Early ski period November - December

Skiing in the European resorts during this time of year can be a nice experience, since you can combine winter activities with celebrating the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Fears among many skiers about sufficient snow is justified, though, as average global temperatures continue to rise and this is reflected in the quantity of snow. For example, the renowned ski resorts of Megeve (France) and St. Moritz (Switzerland) had a shortage of snow during the last ski season and had to cancel the planned December World Cup races. In the last few years, the Eastern Alps have had some of the best early season conditions for skiing, but this is not a stable tendency. In order to maximize your chances, target the high-altitude resorts.Tignes / Val d’Isere is a ski area with very reliable snow cover from early November on, and is included on the list of “Snow-sure resorts" in France. Numerous opportunities are provided both in Tignes and the area of L’Espace Killy that share over 300km of pistes and extensive off-piste terrain. Besides skiers of all abilities, the resort is also a great place for snowboarders with its half-pipe, free-riding and boarder-cross courses. The resort can remain open until early May, with plenty of snow and fun still on the slopes.

As a world-renowned name for a ski resort with traditions, Kitzbuhel welcomes visitors from late November until early May. It’s most crowded during Hahnenkamm, the international race week when the best skiers in the world invade the village. Five main ski areas with nearly sixty lifts serve ski fans up to hard and soft slopes which make this area truly attractive. Kitzbuhel is connected to Kirchberg, Pass Thurn, Aurach and St. Johann in Tirol, so the opportunities are endless. Even when the snow covering on the lower areas isn’t sufficient, glacier skiing will satisfy.

The Jungfrau Region is another place you’ll find suitable for skiing during this period. The mountain range includes the spectacular peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch, with an altitude of 4,000 meters providing for both great skiing and a spectacular backdrop. Varied and extensive pistes suit all grades of skiing abilities and everyone will find something for them at the neighboring ski resorts, interconnected conveniently by a railway system.

Val Thorens is situated at a height of 2200 meters and boasts the highest resort in Europe with an exceptional position in the Alps. It’s probably the most snow-sure resort for the early ski season anywhere in the Alps. Outstanding ski conditions and a distinctive amount of snow cannons are provided in the whole area of three Vallées. More than six months out of a year, you can enjoy perfect runs, a well-organized ski system and scenic views of the Péclet glacier.


High season January – February

The period from January to February is a superb time for skiing, though you have to consider that if you choose Italy or France, it’s better to check when the school holiday is (usually in February). Otherwise, you risk finding the ski resorts overcrowded with kids and families.

In the ski area of Arlberg (Lech, Zurs, St. Anton, etc), snow cover is guaranteed and you’ll find a vast terrain to explore and enjoy. There’s a great opportunity to diversify, since the 80 ski lifts can take you to various slopes in the region and give you access to the areas of St. Anton, St. Cristoph, Klösterle, Stuben and several other resorts in the area.

Verbier is another resort, whose peak season is December to April at an altitude of 1,500 up to 3,300 meters. 410 kilometers of ski pistes cater to beginners, intermediates and experts alike. Those that adore off-piste extreme skiing will have endless opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and raise their adrenaline levels out on the slopes. Breathtaking views and a spectacular location will surround you no matter where you are in the Verbier valley.

Chamonix is one of the most renowned spots, and can provide you with first-class skiing under the Mont Blanc summit (the highest one in Western Europe) and the majestic peaks around it, as well as calm skiing at the foot of the mountain. In January, the weather can be cold but the snow is excellent and the resort is quite empty of French visitors. If possible, avoid visiting their in February – Chamonix is extremely busy due to the school vacation, nevertheless you’ll rarely meet children on the pistes. In March, the temperatures get higher and the quality of the snow might decline, but it’s still attractive for skiing, even though the Boss des Bosses race is organized at this time in the area of the Grand Montets. In April, you can ski on fresh snow while relaxing under the sun, enjoying the tranquility out on the pistes.

There are lots more European resorts with high elevation and guaranteed glacier skiing from the end of December on. You can ski all year round on the Dachstein glacier in Austria (2700m altitude) and meet the Nordic world elite there. The resort boasts membership in the Amade ski network, with a total of 860 kilometers of pistes and a 3.5-kilometer-long toboggan run on the Rittisberg. You can also have a breathtaking experience on the Austrian glaciers of Hintertux, Stubai, Solden and Kaprun, with various pistes over 3,000 meters.

In the Swiss resorts of Engelberg, St. Moritz, Laax, Saas Fee and Les Diablerets, you can slide between 1,000 and 3,000 meters on the varied pistes with magnificent scenery. If you insist upon skiing in Switzerland, don’t miss Zermatt, the best ski resort in the country at the foot of its most famous landmark, the Matterhorn.

France and Italy also offer a great base for the peak season. The French resorts of Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne and L’Alpe d’Huez are interconnected to their neighboring resorts and offer a vast terrain for all levels of ski abilities. There are fantastic opportunities for free-ride skiing and boardparks on the glaciers. Italy doesn’t fall behind, welcoming skiers to the superb resorts of Madonna di Campiglio with its sixty kilometers of slopes, Passo Tonale and the nearby Ponte di Legno with high-altitude skiing on the Presena Glacier and Cervinia, which has a link to Zermatt and Alagna. Close to Trafoi/Sulden, you can try the ski terrain on the Stelvio glacier, but avoid the Marmolada glacier in the early and mid season.


Late season March – April

Many skiers choose the period from March to April for a chance to find the resorts not so crowded and take advantage of the still good snow cover and warm sun rays. A place that’s worth a visit during this season is Portes du Soleil, one of the largest interlinked areas worldwide. Being at the foot of Mont Blanc, Les Gets is one of the villages in the area that offers good snow cover, even in late April, and adds to the variety of pistes with 650 kilometers of ski terrain and 212 lifts, as well as great off-piste skiing.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the few resorts proud to offer a high quality of snow in the late ski period. 90% of the slopes are excellent for skiing thanks to the high altitude and snowmaking machines. You can be confident about having a successful ski vacation in the amazing Dolomites, even when you choose this time of the year.

Val d’Isere is a well-visited skiing area and can also be included on the list of resorts appropriate for skiing from April to May. Spring skiing is possible under the surrounding peaks of over 3,000 meters, snow cannons and glaciers. Val d’Isere is known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympic ski competitions and challenges both skiers and snowboarders alike.