The best late season resort in the Alps is Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, where the altitude keeps the pistes reliable deep into spring. For skiing that runs latest of all, head to the glaciers: Tux Hintertux is open year round, while Zermatt and Saas-Fee hold snow into summer. Late season is also the cheapest good snow of the year, so the smart play is simple, chase altitude and you get spring sunshine, quiet slopes and shoulder season prices all at once.
Late season skiing, from April into May, trades the deep cold powder of midwinter for sunshine, long days and bargain prices, but it lives and dies by altitude. The higher the pistes and the more glacier on the map, the longer the snow lasts and the better it skis through a warm spring afternoon. Below roughly 2,000 meters the season is over by mid April in most years, so a late trip means choosing a high resort or a glacier without compromise.
We rank on top lift altitude and snow reliability first, then on how much high terrain a resort keeps open late, because a glacier patch is no use if the rest of the mountain is grass. Spring snow follows a daily rhythm: firm and fast in the morning, soft and slushy by afternoon, so the trick is to ski early and high and treat the long lunch on a sunny terrace as part of the plan.
The value is the headline. Late season brings some of the lowest lodging and package prices of the year, smaller crowds and often spring lift pass deals, so a high resort in April can cost far less than the same place in February for arguably more pleasant conditions. Book altitude, go early in the day, and late season is the budget skier's secret.
A sunny well groomed alpine piste panoramaA high glacier ski area in the French AlpsHigh altitude pistes above Val Thorens in winterA glacier and the Matterhorn in winter
The ranking
Our late season picks for the Alps
Ranked on altitude, snow reliability and how much high terrain stays open late, with a value pick for those who want spring snow without the famous resort premium. Altitudes are rounded.
The best late season resort in the Alps, the highest in Europe, snow sure well into spring.
Val Thorens sits at around 2,300 meters with lifts reaching close to 3,200 meters, so its snow holds reliably deep into spring while lower resorts melt out. It is part of the giant Three Valleys, so there is endless terrain to enjoy in the late season sun.
It is a high, purpose built resort short on traditional charm, but for guaranteed spring snow on a vast area it is unmatched. As the season closes, it stays open later than almost anywhere in France.
The only resort in the Alps open every day of the year, on the Hintertux glacier.
The Hintertux glacier runs 365 days a year, with reliable snow through the entire spring and summer thanks to terrain reaching around 3,250 meters. It is the surest bet in the Alps for late season turns and a long, dependable glacier season.
The glacier skiing is mostly intermediate and the valley village quiet, so it suits snow seekers over party crowds. When everywhere else has closed, Hintertux is still turning.
A high, car free glacier resort that holds snow into summer, with reliable spring skiing.
Saas-Fee sits high under a big glacier reaching around 3,500 meters, keeping its snow well into summer and offering dependable spring skiing above the pretty car free village. It is a classic choice for late and early season certainty.
The lower runs close earlier and nightlife is gentle, so it is a skier's resort rather than a scene. For glacier snow and Swiss village charm late in the year, it is excellent.
The most spectacular late season resort, with the highest lift served terrain in the Alps under the Matterhorn.
Zermatt offers skiing up to around 3,800 meters on its glacier, holding snow through summer and providing some of the most reliable late season skiing anywhere, all beneath the Matterhorn. The scale and scenery make a spring trip memorable.
It is among the most expensive resorts in the Alps, so it is not the budget choice, but the snow and setting justify it for many. For high, reliable spring snow with an unbeatable view, it leads.
A high, snow sure resort linked to Tignes, with strong late season skiing and Easter atmosphere.
Val d'Isere and neighboring Tignes form the Espace Killy, a high area with lifts to around 3,450 meters and a glacier that keeps the snow good through April and into the spring closing weeks. The lively village adds a fun Easter buzz.
Prices are high in peak weeks but soften late season, and the area is huge. For reliable spring snow with real resort life, it is a top pick.
One of the most snow sure non glacier resorts in Austria, high in the Otztal for dependable spring snow.
Obergurgl sits high in the Otztal with terrain reaching around 3,080 meters, giving it a reputation as one of Austria's most reliable resorts for snow at both ends of the season. The compact, upscale village skis well into spring.
The area is modest in size next to the giants and quiet at night, so it suits families and snow seekers. For dependable late season snow without a glacier, it is a strong choice.
A lively resort with a large glacier reaching high above the village for strong late season skiing.
Les Deux Alpes has one of the biggest skiable glaciers in Europe, reaching around 3,600 meters, so the upper mountain holds excellent snow well into spring above a buzzy village. It is a fun, sociable late season option.
The lower slopes back to town can get slushy and thin late on, so plan to ski high. For glacier snow and a lively spring scene, it delivers well.
A high resort with two glaciers and pistes above 3,000 meters for reliable spring skiing and a lively base.
Solden pairs two glaciers with a high lift served area topping around 3,250 meters, giving strong late season snow and a wide, modern ski area. The energetic village keeps the spring atmosphere lively.
It is busy and the nightlife boisterous, which suits some and not others. For high, snow sure spring skiing with plenty of terrain and buzz, it is a solid pick.
The value pick, a high, sunny Italian resort linked to Zermatt's glacier at a far gentler price.
Cervinia sits high at around 2,000 meters with lifts to about 3,480 meters, sharing the glacier with Zermatt over the border, so its snow lasts well into spring under famously sunny skies. Italian prices make it the value choice for late season.
The terrain is mostly long, gentle cruising and the village functional, so experts will want the Swiss side. For reliable, sunny spring snow at a fraction of Zermatt's cost, it is the smart budget pick.
Late season is when the deals appear, so pair the low lodging rates with a pre booked lift pass, transfer and ski hire to squeeze the value further. Spring lift pass offers and shared transfers stretch a budget trip even further at the quiet end of the season.
Book the extras and save
Late season is when the deals appear, so pair the low lodging rates with a pre booked lift pass, transfer and ski hire to squeeze the value further.
On the glaciers. Tux Hintertux in Austria is open every day of the year, while Zermatt and Saas-Fee in Switzerland hold snow into summer. For a regular resort, Val Thorens, the highest in Europe, stays open later than almost anywhere in France.
What is the best late season resort in the Alps?
Val Thorens is our overall pick for resort skiing, as the highest resort in Europe with reliable snow deep into spring and a huge linked area. For the surest snow of all, the year round Hintertux glacier and the high glaciers of Zermatt and Saas-Fee run latest.
Is late season skiing good value?
Yes, it is often the best value of the year. Lodging and package prices drop in April, crowds thin out and spring lift pass deals appear, so a high resort late in the season can cost far less than in February for sunnier, quieter conditions, provided you choose enough altitude.
When does the ski season end in the Alps?
Most resorts close between mid April and early May, with lower ones finishing earlier. The high glaciers are the exception: Hintertux runs all year, and Zermatt and Saas-Fee keep summer skiing going, so the season effectively never fully ends at altitude.
What is spring snow like and how do I ski it well?
Spring snow is firm and fast in the morning and softens to slush by afternoon as the sun warms it. The trick is to start early and ski the highest, most shaded pistes first, then enjoy a long sunny lunch, which is why a high resort with plenty of altitude skis best late in the season.
Which late season resort is best for families?
Obergurgl, Saas-Fee and Cervinia all suit families well, combining reliable spring snow with gentler terrain and calmer villages. Cervinia in particular offers long, easy runs and Italian value, making it a relaxed and affordable choice for a family spring trip.
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