Skiing in April is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. As the days grow longer and the temperatures become milder, high altitude, longer days and snow conditions produce many of the best destinations to ski in April in Europe.
Why Should I Go Skiing In April?
Skiing and Snowboarding has become ever more popular in recent years. Surprising considering the cost seems to have been increase more in recent years too, that could be due to limit supply and an uptick in demand.
That being said, one of our favourite times of the year to enjoy all the Winter activities happens to be April. Longer days, crisp air, shorter queues and the odd snow storm all combine to make skiing in April fantastic.
Our list of the best destinations to ski in April in Europe considers all of these. Where is still amazing to ski, with fewer crowds on the pistes and lifts, longer daylight for extended skiing time, warmer temperatures with balconies to enjoy, more affordable accommodation, on occasions, great conditions too.
Skiing in Europe in April is about a blend of excellent snow conditions with sunshine, space and high alpine beauty. Whether you’re seeking glacier skiing in Austria, iconic peaks in Switzerland, or high-altitude French slopes, these destinations offer some of the best late-season skiing anywhere in the world.
Val Thorens, France
Located in the French Alps within the vast Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens sits at around 2,300 metres, making it the highest ski resort in Europe. The lofty altitude ensures exceptional snow reliability throughout the seasons and well into April. Most of the piste and slopes are above 2,000 metres and many are north-facing, helping to preserve the snow pack as temperatures rise throughout the warmer April days.
In April Val Thorens offers a lively atmosphere with music festivals, sunny terrace lunches and softer afternoon snow, ideal for cruising and beginners more susceptible to losing balance or hitting an edge. Because of its high elevation, the resort often stays open until early May, offering one of the longest ski seasons in France.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, located in the Swiss Canton of Valais, is famous for its dramatic views of the Matterhorn and its exceptional snow conditions well into spring. The high altitude slopes on offer reach close to an astonishing 3,900 metres on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, near but guaranteeing excellent skiing in April.
Fitting the bill as one of the best destinations to ski in April in Europe, Zermatt crowds begin to thin out, shorter lift queues and quieter slopes and the sunny weather makes the mountain scenery even more spectacular.
Zermatt also offers Europe’s highest cable car station, an atmospheric car-free village and the ability to ski into Italy (Cervinia) for long cross-border runs.
Hintertux Glacier, Austria
For skiers seeking guaranteed snow in April, one of the best April ski destinations is the Hintertux Glacier in the Austrian Tyrol, one of Europe’s most reliable destinations. It is one of the only ski areas in the world open all year around, with slopes reaching up to 3,250 metres.
In April, the glacier provides amazing conditions with crisp morning pistes and softer spring snow later in the day. Popular with race teams who train here during the off-season.
The Hintertux Glacier also happens to contains an ice cave (the Nature Ice Palace) that visitors can explore year-round.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia, in Italy’s Aosta Valley, is one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts thanks to its ski area stretching up to 3,500 metres. Sharing a ski domain with Zermatt, it offers long, gentle runs perfect for intermediate skiers.
Cervinia is particularly appealing in April because of its sunny weather and excellent snow preservation on high, open slopes. The 22 kilometres Ventina run is one of the longest in Europe and remains skiable late into the season.
Tignes & Val d’Isère, France
Last on our list, features two ever popular interconnected French resorts, Val d’Isère and Tignes . Combinig to form one of Europe’s most reliable late-season ski regions.
Much of Tignes reaches above 2,100 metres, and the Grande Motte Glacier (which reaches up to near 3,500 metres) ensures skiing continues into early May. In April, the Espace Killy combines reliable snow with laid-back spring skiing, lively après-ski, and excellent terrain for all levels.
