
With loads of high altitude routes to choose from, Solden is a popular late season option for skiers in the know. The glaciers Rettenbach and Tiefenbach offer great ski and reliable snow long past peak season.
The easiest way to get to the resort is by grabbing a transfer from Zurich airport to Solden.
Ischgl in Austria
Resort closing date: 1st May 2024
Peak altitude: 2872m
State of the art snow cannons means that the ski resort of Ischgl is snowsure well into spring. Varied pistes and a very lively après ski scene guarantee a fun-filled ski holiday here.
Obergurgl in Austria
Resort closing date: 20th April 2024
Peak altitude: 2872m
North facing slopes and a guarantee of 100% artificial snow coverage make Obergurgl in Austria a safe choice for some last of the season skiing. With runs for all abilities and stunning cross-country trails, Obergurgl is a clever choice.
St Anton in Austria
Resort closing date: 21st April 2024
Peak altitude: 1304m
St Anton ski resort, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Innsbruck Airport, has an excellent snow record. Even if it has lovely Spring sunshine, the many north-facing slopes hold the powder, and the snow machines cover the south-facing pistes.
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Late Season Skiing, Switzerland
Switzerland boasts a generous handful of resorts with long seasons. Here are just a few:
Zermatt in Switzerland
Resort closing date: The glacier ski areas are open all year round!
Peak altitude: 3900m
The staggeringly high village of Zermatt enjoys excellent snow conditions long past peak season. Particularly well suited to intermediate and expert skiers, Zermatt isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s definitely one of the best.
The typical transfer time from Geneva to Zermatt is around 2 hours and 40 minutes, perfect for a last-minute getaway!
Saas-Fee in Switzerland
Resort closing date: 23rd April 2024
Peak altitude: 4000m
The ultimate in Swiss charm, the ski resort of Saas-Fee is home to some extraordinary glaciers reaching heights of 4000m! Award-winning, family-friendly and perfect for late season skiing.
Verbier in Switzerland
Resort closing date: 21st April 2024
Peak altitude: 3330m
Verbier is part of the 4 Vallee ski area, linked by one pass, offering over 410km of ski runs and it can offer some exhilarating spring skiing higher up the mountains however, the snow is more reliable with plenty of north-facing terrain – particularly off-piste.
The great thing about travelling from Geneva to Verbier at this time of year is that the famously busy route is a lot quieter.
Late Season Ski Deals 2024
Not only does late season skiing give you more time out on the mountain; it’s a lot kinder on the wallet too!
Off-peak, late season ski deals are abundant at this time of year, making it easier to nab a bargain.
Alps2Alps offer midweek and off-peak deals on ski transfers of up to 40%. Travelling outside of peak ski season also means there are fewer cars on the road, resulting in shorter transfer times.
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Cheap Late Season Skiing with Alps2Alps
Don’t miss out on the last hurrah! There’s still time to get your skiing fix before you pack your gear away for the season.
Booking a ski transfer from the airport with Alps2Alps gives you the peace of mind you need to focus on squeezing the best out of your skiing holiday. Efficient drivers, a simple booking system and incredible deals makes Alps2Alps the right choice.
Keep your eyes peeled for our April ski deal! Book after 7th April 2023 to get 10% off transfers across the Alps with promo code: GLACIER10.
Head over to our booking page for a ski transfer quote in minutes!
