For the best spring skiing, choose a resort with north-facing ski slopes so snow remains fluffy rather than slushy!
Bright blue skies and powder snow conditions make for a perfect day in the mountains. But by the time March arrives, spring skiing often means south-facing slopes are icy in the morning and slushy by lunchtime.
So what’s the answer to spring skiing? North-facing slopes! Choosing a spring ski resort with north-facing ski slopes means they’re not affected by the sun and conditions remain much more consistent despite the warmer temperatures. North-facing ski slopes are generally colder and retain their snow better than south-facing slopes, which can make them a good choice for skiing in warmer weather or in areas with less snowfall. Also snow stays in better conditions for longer, particularly late into the season.
Here’s our pick of the best resorts for spring skiing with north-facing slopes
Solden
Solden’s snow record is excellent! Most of Solden’s ski slopes are north facing and there are plenty of snow cannons on lower slopes. While Solden sits at just 1380m, its skiing extends up to a whopping 3250m and the majority of its skiing is above the treeline.
The resort’s ‘Think big, think Solden’ slogan is applicable to both its terrain and nightlife. It’s long season stretches from October to May, thanks to the two glaciers and extensive slopes (145km). The ski area is well suited to confident intermediates and advanced skiers, but beginners can practise on gentle runs at Innerwald and Giggijoch.
Solden’s breathtaking views from the summit is one of the reasons it was chosen as the location for the James Bond film, Spectre. The resort’s main strip is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants and draws a young, lively crowd.
Zermatt
Most of Zermatt’s slopes face north and east, offering plenty of options for slush-free skiing in late season. Linked to the Italian resort of Cervinia, it’s slopes reach up to a lofty 3900m. For some of the best snow, head up to the glacier.
Car-free Zermatt sits at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. It offers a winning combination of alpine charm and sophisticated infrastructure, with a modern lift system and good selection of hotels and apartments.
Les 2 Alpes
The majority of Les 2 Alpes’ 225km slopes face north so snow reliability is a certainty. For the cherry on the cake, the resort is complete with a glacier (Glacier de Mont de Lans at 3568m).
For a big resort, the ski area isn’t huge, at 134km, but the varied terrain has something for everyone. The resort is known for its challenging off-piste, world-class snowpark and lively party scene. Beginners can practise turns on wide nursery slopes next to the village while intermediates enjoy the long, cruising red runs. More advanced skiers can explore the off-piste powder further up the mountain.
Obergurgl
The resort’s slopes reach up to 1930m and face north and west. Obergurgl is one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Austria and 99 percent of its slopes are covered by snow cannons so there’s no shortage of snow here, especially for spring skiing.
Obergurgl offers high-altitude skiing up to 3,080m and the vast majority of its slopes are above 200m. It’s no surprise then that this snow-sure resort has a long season stretching from November to May.
Its 112km of slopes are served by state-of-the-art lifts complete with heated seats. Quite slopes with no queues are the order of the day.
Courchevel
It has slopes facing all directions, which means sunny skiing in the morning and great conditions on north-facing ski runs in the afternoon. It’s 3230m slopes are complete with glacier skiing.
Known as a winter playground for the rich and famous, Courchevel has attracted its fair share of big-name skiers, but its also a popular family resort. There are a good selection of runs for all levels. The 150km of slopes are connected to the vast Three Valleys ski area which opens up 600km of lift-linked runs.
Zell am See-Kaprun
Skiing is between 750-3000 metres. There’s steep and challenging north-facing mountain runs as well as gentle south-facing blues. Most of the pistes face north and south.
For one of the most spectacular views in the Alps, head to the top of the Schmittenhohe. Here you can take in the majestic mountain peaks and 4km-long Lake Zell. Zell am See is best suited to beginners and intermediates, with plenty of tree-lined groomers. Kaprun attracts a more advanced crowd with its Kitzsteinhorn glacier, awesome off-piste and freestyle terrain park. The ski area is also linked to neighbouring Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
Saas-Fee
This high-altitude resort extends up to 3600m with glacier skiing. Ski slopes face mainly north so which help maintain reliable snow cover. Fast, modern lifts means there’s rarely any queuing. The terrain is suitable for all levels. Beginners and intermediates can enjoy the long, quiet blues. Snowboarders flock to the high-altitude terrain parks.
Saas-Fee is usually one of the first resorts to open in Europe each year. It is often said that it’s like a quieter version of Zermatt. Its car-free centre has pretty, narrow streets and family-friendly restaurants.
Lech-Zuers
The snow record here is excellent and the ski slopes face in all directions. Skiing is between 1450 ad 2811m. The best snow is found on the north-facing slopes between the bottom of the Steinmahder chair and the Kriegerhorn.
Situated in the heart of the Arlberg ski area, Lech-Zuers enjoys links to neighbouring towns of St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Christoph and Stuben. In totally there is an extensive 300km of slopes to explore. The whole area enjoys some of the best snow conditions in the country. The resort attracts all levels, from beginners to powder hounds.
For further reading on spring skiing, read our features:
April 09, 2024
