Menu
Ski / Sport & Activities

Skiing in spring and other fun mountain activities

Skiing in spring is just as fun as a winter holiday. Long sunny days, warmer temperatures, quieter slopes and a more laid-back atmosphere make it a fantastic time to head to the mountains. But, if you tend to book your holidays at the beginning of the season and if it’s your first time spring skiing in the Alps, there are a few different factors to consider.

In this post, we cover:

Read on to find out more…


Is spring skiing in the Alps for you?

It’s no secret that the most popular time for skiing in the Alps is in February. With school holidays bringing thousands of holidaymakers to the mountains, plus fantastic snow conditions and loads of family activities and events, it’s easy to see why.

But skiing in the Alps isn’t limited to the peak winter months. March, April, and in some cases, even early May can be a great time to head to your chosen resort.

However, it is important to understand that conditions won’t be the same in the late season.

You’ll likely need to head further up the mountain to find deeper snow, off-piste may be a little more limited and conditions may be slightly more slushy. But this suits many people! If you’re someone who enjoys a more leisurely Alpine holiday, or you’re less confident skiing in low-visibility conditions – spring skiing in the Alps is for you.

Where can you find the best spring skiing in Europe?

Resorts in the Aravis, the Grand Massif and the Evasion Mont Blanc offer great spring skiing if you head to their highest points, but the top spring skiing destinations are in resorts with high altitudes…

Browse ski chalets in the Alps

...

Val d’Isère/Tignes, France

Depending on snow conditions, these ever-popular neighbouring resorts often stay open until early May!

Plus, there is plenty to do in the towns including great bars, restaurants, shops and activities.

Tignes mountainscape photographed in the sun.
Tignes on a sunny day. Image by Robert Bye.

Val Thorens, France

Standing at 2,300m, Val Thorens benefits from early open times and late-season closures due to its snow-sure nature.

Boasting two small glaciers, 150km of pistes and a buzzing town centre – it’s a great spring skiing destination.

Although the resort caters to all abilities, it is better suited to more advanced skiers compared with some of the more renowned family-friendly resorts such as La Plagne or La Rosière.

La Folie Douce bar in Val Thorens with a chairlift above.
La Folie Douce bar in Val Thorens.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is home to a number of widespread ski areas, including the Grand Montets, which holds an impressive track record when it comes to snowfall.

The town itself is a year-round destination, meaning holidaymakers can often benefit from great amenities and activities well into spring.

Zermatt, Switzerland

With heights of 3,000m, Zermatt is a great option for late-season holidays. Enjoy 200km of pistes until late April – or if you still want more, head to the Matterhorn Glacier for year-round skiing!

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Late-season resorts are often better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, but this isn’t the case for Saas-Fee, which benefits from stable snowfall, even down to its nursery slopes.

If it has been a snowy season, you can expect to ski here until late April.

Saas-Fee bathed in sunlight. Image by Daniel R.

Skiing in spring: what to expect from the weather

The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable and vary greatly depending on the destination you choose.

There can be milder spells in winter and colder days later in the season – but on the whole, you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of blue skies in spring.

March tends to be slightly more reliable than April in terms of snowfall, as there is usually still a good solid base of snow from the winter months which is topped up occasionally.

And although April can bring snow spells at higher altitudes, the snowfall tends to be less frequent – so grab the first lifts and make the most of the untouched snow early on in your day.

With fewer clouds and less wind, bear in mind that temperatures can feel hotter than they actually are. Plus, the reflection off the snow creates harsher sun exposure – always take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun.

A man skiing down a slope with trees in the background and blue skies.
Blue skies, warm weather and quiet slopes – what could be better? Image by Glade Optics

What to wear for spring skiing

Packing for a ski holiday can be a challenge, no matter what time of the year.

The advantage of visiting the Alps in spring is that you generally need fewer layers and can get away with lighter-weight clothing.

Here’s a rough idea of what to take with you:

  • Lightweight, breathable thermals which can be built up if required. You may also want to consider swapping heavier jackets for a softshell – on some days you may even get away with a hoodie!
  • SPF 50 suncream – this is incredibly important. You can burn just as badly in the mountains as by the sea.
  • Goggles for skiing and sunglasses for relaxing on and off the piste.
  • A thin beanie to wear at lunchtime or to après-ski.
  • A rucksack – temperatures can change quickly, especially once the sun goes behind the mountains. Ensure to pack spare layers in your bag just in case.

To see a complete packing list for your skiing holiday, click here.

Swap heavier gear for lighter-weight, comfortable layers in spring. Photo by Karsten Winegeart.

The best non-skiing activities in spring

Just because you’ve booked a skiing holiday, doesn’t mean that’s the only activity you can try! The Alps are home to endless activities for the whole family to try.

Here are just a few to discover in spring:

Hiking/snowshoeing

If you prefer to explore the mountains on foot, hiking or snowshoeing are great alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in the spring months.

If there is plenty of snow underfoot, you will need to use snowshoes – attachable shoes with a large surface area that make it easier to walk on snow.

Snowshoeing is a great option in spring if there’s still a good layer of snow on the ground. Photo by Mael Balland.

Road cycling

Mid-April is a great time for road cycling in the Alps, as it’s cooler than the peak summer months.

Just bear in mind that road cycling seasons begin at different times depending on the altitude of the resort. Areas below 1,500m can enjoy this activity from mid-April to mid-October. In areas with higher altitudes, it’s best to wait until mid-May, then you can cycle until the end of September.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a truly unique experience that you should try at least once in the Alps. Take to the air and enjoy the stunning scenery from above with a professional pilot.

Tandem paragliding tours tend to run from April to November (weather depending), so you may be lucky enough to try it on your spring holiday!

A person paragliding above a mountain range
Book a tandem flight on your spring skiing holiday for an unforgettable adventure! Image by Tomas Sobek.

Après-ski

Après-ski can be enjoyed all throughout the season, but with the ease of warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s even more enjoyable in spring. Plus, if you visit late enough, you may be able to enjoy some end-of-season parties!


We hope you’ve found this article helpful! To discover more things to do in the Alps, check out tour activities archives for more information or visit our website to book a chalet for your spring holiday.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Be the first to hear about beautiful new properties and exclusive offers