With blue skies,soft snowand pleasant temperatures, spring isarguablythe best time of year for a ski vacation. These top destinationsadd lively culture and unique experiences that appeal to storm chasers and social skiers alike, so here are our 5 best luxury destinations for Spring skiing:
LEscape Killy, France
A vast area encompassing the resorts of Tignes and Val dIsre 25,000 acres in all L’Escape Killyoffers skiing during10 months out of the year thanks toLa Grande Motte glacier.A state-of-the-artfunicular, a world-class thrill itself, whisks skiers to the glacier’stop in less than eight minutes.Expert skiers will appreicate the challenging terrainof Tignes,and leisureskierswill delight in theaprs ski optionsof Val dIsre. Luxurious accommodations are available in both areas,ranging from full-service hotels to lavish chalets that offerprivate hot tubs and ski rooms with boot warmers.
Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia
With terrain open at Blackcomb through late May as well as Summer skiing on the Horstman Glacier in June and July, Whistler has long enjoyed a reputation for prime late-season skiing. The resort alsooffersdozensof fine dining restaurantsand more than 30 aprs ski bars and nightlife venues, making it one of the world’sliveliest culturaldestinations.For thosehoping to add atruecomsopolitanexperience to their vacation, Vancouver isless than three hours away. Luxury skiaccommodations are available at the reputable Fairmont Chateau and Four Seasons Whistler.
Yuzawa, Japan
Ahighly accessibleski areajust 90 minutes from Tokyovia theshinkansen bullet train,Yuzawaisan ideal destination for skiershoping to fullyexperience Japan. April travellers canadmire cherry blossoms in Tokyo, skipowder-filled slopesin Yuzawa and soak in the famous onsen hot springs all in the same vacation. Many Yuzawa resorts, including Gala, Naeba and Kagura, remain open through May. Leisure-minded guestswho stay inYuzawacan choosefrom traditional Japanese ryokan-style accommodations, or opt for Western familiarityat the deluxe NASPA New Otani hotel.
Park City, Utah
Spring skiingin Park City is about much more than thelight,powderysnow that the region is known for.With a chairlift thatstretches directly toMain Street, Park City is a destination for those who enjoy aprs ski as much as skiing iteslf.With more than adozen bars, pubs and fine dining restaurants,Park City also featuresgalleries, boutiques and evenalivetheatre. Although theski season at Park City’sthreeimmediateareas, includingDeer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons,typically ends in mid-April, powder-seeking guests can enjoy the slopes of nearby Snowbird Resort all the way through May. Park Citys wealth of luxury accommodations includes 5-star hotels such as the Stein Eriksen Lodge andprivate chalets,such as Gandhara, anewly constructed six-suitevilla featuring a privatetheater andhot tub.
Riksgrnsen, Sweden
Even well-travelledskiers will delight at the novelty of this northern escape, known as the land of the midnight sun. Operating from February through May, Riksgrnsen alsoruns its lifts(weather permitting) for a weekend of round the clock skiing during the summer solstice in June, a celebratory time when the sun never fully sets. The luxury of this destination is less aboutlavish accommodations andfashionable aprs ski lounges as it is aboutunique experiences, including some of the worlds most scenic heli-skiing, butthe resort is notwithout creature comforts. The boutique Meteorologen Ski Lodge satisfiesupscale tasteswith finely appointed rooms, exceptional food and wine, and a charming atmosphere. The Relaxen SPA & Sauna, meanwhile, provides a soothing place to relax with massage treatments andoutdoor hot tubs.
