Early Spring Ski Options

We've received quite a few requests regarding the best places to ski during the March/April months. Below we've listed a few of our favorites!

Tignes (2,100m) and Val d'Isere (1,850m), France

Why: the Espace Killy ski area stays open until early May so is definitely one of the safest bets for good snow cover in late season. Val d'Isere benefits from its north-facing slopes while Tignes has high-altitude skiing on its Grande Motte glacier (3,400m) allowing it to remain open nine months of the year. The combined 300 kilometres of high-altitude slopes attracts everyone from families to freeriders.

Val Thorens (2,300-3,200m), France

Why: this is Europe's highest major resort and one of the most snowsure right from the start of the season through to May. It is part of the huge 600-kilometre Three Valleys ski area and the majority of its slopes are above 2,000 metres. Having a glacier, which was formerly open for snow sports in the summer, is an added bonus. Val Thorens is so confident of its snow cover it offers a snow guarantee.

St. Anton (1,304-2,450m), Austria

Why: in the Arlberg region of Austria, St. Anton has an excellent snow record. It offers skiing from late November right through to early May. With many north-facing slopes, the resort manages to hold the snow well despite the strong spring sunshine. The south-facing slopes are supplemented by snow machines. This pretty town boasts some of the best freeriding in Europe and some fo the most energetic apres-ski. It also starts and ends the ski season with discounted rates on lift tickets during Snow Crystal Weeks.

Killington, VT

Why: usually Killington is the last of the ski resorts to close for the season on the East Coast (almost always open until May), aprés at The Lookout Bar, the Mogul Madness comp, just being called The Beast of the East, and ubiquitous, ferocious partying instigated by hardcore Bostonians.

Squaw/Alpine Meadows, CA

Why: cushing Crossing = the original pond crossing event, pool and hot tub at 8,200 ft, Chimney/Palisades often open in spring, great spring skiing conditions and terrain, Le Chamois bar is best apres anywhere, KT Base Bar is great aprés as well, beautiful Bay Area people, Lake Tahoe for boating, water skiing, kayaking, and swimming, great mountain biking nearby, world class rock climbing nearby, drunken river rafting down the Truckee River, the Ice Bar at Alpine, and oodles of good live music.

Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

Why: spring powder storms, big parties everywhere in the village, long runs, great corn, amazing parks, tons of terrain still open, they close in May and reopen in June and July on the glacier, world class mountain biking, world class rocking climbing nearby, great mountaineering, great backcountry skiing, non-stop live music, Whistler is almost untouchable in the spring, especially if you mountain bike.