Everyone wants to go skiing when the snow is good, the atmosphere is exciting and the queues aren’t too long. But when’s the best time of the year to go skiing in Europe? There are plenty of months when the slopes are full of the glistening snow but each has its own advantages and slight drawbacks. Let’s take a look at when you should choose to book your all-inclusive ski holiday.
Get your ski fix in early at the start of the season for great snow and a brilliant atmosphere. Taking the family to the mountains over Christmas and New Year can provide an unforgettable alternative to the usual roast turkey at home. The Alpine ambience and snowy landscapes are the perfect backdrop to Yuletide. Of course, ski resorts are very popular during the holiday season so expect it to be busy.
It’s the start of the year which means the slopes are looking shiny and new, the snow has a crisp feel to it and the most popular routes are looking less worn. January also offers some great deals as it’s generally a quieter time of the year which also means fewer queues for the lifts and less waiting for your après-ski drink to turn up at the table. This is a disadvantage for those who enjoy a bustling resort as part of their skiing experience, and bars and restaurants in the area may feel less lively at this time of the year. However, for families with young kids or those who prefer a gentler all-inclusive ski holiday, January is a great choice.
It’s half-term at school which means February is a good month for booking your family skiing holiday. That does mean the slopes will be busy and family-friendly restaurants will be packed. It’s still chilly this month but the weather’s slightly warmer than in January and the lower heights of mountains are particularly good for snow. Our Club Med resorts come into their own with a full range of entertainment laid on for kids so everyone can enjoy their holiday.
The weather is definitely warming up in March which means it’s a good time to bring younger children on holiday who otherwise might be upset by biting winds and heavy snow. Sunnier weather also means there’s more chance to enjoy stunning views and relax sitting outside a restaurant, watching the world go by and topping up your tan. For a guarantee of good snow, it’s sensible to think about resorts at a higher altitude although there’s still a good chance the lower slopes will offer all the powder you need.
April is a great time for those who really don't like the cold air of mountain life. Temperatures can be pleasantly warm and the days are longer, which means more time on the slopes. Although this might affect the quality of snow you'll find plenty of great places to ski off-piste and there are often heavy falls this month. It’s also the end of the season which means things will be a little quieter than usual. That means no waiting around for a space on the lifts to appear.
You could continue to ski for longer in the year but the later you leave it the more chance that the snow will disappoint. Saying that, no-one can predict the weather so why not see if you can get lucky in May?
Whether you prefer quiet slopes, buzzy resorts, a chill wind or a sunny sky, the choice is yours when to go skiing during the season. At Club Med, we aim to make your holidays magical all year round.
