After two years in the doldrums, skiing is coming into its own once more, with several resorts in the Alps staying open later in April and into May — by which time the dreaded Passenger Locator Form should be consigned to history.
No wonder demand is soaring. But you need to know that there will be enough snow. Here’s our guide…
SWISH SWISS STYLE
Chalet dreams: Ski Solutions is offering a seven-night trip to the slopes of Verbier, pictured, from £1,945pp
Join the late-season ski crowds at the fashionable Swiss resort of Verbier. Enjoy apres ski bars and excellent restaurants in the wide, sunny village.
Season ends: April 24.
How to do it: Seven nights at La Cordee des Alpes from £1,945pp including flights on April 17 (skisolutions.com).
ALTITUDE IN AUSTRIA
Obergurgl has plenty of altitude, with the highest runs reaching more than 3,000 metres. It’s best suited to intermediates and beginners.
Season ends: April 24.
How to do it: Seven nights at Pension Martinshof from £929pp B&B departing from Gatwick on April 16 (igluski.com).
A FRENCH FAVOURITE
Embrace the lively apres ski at Val Thorens (pictured) on a seven-night self-catering break with Inghams
At 2,300 metres, the French ski village at Val Thorens is the highest in Europe. Runs are suited to all levels of skier, with top slopes reaching 3,230 metres. Expect lively apres ski.
Season ends: May 8.
How to do it: Seven nights in Village Montana Apartments from £778pp self-catering, based on six sharing, with Gatwick flights on April 16 (inghams.co.uk).
MATTERHORN MANIA
Book a week’s stay in Zermatt (pictured), under the shadow of the Matterhorn, from £960pp with Ski Solutions
Beneath the towering Matterhorn, Zermatt’s slopes rise to nearly 4,000 metres and are best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.
Season ends: May 1.
How to do it: Seven nights in a Christiania Apartment from £960pp self-catering on April 17. Return flights to Geneva cost from about £65pp (skisolutions.com).
COUNT ON ITALY
Picturesque Cervinia, pictured, tends to be sunny in April, but it’s high enough to retain snow. Momentum Ski is offering a week’s break at the Italian resort from £1,189pp
Cervinia has excellent runs for those who like to cruise along, and there aren’t many terrifying ones. It tends to be sunny in April, but it’s high enough to retain snow.
Season ends: May 1.
How to do it: Seven nights in Hotel Grivola from £1,189pp B&B with flights on April 9 (momentumski.com).
PLENTY OF PISTES
Tackle a wide selection of pistes that are suited to all levels at Val d’Isere (pictured) on a package trip with Inghams
France’s Val d’Isere has long been popular for late season skiing. Enjoy the wide selection of pistes suited to all levels (with experts well catered for).
Season ends: May 1.
How to do it: Seven nights at Hotel Ducs de Savoie from £899pp with chalet catering and Gatwick flights on April 16 (inghams.co.uk).
PEAK APRES SKI
Apart from some of the runs close to the village, most pistes in Ischgl are above 1,800 metres. This Austrian resort is renowned for its apres ski. Expect first-class restaurants, too.
Season ends: May 1.
How to do it: Seven nights at Chalet Zita from £741pp with chalet catering on April 16 (igluski.com). Return flights from Manchester to Innsbruck cost from £129pp (easyjet.com).
MAGNIFICENT IN MAY
Tignes has a glacier and some of the highest slopes in Europe, rising to 3,455 metres. No wonder it will remain open into May.
Season ends: May 8.
How to do it: Seven nights at Hotel Arbina from £1,500pp half-board, flying from Liverpool and other regional airports on April 9 (crystalski.co.uk).
LOW-COST BUT LOVELY
The French resort of La Plagne is a dream for intermediate skiers, and many runs — excluding the lowest ones by the village — are at a ‘snow sure’ altitude. It may not be the prettiest resort, but it’s good value for spring skiing.
Season ends: April 30.
How to do it: Seven nights at Residence Le Cervin Apartments from £598pp self-catering, with flights from Gatwick on April 16 (inghams.co.uk).
