The Easter holidays are almost here and ski holiday companies are telling us there are bargains to be had for anyone considering heading out to the slopes over the coming fortnight.
Besides the deals, the second bit of good news is that most ski areas are reporting that they have almost all their runs open – in many cases more than they had in either the Christmas/New Year or February half-term holidays.
That’s because it has been a snowy March, allowing many resorts to open their final bits of terrain that need a little more snow cover than others. The world’s biggest ski area, the 3 Valleys, (Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires & Val Thorens) as well as Switzerland’s biggest, the 4 Valleys (Verbier) and Austria’s huge Arlberg region (Lech & St Anton) as well as Italy’s Val Gardena are among the areas posting almost every run open for Easter.
The Pyrenees have also been transformed after a poor winter for snowfall with big March totals allowing the big areas in Andorra, Spain and France to almost fully open for the first time this season. Spain’s Formigal is pictured above this month.
Where is the Best Easter Skiing
The third bit of good news in that the Easter holidays are fairly early this year. Recent seasons have seen Easter fall in the latter half of April, this year’s last day of March is much better for season-end snow.
“Easter is going to be great! There are some amazing last-minute packages in the next school holidays, with up some Easter ski holidays currently available at less than half price,” says Richard Sinclair of ski holiday company Sno.co.uk, adding “The cost-of-living-crisis means there are late deals left in even the top resorts, but those are the ones to grab quickly as they will go first. With all the amazing snowfall across the last month, Easter will hit that sweet-spot between snow and sunshine.”
We are into springtime though so temperatures are warming fast in lower valleys. So if you’re looking for the best snow conditions, consider resorts with plenty of terrain above 2,000m (such as the Kaunertal glacier in the Austrian Tirol pictured this week below) or heading north to Scandinavia, where its normally, naturally colder and the snow stays in better shape for longer.
Some lower resorts with their slopes between 1000 and 2000m altitudes have been struggling to keep things open with temperatures reaching +10C in the afternoons even on their higher runs, so even the slopes that are open are getting wet and sticky early in the day.
“With some snow earlier on in March to top things up, resorts are doing well in regard to opening of terrain, and some of our resorts, like Alpe d’Huez and Les Arcs, are reporting 4 metres and higher in places. As always it is worth keeping an eye on weather reports, but as it stands Easter is looking like a great mixture of good snow and sunshine conditions. Although a popular time of year for skiers, especially those having to stick to school holidays, there is still chance of grabbing a great last-minute deal – we have some offers for resorts like Les Arcs and Courchevel!” confirmed Peak Retreats boss Xavier Schouller.
Easter Deals
These are some of the Easter deals sent into us (descriptions are by the companies supplying the deals info), also see our deals section for all March and April offers…
Save 15% on an Easter trip to La Plagne with Pierre & Vacances
Skiing in La Plagne offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the stunning French Alps, with its vast interconnected ski area boasting diverse terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Ideally situated in the centre of Belle Plagne, La Plagne’s highest satellite village at 2,000 metres altitude, Residence Le Quartz is the perfect place for a late season ski holiday. The residence is located near the centre of Belle Plagne close to the resort’s shops, restaurants and entertainment. It enjoys quiet surroundings and skiers can enjoy the ski in, ski out accommodation. Apartments come with a balcony or terrace and there is a children’s area in the reception lounge. A seven night stay at Residence Le Quartz, arriving 31 March 2024, is priced from £800 total (was £940 saving 15%) for an apartment sleeping up to four people. Flights and transfers extra. Pierre & Vacances (0870 0267 145, www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-en) La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
20% Off Chalet Altitude in Arc 2000
The 4* apartments in Chalet Altitude are ideally located just below the resort centre, with the possibility of doorstep skiing and ski school nearby. Built in traditional Savoyard style, these chalet buildings offer outstanding views of the valley and Mont Blanc. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, separate children’s pool, sensory grotto with tropical waterfall jets, sauna, and fitness room.
