The Easter holidays are almost here and ski holiday companies are telling us there are bargains to be had for anyone considering heading out to the slopes over the coming fortnight.
Besides the deals, the second bit of good news is that most ski areas are reporting that they have almost all their runs open – in many cases more than they had in either the Christmas/New Year or February half-term holidays.
That’s because it has been a snowy March, allowing many resorts to open their final bits of terrain that need a little more snow cover than others. The world’s biggest ski area, the 3 Valleys, (Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires & Val Thorens) as well as Switzerland’s biggest, the 4 Valleys (Verbier) and Austria’s huge Arlberg region (Lech & St Anton) as well as Italy’s Val Gardena are among the areas posting almost every run open for Easter.
The Pyrenees have also been transformed after a poor winter for snowfall with big March totals allowing the big areas in Andorra, Spain and France to almost fully open for the first time this season. Spain’s Formigal is pictured above this month.
Where is the Best Easter Skiing
The third bit of good news in that the Easter holidays are fairly early this year. Recent seasons have seen Easter fall in the latter half of April, this year’s last day of March is much better for season-end snow.
“Easter is going to be great! There are some amazing last-minute packages in the next school holidays, with up some Easter ski holidays currently available at less than half price,” says Richard Sinclair of ski holiday company Sno.co.uk, adding “The cost-of-living-crisis means there are late deals left in even the top resorts, but those are the ones to grab quickly as they will go first. With all the amazing snowfall across the last month, Easter will hit that sweet-spot between snow and sunshine.”
We are into springtime though so temperatures are warming fast in lower valleys. So if you’re looking for the best snow conditions, consider resorts with plenty of terrain above 2,000m (such as the Kaunertal glacier in the Austrian Tirol pictured this week below) or heading north to Scandinavia, where its normally, naturally colder and the snow stays in better shape for longer.
Some lower resorts with their slopes between 1000 and 2000m altitudes have been struggling to keep things open with temperatures reaching +10C in the afternoons even on their higher runs, so even the slopes that are open are getting wet and sticky early in the day.
Easter Deals
These are some of the Easter deals sent into us (descriptions are by the companies supplying the deals info), also see our deals section for all March and April offers…
Save 15% on an Easter trip to La Plagne with Pierre & Vacances
Skiing in La Plagne offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the stunning French Alps, with its vast interconnected ski area boasting diverse terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Ideally situated in the centre of Belle Plagne, La Plagne’s highest satellite village at 2,000 metres altitude, Residence Le Quartz is the perfect place for a late season ski holiday. The residence is located near the centre of Belle Plagne close to the resort’s shops, restaurants and entertainment. It enjoys quiet surroundings and skiers can enjoy the ski in, ski out accommodation. Apartments come with a balcony or terrace and there is a children’s area in the reception lounge. A seven night stay at Residence Le Quartz, arriving 31 March 2024, is priced from £800 total (was £940 saving 15%) for an apartment sleeping up to four people. Flights and transfers extra. Pierre & Vacances (0870 0267 145, www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-en) La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Save more than £700 pp on a last minute Easter trip to Morzine with VIP SKI
Morzine is an authentic village in a huge ski area, situated at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres in the Portes du Soleil. One of the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts, it enjoys panoramic mountain views and, thanks to the Mont Blanc microclimate, near perfect powder conditions. Regarded by many as the most beautiful building in Morzine, The Manoir breaks from traditional Savoyard aesthetic, striking a regal outline with metre-thick stone walls and high ceilings. The Manoir was built in 1790 and served as home to the local Notary for two centuries. The chalet’s interior retains influences of its rich history tastefully juxtaposed by the addition of luxurious, contemporary amenities such as walk-in showers, roll top baths and a cinema room. Just 200 metres from the slopes, guests have convenient access to Morzine’s extensive ski area. Returning from a day on the pistes, guests can recline by one of the Manoir’s roaring open fireplaces or take in the stunning views of the valley from the outdoor hot tub. Book a last minute trip to the Manoir this Easter and save more than £700 pp. A seven-night stay at The Manoir, arriving 31 March 2024, costs from £1,000 pp (reduced from £1,759 saving £759 pp) based on two people sharing on a chalet board basis, this includes return transfers from Geneva airport. Flights extra. VIP SKI (0330 175 5635, www.vip-chalets.com) Morzine www.en.morzine-avoriaz.com
Image top credit St Anton am Arlberg.