Best Spring Skiing Resorts in Europe

Val Thorens is the best spring skiing resort in Europe, because at 2,300 meters it holds reliable snow into early May with long sunny days and a lively closing season. Zermatt is the only resort that skis right through summer on its glacier, and Tignes offers excellent glacier backed spring terrain. The rule for spring is to go high or go glacier.

Yes, at the high and glacier resorts. Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d'Isere and Obergurgl usually ski well into late April, while glacier resorts like Zermatt, Saas Fee, Les Deux Alpes and Solden run into May and beyond. The low resorts, however, are typically finished by early April, so altitude is essential for late season.

Corn snow is the firm, granular surface that forms when spring snow thaws by day and refreezes overnight, then softens again in the morning sun. It gives a lovely, forgiving glide and is the signature of good spring skiing. Timing your runs for late morning, once the surface has softened, is the key to enjoying it.

Usually, yes. Outside the Easter holidays, spring brings quieter slopes and lower prices than the February peak, often dropping trips into the under $2,000 to $2,000 to $4,000 per person bands at high resorts. You trade some snow depth for sun, space and value, which for many is a great deal.

Zermatt has the longest season in Europe, because its high glacier allows skiing right through the summer into August. Saas Fee, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes and Solden also offer glacier skiing well beyond the normal season. For guaranteed late and summer snow, a glacier resort is the only safe bet.

Most high resorts close in late April or early May, while glacier resorts such as Zermatt, Saas Fee and Les Deux Alpes continue into summer. The exact closing date varies each year with snowfall, so check the season dates before booking a late trip. We track current closing dates for every resort we list.