20% off apartment at Chalet Altitude Arc 2000 for week commencing 06/0/2024. 7 nights self-catered in a two-bedroom apartment now £345pp based on 5 sharing (was £410pp) for the week commencing 06/04/2024. Price includes a return standard Eurotunnel crossing for one standard car, FlexiPlus upgrades available, with Peak Retreats. www.peakretreats.co.uk, 023 9283 9310.
Save more than £700 pp on a last minute Easter trip to Morzine with VIP SKI
Morzine is an authentic village in a huge ski area, situated at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres in the Portes du Soleil. One of the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts, it enjoys panoramic mountain views and, thanks to the Mont Blanc microclimate, near perfect powder conditions. Regarded by many as the most beautiful building in Morzine, The Manoir breaks from traditional Savoyard aesthetic, striking a regal outline with metre-thick stone walls and high ceilings. The Manoir was built in 1790 and served as home to the local Notary for two centuries. The chalet’s interior retains influences of its rich history tastefully juxtaposed by the addition of luxurious, contemporary amenities such as walk-in showers, roll top baths and a cinema room. Just 200 metres from the slopes, guests have convenient access to Morzine’s extensive ski area. Returning from a day on the pistes, guests can recline by one of the Manoir’s roaring open fireplaces or take in the stunning views of the valley from the outdoor hot tub. Book a last minute trip to the Manoir this Easter and save more than £700 pp. A seven-night stay at The Manoir, arriving 31 March 2024, costs from £1,000 pp (reduced from £1,759 saving £759 pp) based on two people sharing on a chalet board basis, this includes return transfers from Geneva airport. Flights extra. VIP SKI (0330 175 5635, www.vip-chalets.com) Morzine www.en.morzine-avoriaz.com
SkiBeat Easter Deals
30th March – Easter in Val d’Isere, £1299pp, with £200pp saving
Ski Beat has a saving of £200pp off a week’s stay at the large and sociable Chalet Cristal in Val d’Isere, linked to some of France’s top high altitude skiing. Price now £1299pp, was £1499pp, based on two sharing a twin/double room, with chalet hosts to prepare cooked or continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, three course evening meals with wine. Includes return Gatwick and Manchester flights and transfers. ATOL protected.
6th April – Easter Holidays Second Week in Europe’s highest ski resort, £999pp, with £400pp saving
Ski Val Thoren’s Europe’s highest resort, with a week in Ski Beat’s apartment-style Chalet Renard, with free access to the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. Price now £999pp, was £1399pp, saving £400pp, based on two sharing a twin/double room, with chalet hosts to prepare cooked or continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, three course evening meals with wine. Includes return Gatwick and Manchester flights and transfers. ATOL protected.
6th April – Easter Holidays Second Week in Val Thorens, £999pp, with £427pp saving
Stay in one of the highest residences in the French Alps, Chalet Caribou in the heart of Val Thorens, where Ski Beat has trimmed £427pp off a week’s stay, departing 6th April. Price was £1426pp, now £999pp. based on two sharing a twin/double room, with chalet hosts to prepare cooked or continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, three course evening meals with wine. Includes return Gatwick and Manchester flights and transfers. ATOL protected.
Inghams Easter Ski Deals:
AUSTRIA – SAVE 52%: 7 nights chalet catering at Chalet Albona, St Anton. Flying 6th April 2024 from London Gatwick, from £699 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing. All flights and transfers included.
FRANCE – SAVE 52%: 7 nights chalet catering at Chalet Arnica, La Rosière. Flying 30th March 2024 from London Gatwick, from £978 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing. All flights and transfers included.
SWITZERLAND – SAVE 47%: 7 nights self catering at Allalin Apartments, Saas Fee. Flying 6th April 2024 from Manchester, from £489 per person. Based on 4 adults sharing. All flights and transfers included.
ITALY – SAVE 41%: 7 nights chalet catering at Chalet Soldanella, Selva. Flying 30th March 2024 from Edinburgh, from £849 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing. All flights and transfers included.
AUSTRIA – SAVE 38%: 7 nights half board at Hotel Alphof, Alpbach. Flying 30th March 2024 from Manchester, from £699 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing. All flights and transfers included.
Image top credit St Anton am Arlberg.
