The best time for skiing depends on your preferences. In this section, we explore the benefits of skiing in each month so you can decide what suits you best.
Early Season Skiing
In early season (December) you can get some great deals and if you choose a high-altitude resort you can get very lucky indeed with a great value ski holiday and great snow conditions – and not too busy either. Of course that doesn’t mean the lower altitude resorts are a no-go either. Going early in the season produces that fabulous Christmas spirit, with fairy lights and cold, snowy conditions, perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Skiing over New Year
New Year is a great time to go as most resorts are well into action by then and the spirit of Christmas is still there.
Skiing in February
February is a wonderful month for skiing, as the winter snow is abundant and reliable. You can enjoy the best of both worlds: affordable flights and accommodation, and fast and smooth lifts. With some smart planning and flexible choices, you can have an amazing peak season ski trip without breaking the bank. During the half-term holiday, children are off school and can experience all the activities a ski resort has to offer.
Skiing in March
March is a great month to enjoy skiing in Europe and further afield. You can take advantage of the longer and sunnier days, which allow you to ski more hours and have more fun on the slopes. You can also avoid the crowds and the high prices of the peak season, as most school holidays are over by then. You can still find good snow conditions in most resorts, and skiing in March is a perfect way to combine winter sports, spring weather, lunch on the terrace and amazing scenery.
Skiing at Easter
Obviously Easter dates vary somewhat, however we have seen many great winters in late March/early April. Prices tend to be lower than in mid-season, although will be higher in the school holidays, and you could well find yourself with plentiful snow in many resorts.
Booking a Last Minute Ski Holiday
Or become the ultimate snow chaser – either book your time off work and wait til a few days before and book a resort where the snow is great. This obviously risks lower availability of flights and accommodation, but it can work very well indeed!
Taking children skiing
Taking children of school age is certainly not something to shy away from – skiing could be considered the ideal family holiday. The fresh air, the exercise, the education offered by the mountains and the learning of a skill – it’s all just perfection.
Check out our Family Skiing Guide
Skiing at Christmas
Taking children skiing over the Christmas break is really lovely, holding on to that magical time of year in a snowy resort, really does give your children a Christmas to remember. And right now there are deals to be had over the Christmas period.
Snow depths can be lower than later in the season, so choose a high altitude resort for a better chance of great snow. Or choose a resort which offers plenty of activities besides skiing.
Skiing over Half Term and Easter Holidays
Prices tend to race up during these peak travel times, so good advice is either book early, or be canny.
Booking an apartment as a group might mean you can save money, if you can take food with you or shop when you arrive.
Or look at the slightly lesser-known resorts, rather than the more famous ones. This might involve flying into smaller airports, with quicker transfer times and lower prices.
Whatever you decide, don’t shy away from taking your children on a ski holiday. Skiing as a family is fantastic fun and, at the end of the day when the children are tired, you can enjoy a relaxing drink – maybe in front of the fire.
The Crystal Snow Promise
Don’t let a lack of snow ruin your holiday. Book before 30 November to benefit from the Crystal Snow Promise. The team will do their best to help you hit the slopes if there’s no snow in your chosen resort. If the ski area has less than 10% of runs open, you can switch your holiday feefree. T&Cs apply.
