Patrick Thorne, Author at InTheSnow

After the massive snowfalls in the Alps over the past few weeks, with some resorts posting 3m (10 feet) of snow in the last 10 days, it’s looking like an epic spring ski season ahead. Glacier 3000 near Gstaad is pictured above on Friday, 20th February. February is, however, famously busy, particularly in the French Alps with holidaying families descending from across Europe. But March and the Easter holidays are looking a good bet. “The metres of fresh snow is setting the stage for exceptional conditions just as the busy half-term period draws to a close,” confirmed Robert Dixon, Marketing Manager at Skiworld, who added, “This is exactly what skiers wait for: A huge snowfall, a solid base already in place, and the chance to ski after the February crowds have thinned out. March has always been a sweet spot - but this year it’s shaping up to be exceptional.” Richard Sinclair of ski holiday travel agency Sno.co.uk agrees, commenting, “Easter 2026’s has benefitted from a triple whammy of the Winter Olympics, early school holiday dates, and the last fortnight of very large snowfall lining up the best end to the ski season in years. The beauty of early dates and big snowfall is that skiers on a budget don’t need to book in the highest resorts which are more expensive in early and late season due to being snow sure.” What Are The Benefits of Spring Skiing? Quieter pistes and shorter lift queues Longer daylight hours and sunnier afternoons Snow-sure conditions across high-altitude terrain Better value compared to peak February prices Deep bases have built up through winter meaning, usually, all slopes are open. Quieter airports and easier transfers. “Spring is the perfect time for families, and beginners, too. The slopes are less crowded, the weather is kinder, without the icy cold temperatures of earlier in the season, prices are keener, and longer hours of daylight and blue-sky days make family time in the snow less pressured and more relaxed! says Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell Is Easter the new Half Term? “If only it was. Demand for half-term ski holidays outstrips even Christmas and New Year, with families booking a year or more ahead, and ski chalets with family rooms under highest demand,” Laura Hazell adds, “The good news is that British skiers are increasingly realising that if they head for high altitude resorts, such as Val Thorens, Val d’Isere, Les Arcs and La Plagne, the ski season runs to mid to late April, taking the pressure off peak season dates. As a result, Ski Beat is seeing a positive shift towards families skiing during the Easter holidays, in some cases already looking ahead to next season when easter falls earlier, on March 28th 2027. Richard Sinclair says some families are going at Christmas and easter and avoiding February altogether. “The biggest change we’ve seen is families bookending the winter by skiing both Christmas and Easter. For many families, ski holidays are more important than fly-and-flop summer beach trips” he says. Deals "With the Alps having one of the best snow seasons in years, spring skiing should have a lot to offer for anyone looking for a last ski fix, plus there are discounts of up to €800 off a seven-night stay!" says Chris Thompson, OVO Network Director. "After all the current snow, resorts such as La Clusaz currently have over two and a half metres of snow at the top, with even the lower slopes having over 60cm. The end of the ski season also sees various events come to Alpine resorts, including the Radiomeuh Circus Festival in La Clusaz over the Easter weekend. Taking place at venues throughout the town, there are live acts and DJs performing. Alternatively Châtel has the French National Championships of mogul skiing for youngsters on 4 April, providing inspiration for all skiers, and many resorts have their own special Easter egg hunts and celebrations." Skiworld has launched a limited-time collection of post-half term chalet holidays with free lift passes and total savings of up to £600pp on selected March and Easter departures. The company is offering free six-day lift passes on selected chalet holidays in March and Easter weeks, plus up to an additional £200 per person saving. With adult six-day lift passes typically costing between £292 and £407 per person in top resorts such as St Anton, Tignes, Val d’Isère and the Three Valleys, the added-value offer represents significant savings at a time when conditions are arguably at their best. Combined savings reach up to £600 per person, making late-season skiing one of the best-value windows of the winter. Selected seven-night catered chalet holidays include: Courchevel - from £1,140pp, St Anton - from £1,169pp, Méribel - from £1,179pp, Les Deux Alpes - from £1,289pp and Alpe d’Huez - from £1,364pp. All packages include flights, transfers, chalet board catering and hold luggage. Looking ahead to 2027 Ski Beat reports consistently strong demand for their chalet holidays for half term 2027, with prices for 13th February departures from £2043pp, including return flights, transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea and three-course evening meals with wine, compared with the same holiday at Easter, departing on 27th March 2027 starting at £1387pp. Travel agency Ski Solutions has rounded up a selection of top destinations for a spring snow escape. Tignes, France Known for its high altitude and reliable snow conditions, Tignes, alongside Val d’Isère, forms part of one of France’s most snow-sure ski areas. Reaching up to 3,456m at the Grande Motte glacier, the linked Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area is made up of varied terrain from wide, confidence-building pistes to more challenging glacier skiing for experienced skiers. With natural links between resorts and a long season running until early May, it’s a dependable choice for a relaxed Easter ski holiday. Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay from Saturday 28th of March at Hotel VoulezVous, Tignes on a half board bases, priced from £2,645pp including accommodation, flights and private transfers. Cervinia, Italy Linked with neighbouring Zermatt in Switzerland, Cervinia offers a fantastic base to enjoy cross border. With skiing reaching an impressive 3,500m and more than 360km of slopes across the region, Cervinia promises big mountain variety. The area is particularly well suited to intermediate skiers, while advanced visitors can enjoy exciting off piste opportunities. Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay from Saturday 4th of April at Hermitage Hotel & Spa, Cervinia on a half board basis, priced from £5,845pp including accommodation, flights and private transfers. Val Thorens, France Val Thorens is Europe’s highest major ski resort with reliable snow well into May. Ideal for families, the Three Valleys offers plenty of green runs and family lift pass savings. Children can learn on beginner slopes with magic carpets or enjoy the indoor fun at Galerie Caro. Most accommodation is family friendly, with many ski in, ski out options and childcare available throughout a trip. Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay from Sunday 5th of April at Club Med Val Thorens, Val Thorens on an all inclusive basis, priced from £2,425 pp including accommodation, flights, transfer, lift pass and tuition. Geilo, Norway One of Norway’s oldest ski resorts, Geilo (below) offers a wonderfully peaceful choice for a spring getaway. It’s especially good for families and beginners, with quiet slopes and plenty of gentle terrain. Off the slopes, families can enjoy husky sled adventures or spot reindeer at Langedrag Nature Park. For the full Scandinavian feel, stay in a wooden cabin complete with a roaring log fire. Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay from Sunday 5th of April at Vestlia Resort, Geilo on a half board basis priced from £1,595pp including accommodation, flights and rail transfers. Gen view Geilo Everything you need to know about Skiing in Spring

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