Where to Ski in April
Each year, spring sets in across Europe and many ski enthusiasts head to the Alps at this time of year.
Many skiers wonder whether April is a good time to hit the slopes, and while some lower-altitude resorts start closing as temperatures rise, higher-altitude locations continue to offer excellent conditions well into the month.
At Alpine Fleet, our shared and private transfers help take visitors to the Alps all year round, and in this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about skiing in April including the top resorts to visit.
Is April a good time to ski in the Alps?
Absolutely! Skiing in April comes with several advantages.
While the weather is generally warmer, meaning softer snow in the afternoons, many high-altitude resorts maintain great conditions, especially in the mornings. Additionally, the days are longer, allowing for extended skiing hours and more time to enjoy apres-ski activities in the sunshine.
Another benefit of April skiing is the reduced crowds. By this time, peak season has passed so lift queues are shorter and accommodation prices can also be cheaper. Plus, many resorts offer spring discounts on lift passes, making it a budget-friendly option.
The key to a successful April ski trip is choosing the right destination. Resorts with high-altitude slopes, north-facing runs and glacier access are your best bet for finding good snow conditions.
Where to ski in April
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to ski in April:
Val d’Isere is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, making it a top pick for April skiing. Situated at 1,850m and with skiable terrain reaching up to 3,456m, the resort benefits from cold temperatures and excellent snow retention.
Linked with Tignes to form the Espace Killy area, Val d’Isere provides over 300km of well-maintained pistes. The Glacier du Pissaillas, located at 3,400m, ensures year-round snow coverage, so even if lower slopes suffer from spring thaw, there’s always great skiing to be found higher up.
For advanced skiers, Val d’Isere boasts some legendary off-piste runs, including the challenging Face de Bellevarde. The resort’s ski schools also cater to beginners, making it suitable for all levels.
Tignes is one of the most reliable destinations for late-season skiing, thanks to its high-altitude slopes and glacier access. The resort sits at 2,100m, and the ski area extends up to 3,456m on the Grand Motte Glacier, ensuring fantastic snow conditions throughout April and beyond.
As part of the Espace Killy ski area alongside Val d’Isere, Tignes offers extensive terrain suitable for all levels. Advanced skiers can tackle steep descents, while beginners and intermediates will find plenty of wide, well-groomed slopes to enjoy.
One of the highlights of skiing in Tignes during April is the pleasant weather. With plenty of sunshine and good snow cover, it’s an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy skiing without the extreme cold of mid-winter. The apres-ski scene here is also excellent, with Le Loop and Cocorico being among the most popular spots for post-ski drinks.
As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is an unbeatable option for April skiing. Sitting at 2,300m and with pistes reaching up to 3,230m, Val Thorens guarantees some of the best snow conditions in the Alps.
Part of the massive Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens provides access to 600km of slopes. While some lower resorts may struggle with slushy conditions in April, Val Thorens remains skiable well into May, making it a top choice for those seeking reliable late-season snow.
The resort also boasts a lively atmosphere, with a thriving apres-ski scene. Popular venues such as La Folie Douce and Bar 360 host outdoor parties where skiers can soak up the spring sunshine while enjoying music and delicious drinks.
Meribel is located in the heart of the Three Valleys and is a fantastic April ski destination thanks to its access to high-altitude terrain. Although the village itself sits at a moderate elevation (1,450m) the ski area extends up to 2,952m ensuring reliable snow conditions late into the season.
The resort’s north-facing slopes help preserve snow quality, and if the conditions become slushy lower down, you can always head up to nearby Courchevel or Val Thorens – both are also part of the Three Valleys network. With more than 600km of interconnected pistes, there’s no shortage of terrain to explore.
Beyond skiing, Meribel has a lively apres-ski scene with a number of popular music and drinking spots.
Alpe d’Huez is another excellent choice for April skiing, thanks to its high-altitude slopes and extensive ski area. The resort sits at an impressive 1,860, with the Pic Blanc summit reaching 3,330m, ensuring good snow coverage late into the season.
One of the resort’s main draws is its extensive variety of terrain. It offers everything from beginner-friendly runs to challenging off-piste routes like the famous Sarenne – one of the longest black runs in the world at 16km.
April in Alpe d’Huez also means plenty of sunshine. The resort is famed for its excellent weather and this makes it a great destination for skiers who enjoy warm, sunny days on the slopes. Apres-ski is vibrant here too, with venues like La Folie Douce offering lively outdoor parties with DJs and performers.
Heading To The Slopes in April?
Skiing in April is always a fantastic experience, especially if you choose a high-altitude resort with reliable snow coverage. Whether you prefer the extensive slopes of Val d’Isere and Tignes, the lively atmosphere of Val Thorens, the charm of Meribel or the sunny appeal of Alpe d’Huez, there’s a perfect destination for every skier.
If you’re looking for great snow, fewer crowds, and a chance to enjoy apres-ski in the sun, April might just be the ideal time for your next ski trip. And here at Alpine Fleet, we can help your trip get off to the best start with our leading shared and private transfers. Contact our team today to find out more.
