When is the best time to go on a ski holiday?

We all know there are some moments better than others to go on a ski holiday, but unfortunately, not all of us have the flexibility to choose our weeks. I am here to help guide you through the ski season and provide some insight on when is best to go skiing or snowboarding, one month (and school holiday) at a time.

You may be a family with children, which most likely means you need to come during the school holidays. You may be part of the luckiest group and have flexible work hours. Possibly you're looking for fresh powder or sunshine terrace lunches? Read on to find out when is best for you...

I have split our ski season into different sections and outlined key points for each of them. There are 4 main weeks - low, mid, high and peak, that you need to take note of when booking a ski holiday. There are some weeks better than others, but what you need to remember is that in all our resorts even in those busier times you’ll still be able to find quieter moments and (sometimes) empty pistes, you just need to know where to go…

November / December - Low season weeks

We have 2 ski resorts that open in November - Val d’Isère and Val Thorens, with the rest opening during the first 2 weeks of December. If there is snow and you can get out for an early doors ski holiday, then start as you mean to go on. It’s quiet and you’ll find cheaper accommodation deals too.

Christmas - High season week

This is a magical time to come to a ski resort, and if you are after a white Christmas with that festive cheer, then you are in the right place. I’ve classified this as a high-season week because accommodation prices are more expensive, but it is often quite quiet on the slopes. One thing for sure is that Christmas is quieter than the following New Year week. Days are shorter and it can get very cold, so make sure you wrap up warm with lots of layers.

New Year - Peak season week

A New Year ski break is what dreams are made of! It is a wonderful moment to make the most of the slopes and start the new year in style. Be ready though, as it is more expensive for accommodation and activities and it can get busy on the slopes. Saying that however, in all our resorts there are plenty of hidden spots where you’ll find near-empty pistes. You just need to know where and when to go (and who to know!). If you are not having lessons then I would highly suggest booking a private instructor or guide, at least for the first few days, to show you around the resorts, to skip the queues and to ask plenty of questions about the best places to ski or snowboard.

January - Low season weeks

If you’re after fresh powder, you’ll most likely get it here! In my eyes, a January ski holiday is one of the best times to enjoy the slopes. There are fewer people in the resort, it’s cheaper and you can often find deals on accommodation and ski passes. The snow has well and truly arrived too. It’s cold (can be very cold) and when it snows, it snows fresh-light-silky-powder, perfect for gliding through. Great off-piste and on-piste moments to be had by all.

February - High & Peak season weeks

Let the school holidays commence! This is unfortunately one of the more expensive times to come, but the snow is still pretty darn good. Booking a ski holiday in February can seem a little daunting, but remember, our team is here to help at any time. Today, I'll let you into some insider info to… Often the first and last weeks are the quietest. 

To give a little bit of background about February, in France school holidays are always for 2 weeks and split into 3 different zones (A, B & C) that rotate every year. Depending on your chosen resort, depends on its key clientele - French, British, Dutch and Belgium, to name just a few. And, of course, these all overlap at some point, mainly during mid-February. If you can choose your week, then fantastic, but if you can’t, don’t worry. I suggest you make the most out of the first runs from 9 am and the mid-day slot when everyone else is eating. Also, book a private guide or instructor, they’ll show you around, and tell you the best places to go and at what time, allowing you to avoid any crowded places or queues.

March - Mid & low season weeks

March is another of my favourite times for a ski holiday or even a short ski weekend. The longer days, sunshine skiing or boarding and spring snow are pure bliss! I’ve included a mid-season week during this month as sometimes the school holidays overrun into the first week of March. However, it’s nothing in comparison to February. March is cheaper, quieter and one of THE best moments to come to the Alps… especially if you like terrace stop-offs and goggle marks.

Easter - High season week

An Easter ski break is a super idea for a family holiday and it’s sometimes the last chance for you to hit the slopes before next year. So do it! This holiday week changes from year to year as it depends on when the Easter weekend falls. Accommodation can be more expensive than in March or the end of April, but you can find last-minute Easter promotions or long weekend deals if you are prepared to wait. Don’t wait too long if you have children though, as ski school lessons DO get booked up quickly. 

April / May - Low season weeks

The end of the ski season is upon us! This is a cheaper time to come on a ski holiday and quieter too. A lot of people forget that there is still snow in the Alps and plenty of wonderful skiing to be done. Most of our ski resorts close at the end of April so you still have a good few weeks to hit the slopes. Val d’Isère and Val Thorens do, however, stay open until the first week of May. Enjoy beautiful spring snow conditions with longer, warmer, sunny days and a fun, festive end-of-season vibe. My Top Tip is to go out between 10 am and 3 pm, this allows the spring snow to soften a little in the morning and then after 3 pm, it can get a little soupy.

So as you can see, timing really is key and there are plenty of great moments to be had all season long. Don't forget, our team can help you create your perfect ski or snowboard holiday. Contact us today…