5 reasons to love spring skiing
Presentation
Looking for an excuse to book a ski holiday in March or April? Spring is one of the best times to visit the mountains. Whether you're looking to book your first-ever ski holiday or trying to squeeze in an extra before the end of the season, read on for 5 TOP reasons to love spring in the mountains...
The relaxed atmosphere
Spring in the mountains comes with a real last-day-of-school vibe. Everyone can enjoy themselves a little more once the pressure of peak season has passed. The dark winter days are over, the sun is shining, and people all over the mountain are overal more relaxed.
You'll see the lifties ditching their padded jackets and balaclavas for t-shirts and baseball caps, while skiers go out in base layers and sunglasses - and some in downright silly fancy dress. The restaurant terraces fill up as lunch breaks get longer, après-ski sessions run later, and the staff bring out extra deck chairs for the sunbathers.
The snow conditions
If you're put off spring skiing for fear that the snow won't be good enough, we understand your concern. But honestly, there's more snow than you think! And while we can't guarantee you fresh powder, we can tell you that we've had plenty of years where the snow’s still been falling in April.
But, even if you don't get the ‘fresh powdery’ snow of the year, the other conditions go a long way to make up for it. Spring skiing comes with sunshine, clear blue skies and warmer temperatures. And if the snow has turned a little softer in areas? Well, we think that's a fair price to pay for empty pistes and non-existent lift queues!
But if you're still concerned about the snowfall, why not keep an eye on the snow forecasts and webcams and book a last-minute deal? Or, if booking ahead is more your style, choose a high-altitude resort like Val Thorens, or Val d'Isère, where the elevation and the snow cannons ensure all-season snow. Or head to Tignes or La Plagne, where glacier skiing is always available.
The fun activities
Many ski resorts use the spring season to really let loose, celebrate the successful winter and have some fun in the sun (or snow). You'll find it's party time across the Alps with all kinds of events happening from huge festivals with international DJs to snow park BBQ's, rail jams, and family-friendly Easter egg hunts.
Tignes throws an annual Pride Festival, while Courchevel's traditional Easter parade is famous across the Alps. Les Menuires hosts a giant slalom ski fun competition, open to all and La Plagne goes all out with its Subli'Cimes festival, which transforms the resort's highest peaks into individually themed fun zones.
And why not try some activities that get overlooked in winter? Spring weather is often perfect for parapenting or cross-country skiing, and have you ever tried your skills at pond skimming? That's when they dig a hole in the piste, fill it with water, and you try to ski or board across without falling in. Sounds ridiculous? It is, and we only recommend trying it when the sun is shining!
The great deals
The cost of a ski holiday is what holds many people back. But in spring accommodation prices can often drop to attract more bookings. So, you could snag a ski holiday for a bargain price and maybe even score a few extra perks that you wouldn't usually be able to afford.
Instead of cooking for yourself, why not go for one of our famously unique and beautiful catered chalets in Tignes? You could even book some ultra-luxe hotel accommodation that you wouldn't normally think of being in your price range. There are also plenty of last-minute short stay deals, or look for packages that include extra activities, ski rental or lessons.
Or simply pocket the savings to spend on a perfect meal out while you're in resort! No crowds means no worries about getting a table at your favorite restaurant!
And super for family skiing!
The Easter holidays are a well-kept secret in the mountains. While many families have already started looking towards summer and beach holidays, those in the know, head to the mountains.
Book your family ski trip for when the prices are lower and the pistes less crowded than in the peak weeks of Christmas, New Year or February half-term. The warmer weather means your little ones will be more comfortable on the snow, more sunshine means lunchtime picnics on the pistes, and longer days mean plenty of entertainment for the whole family! Plus, ski school classes are smaller, so there's more one-to-one attention for your little skiers! Perfect!
So, what are you waiting for?
Sounds good? Well, get booking this year's spring ski holiday now! And don't forget to share your best spring skiing pictures with us using the hashtag #OSC. We want to see goggle tans, deckchair chilling and piste-side picnics!