Ski Holiday Weather Watchers

The very first time I skied on snow was in the French resort of Les Arcs, in April, during the final week of the season.

There was a heavy snowfall nearly every night, followed by sunny days and blue skies as far as the eye could see. My lack of ski holiday experience led me to believe skiing was always like this. In the years that followed, I found out it was not!

I have, however, had several other end-of-season experiences like this, and although in days gone by these conditions could sometimes be a bit of a lottery, advances in long range weather forecasting have made finding out what you can expect more predictable.

As the end of this season approaches, the weather in the Alps becomes a hot topic for skiers and snowboarders who are going away for the Easter Holidays or looking to make a late booking for some more time on the slopes.

This winter never quite followed a script. Early forecasts from centres like the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts hinted at uneven snowfall across Europe. Some regions waited patiently while others saw early bursts.

February arrived, and with it came the kind of snowstorms that remind everyone why they travel to the mountains. Snow fell heavily across the Alps, making the snow base even stronger, and this still remains now.

So, what are the weather watchers predicting is going to happen over the next few weeks? As March fades into April, the mountains are no longer in deep winter, but they are far from finished.

Will There Still Be Snow?

The short answer, yes, but you have to know where to look to get the best conditions. Late-season forecasts from specialist services like Snow-Forecast and Weathertoski suggest that more snowfall is on the way.

However, the snow will fall:

• Less often
• More unpredictably
• Mostly above 1500–2000 metres

Those in the know suggest skiers and snowboarders head towards the higher resorts for the best opportunities. Here, you are more likely to experience fresh snowfalls which can transform ski areas overnight and create perfect spring skiing and snowboarding conditions.

For many skiers and snowboarders, this is the most enjoyable time of the year when an early morning start enables you to enjoy the best of the snow and the warmer conditions before relaxing over a late lunch or après ski on a sunny terrace.

Planning an Easter ski trip is not about chasing endless powder days. It is about understanding the rhythm of spring in the mountains.

Global forecasters ECMWF, or ski-focused experts such as OpenSnow, agree that an end of season ski holiday offers:

• Warmer, more stable weather
• More Snowfall, but in shorter bursts
• High terrain remains the key to quality

The advice is:

• Start early
• Follow the sun (or avoid it)
• Stay high
• Stay flexible

The Payoff

Easter and late-season skiing and snowboarding offer something different when the weather often produces a few welcome surprises.

For more advice on where to find the best conditions during the rest of the season and the best accommodation, speak directly to the experta at Ski Line using the contact details below, or the online chat facility, you will find on the Ski Line website.