The European ski season typically runs from late November to mid-to-late April, offering a diverse experience for every skier, from early-season powder to sun-soaked spring slopes. Throughout the season, snow conditions, prices, crowds and overall atmosphere can vary significantly. So, when is the best time to go skiing in Europe, and where should you go to make the most of your trip?
The ideal timing for your ski trip depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you crave the deep powder on offer in January or prefer a quieter, budget-friendly trip in April, there’s a perfect month and destination for every skier. In this guide, we break down what to expect on a ski trip in Europe by month, along with the best resorts to visit throughout the season, to help you plan your perfect ski trip.
November – Resorts Begin to Open and Early-Season Skiing Begins
In November, some high-altitude and glacier resorts start welcoming skiers eager to hit the slopes and get an early taste of winter. Snow conditions can be variable, with artificial snowmaking often supplementing natural snowfall.
November skiing is best for those who want quieter slopes and budget-friendly deals before the season kicks into full swing. Be sure to double-check the opening dates of your chosen resort to make sure that lifts are operating. If you choose the right resort you could have the slopes all to yourself!
Top resorts for early-season skiing include Val Thorens (France), Hintertux Glacier (Austria) and Zermatt (Switzerland), which open early and offer reliable snow on their upper slopes.
December – Quiet Slopes and Festive Events
In December, you’ll feel a vibrant atmosphere in resorts as more slopes officially open for the winter season. When taking an early-season ski trip in December you will benefit from less-crowded slopes and low prices.
The start of the season is one of the cheapest times of year to go skiing and many resorts offer discounted prices on lift passes and accommodation to attract visitors, so it’s a great time of year to save money on your ski trip.
However, towards the end of the month, when the Christmas holidays roll around, prices can be more expensive. Christmas and the New Year are a great time to go skiing, as resorts are adorned with festive decorations and fun events take place, making it an especially popular time of year for families. Read more on whether you should go skiing in December.
Early-season snow conditions can vary so we recommend higher-altitude resorts like Les Arcs (France), Engelberg (Switzerland), Verbier (Switzerland) and St. Anton (Austria) for reliable snowfall and great skiing conditions.
Additionally, Chamonix (France), Megeve (France) and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) are especially magical resorts to visit at Christmas time. Find more inspiration on the best resorts to visit in December.
January – Peak Snowfall and Quiet Slopes
January is renowned for its abundant snowfall and colder temperatures, making it one of the best times to go skiing in the Alps. This month is a prime time for seasoned skiers, as most ski areas are fully open, offering extensive terrain to explore and snow conditions are typically excellent, allowing for some great off-piste skiing.
With the New Year rush over, January is also a relatively less crowded month, making it a great choice for beginner skiers who need ample space to build their confidence. Prices also fall after the busy Christmas period, so it’s a great time of year if you are looking to ski on a budget.
You can’t go too wrong when skiing in January, but our top hidden gem ski resorts for January include Pila (Italy), La Clusaz (France) and Le Grand Bornand (France), for excellent powder conditions away from the crowds.
February – Peak Season and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
February brings a lively atmosphere to ski resorts across Europe. The season is in full swing and resorts are bustling with activities, après-ski fun and school holiday crowds, making it a great time to go skiing for families and groups of friends.
February has an excellent snow record and, as it is peak season, prices tend to be higher. If you’re planning a ski holiday in February, consider steering clear of February half-term and booking early if you are looking to secure the best deals.
Some of the best ski resorts to visit in February include La Thuile (Italy), Courchevel (France), Alpe d’Huez (France) and Livigno (Italy) for family-friendly slopes and excellent snow.
March – Milder Weather, Quieter Slopes and Longer Days
With spring in sight, March is characterised by longer daylight hours, milder temperatures and quieter slopes. Snowfall is less reliable this month, however, there is still ample opportunity for powder skiing in high-altitude resorts.
March is a perfect month for those seeking a more relaxed skiing experience under clear blue skies. The snow tends to be softer in the afternoons, which is advantageous for beginners looking to improve their skills. Those who enjoy après-ski and sun-soaked terraces will love skiing in March.
Top picks for March skiing include Tignes (France), Flaine (France) and Andermatt (Switzerland), known for their high-altitude slopes and excellent spring skiing conditions for skiers of all ability levels. Find more inspiration on the best ski resorts to visit in March.
April – Spring Skiing and End-of-Season Deals
April offers a mix of sunshine and snow and is a fantastic time to go skiing for those who enjoy warmer temperatures and fewer crowds. Resorts with glaciers or higher elevations maintain good snow coverage, even as lower-altitude resorts begin to close.
In April you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in resorts across Europe as they celebrate the end of the season with lively closing parties and events.
Late-season discounts on lift passes and accommodation make April a budget-friendly option. The Easter holidays, which typically fall in April, see an influx of visitors and higher prices. However, prices tend to be lower than the Christmas holidays and February half-term, making Easter one of the best times to go skiing with kids.
Les Deux Alpes (France), Passo Tonale (Italy), Sölden (Austria) and Cervinia (Italy) are among the best choices for snow-sure skiing in April. Find more inspiration on the best ski resorts to visit in April.
Beyond April – Sunshine and Summer Skiing
For those who can’t get enough of skiing, some European resorts offer year-round glacier skiing – even in the summer months! While the terrain is more limited, summer skiing provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the mountains in a different season that allows for glacier skiing as well as summer mountain sports such as hiking and mountain biking.
You can find open slopes in resorts including Zermatt (Switzerland), Saas Fee (Switzerland), Hintertux Glacier (Austria) and Passo Stelvio (Italy). Find more inspiration on the best summer skiing destinations in Europe.
Ultimately, the best time to go skiing in Europe depends on your priorities, whether it’s quiet slopes in December, fresh powder in January, a lively atmosphere in February, sun-soaked slopes in March or a budget-friendly trip in April.
No matter when you choose to go skiing, there’s a perfect European ski destination to visit throughout the entire season – and a perfect instructor waiting for you on Maison Sport! For more information on when and where to book your ski trip, read our guide on how to plan the perfect ski trip.
