Usually, by April, many people have shifted their attention to beach vacations. However, this is not the case for the die-hard skiers. While this shift is expected, what many people do not know is that there is still a lot of snow in April on most Alps. As a matter of fact, this is the best time. There are no snowstorms and the days are longer and warmer. Additionally, the resorts are less crowded, and the costs are low. Hence here is the list of best off-season skiing resorts in Europe.

What to Consider to Finding the Perfect Spring Destination for Skiing?

Altitude

The height of a ski resort affects a lot more than just the snow conditions on the slopes. In high school, you learned that the higher you go, the colder it becomes. This is important for late season skiing. The resort you choose should have high slopes to somewhat guarantee snowy slopes even at the end of the season. Now, it’s important to note that while altitude plays an important role in maintaining snowy slopes, the latitude is just as important.

Latitude

The ski resorts in lower latitudes experience high temperatures. As such, the snow melts faster. And with the changing climate, winters are getting shorter and shorter, leading to rising snow lines. On the bright side, many resorts have embraced snow making technology, which helps to counteract this effect.

Good Reputation for Snow

Before you plan to spend your time and money on any resort, you should research on the resort’s reputation for snow. At the very least, the resort should be famous for having snow throughout the season as a result of altitude, latitude, or technology embraced.

And with that, let’s now jump into short reviews of the best resorts for a mind-blowing late ski holiday.

Best Late Season Skiing Destinations in Europe

France

Tignes and Val d’lsere

Height – 1906 m

Piste Runs – 300 km

Open Until – 5th May 2019

Best Known for – Intermediate Cruising

Tignes and Val d’Isere are the heart of the Espace Killy region. This region was named after Jean Claude Killy, a famous French skier who won 3 gold medals at the winter Olympics of 1968. Tignes and Val d’Isere are connected by snowy slopes stretching for 300 km (170 km of natural slopes, 78 km of intermediate slopes and 52 km of challenging slopes). The slopes rise to 3,456 m. If you are not an expert to cascade down these slopes, you will need to have high confidence and strong legs.
These two resorts are often bundled together but are different. The Val d’lsere stretches along the main street in the area while the Tignes is basically a collection of resort villages.

Austria

St Anton

Height – 1511 m

Piste runs – 306 km

Open Until – 28th May 2019

Best Known for? – Nightlife and Family friendly

St. Anton is one of the best five resorts in Austria. It is one of the largest and most connected ski resorts. It takes pride in having snowy slopes stretching for 306 km and 200 km of challenging off-piste terrain for intermediates and experts. More to this, it has an excellent and efficient lift system coupled with an attractive town below with stylish and charming restaurants, chalets, and hotels.
At their high altitudes, the slopes are guaranteed of snow for longer periods than most resorts. The highest lift rises to 2811 m above sea level. Hence making it one of the the best off season skiing destination in Europe. Speaking of lifts, the resort has a total of 88 ski lifts.

Switzerland

Zermatt

Height – 3899 m

Piste runs – 322 km

Opening until – All Year-round

Best known for – snowsure slopes, family friendly, scenery, all-around ski levels

Zermatt ski resort is yet another great resort in Switzerland. It is what many beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders crave for. You can ski on the Zermatt slopes all year long. The terrain is vast, and there are lots of elaborate runs, especially for the intermediate skiers. Many expert skiers have fallen in love with it because of the 38 km ski routes it features.

Fifty-three ski lifts serve the vast area. It’s true that many resorts have a great view from the slopes. However, Zermatt’s view is one of a kind. The view of the village, no mini-town below is exquisite. And though the village is more of a town, it has done a great job in preserving the ‘old town’ culture, and the traditional European charm tourists seem to love. For the night owls, you should know that Zermatt’s nightlife is alive and vibrant. It will keep you engaged and entertained all night long.

Norway

Narvik

Height – 803 m

Piste runs – 20 km

Opening until – 5th May 2019

Best known for – family-friendly, snow-sure slopes

Narvik is found in Ofoten, Norway. It is surrounded by the open sea on three sides. It has a new gondola on the biggest vertical. This gondola helped it host the 1991 Downhill World Cup. Give its small size; the resort is served by only four lifts.

But despite its size, Narvik has diverse ski slopes. They can accommodate all levels of skiers from newbies to experts. However, experts only have 2 km of slopes to enjoy while intermediate skiers have 10 km. If you are planning for a family ski holiday and don’t want an area that is crowded, you will fall in love with Narvik. There is a ski school where your kids can learn the basics of skiing if this is their first time gliding on the snow. Hence making it as one of the the best off season skiing destination in Europe.

Conclusion

There you go. Now you don’t have a reason not to go skiing. Any of these ski resorts will be fun for you and your family. However, be sure to make the decision as a family.