As we all know, Easter is a moveable feast which can take place anywhere between 22nd March and 25th April. This year Easter falls late, which means that those worried about snow conditions may well be tempted to take a week in the sun rather than a week on the slopes. But as long as you choose your resort wisely, there are many reasons why a Spring ski trip can be even more enjoyable than a trip taken in the depths of winter. As long as you look for a snow sure resort such as Val dIsere, Saas Fee or Obergurgl, you won’t be disappointed. Here are 10 good reasons why you should book a Spring ski trip:
1. Better conditions
Generally you will experience warmer and sunnier conditions in Spring, and if you are lucky enough to have an outdoor pool and sun terrace in your chalet or hotel, you may well get to spend the afternoons sunbathing and return home sporting a very nice tan. There’s no denying that skiing when the sky is blue and the sun is shining, will always seem easier and more enjoyable than skiing in freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions.
2. Resort closing parties
If you have never experienced one of the legendary end of season parties in a ski resort, you really should give it a go. Essentially they are just an excuse for enormous apres ski party to finish off the season in style. Well, there’s nothing wrong with that! The Folie Douce closing party in Val dIsere is certainly one to mark on the calendar, along with the Ischgl end of season closing party when Robbie Williams and his Big Band will be entertaining skiers at the top of the mountain on 3 May.
3. Visibility
Visibility is usually much better at this time of year, as you are unlikely to experience snow storms. Being able to see clearly can make a huge difference to your performance on the slopes!
4. Less crowds and queues
Fewer people on the slopes means fewer people in the lift queues, which can only be a good thing! Skiing on crowded slopes can be intimidating, (especially for beginners) and skiing on quieter slopes can certainly reduce your anxiety levels, which in turn should help to improve your skiing.
5. Its a great time to learn
When you are first learning to ski you will inevitably take a few tumbles. Slushy/softer snow is much better to fall on than packed ice. Softer Spring snow is also more grippy, which means that your speed of travel will be much slower than in icy conditions.
6. Spring is a good time for children to experience skiing
Taking children skiing in extreme temps of Dec/Jan/Feb can put them off the sport completely, and sometimes for life. Spring skiing is much more relaxing for children. When the sun is shining and they dont have to wear quite so many layers, their stress levels are visibly reduced.
7. Good deals
Off peak pricing in Spring means that there are some great deals to be had, even at the luxury end of the market.
8. The best instructors
When its not so busy, you stand more chance of being able to book the very best instructors who might not otherwise be available during the peak weeks.
9. Cheaper lift passes
If you are a large party, off peak lift passes can bring substantial savings to the overall cost of your trip.
10. Its a very long time until next season
You have the whole summer ahead of you for taking beach holidays, but if you dont take the opportunity to ski at the end of the season, it may well seem like a very long time until next December…
