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When are the BEST times to ski in Europe?
When is the European ski season?
The European winter ski season can run from November to May, depending on the resort. And during these ski weeks or months, the conditions, prices, crowds, and atmosphere can change dramatically. So when you’re booking a snowboard holiday or deciding when to go skiing, you want to pick the weeks that will best suit you according to who you’re travelling with, their ski levels, your budget and expectations.
So I’ve put together some information on what I think are the best – and a few of the worst! – times to book a ski holiday. Read on to get some ideas before you book your next ski trip.
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When is the best time to go skiing with kids?
I’m a big fan of getting kids out on the snow as young as possible – as evidenced by my two little snow monsters. But it can be a costly excursion. Sadly during the school holidays, the price of flights and accommodation increase dramatically compared to off-peak weeks.
Some parents choose to take their kids out of school because the fine for doing so is substantially cheaper than the price difference in holidays. While I would never advise you to do that….it is an option.
Another option is to go for the Easter holidays. Although prices do go up, they don’t reach the astronomical prices as of Christmas or February half term. Plus, the warmer weather and quieter ski schools make spring an enjoyable time for little skiers.
One the downside of spring skiing for little skiers is that the snow is a lot softer, making it harder to move with speed. My two kids get stuck a lot more on the gentler slopes and do need more speed to keep moving comfortably.
Is there enough snow in December to go skiing?
The first week of the European ski season, usually the first 2 weeks in December, is a great time to book a ski holiday. You can be one of the first people to ride that year’s snow, check out any new runs, chair lifts or features, and enjoy the excitement that fills a resort when the lifts start running again.
Also, the first week or two often comes with a discounted ski pass since some of the ski areas might still be closed. For instance, in La Plagne, the Vanoise connection to Les Arcs generally does not open in week one. This means that the ski lift pass prices are discounted for the opening ski week.
The first week of the ski season is also often heavily discounted by accommodation providers. You can confidently leave booking until the last minute and still have your pick of some fantastic and cheap ski chalets and self-catered apartments. I always check booking.com for last-minute deals as it regularly gives me the cheapest rates on ski accommodation.
So if you don’t mind some limits on your skiing, you can bag yourself a bargain.
What is skiing at Christmas like?
Ok, so Christmas ski holidays can be expensive, but Christmas and New Year weeks are wonderful times to be in a ski resort. There’s nothing quite like seeing in the new year with an open-air piste party featuring pumping music, steaming cups of Vin Chaud and fireworks lighting up the peaks at midnight. Find out more with this top guide about New Year ski holidays.
And experiencing a real white Christmas with all the festive fun that goes along with it is something your children will never forget. Ski all day as a family, then spend the evenings watching live nativity scenes, visiting Santa’s grotto or meeting Father Christmas himself. Maybe he’ll come snowboarding down the piste or ride through the resort on a sledge pulled by a team of huskies. Magical!
January ski holidays – are they any good?
The last three weeks of January are a perfect time to book a ski holiday. The festive crowds are gone, the half-term crowds haven’t arrived, and the conditions are crisp, cold and beautiful.
January is widely regarded by local ski resort enthusiasts as one of the prime times for hitting the ski slopes. During this month, snow conditions are typically at their peak, characterised by very cold temperatures and snowfall. The atmosphere on the slopes is noticeably quieter as most children and their parents return to school.
In Europe, January skiing attracts a larger number of adults and friend groups, creating a vibrant après-ski atmosphere.
However, it's important to note that January can be exceptionally cold, with temperatures plummeting to around -20°C. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, be sure to pack wisely with plenty of layered clothing. You might find my full ski holiday packing guide to be just the resource you need for your winter adventure.
Make the most of spring skiing!
I am a massive fan of spring skiing! From around mid-March until the lifts close, ski resorts are quieter, the temperature goes up, and we get more hours of sunshine per day. Many ski resorts throw parties and festivals, like the Subli'Cimes spring festival in La Plagne, and there’s a real ‘last day of school’ vibe around the bars.
You may have to sacrifice some snow quality, but a little slush is a fair trade for empty pistes, bluebird skies, and lower prices.
When is the best snow in European ski resorts?
Booking your holiday based on the best snow conditions is always a gamble. Unless you’ve got the freedom to watch the snow forecasts and book a last-minute deal, a certain amount of guesswork will be involved in your booking. But as a general rule:
- Early December is a good time. There might not be huge amounts of snow. But, what snow there is, is fresh and as yet unridden by thousands of skiers.
- January and February are usually a safe bet for snowfall. And if there’s no fresh stuff, the low temperatures mean what’s there will be in good condition.
- Remember, though, that February is the busiest month on the ski slopes with the kid's school holidays.
- March can go one of 2 ways: we can see huge snowfalls, or spring can arrive early with long sunny days and warm temperatures.
- April is traditionally sunny, the warmest of the winter ski months. We expect slushy snow and soft ski slopes in the afternoons.
When is the cheapest time to go skiing in Europe?
The cheapest time to go skiing in Europe is generally during early December, the last three weeks of January and mid-March onwards. During these times, ski resorts often offer discounted prices on accommodation, lift tickets, and other amenities to attract more visitors. Basically, any weeks outside of the kids’ school holidays and festive period are the cheapest ski weeks.
It's important to note that specific pricing and deals can vary between different ski resorts and regions in Europe. Additionally, the cost of skiing can also depend on factors such as the popularity of the resort, weather conditions, and special events or holidays. To get the best deals, it's advisable to do some research and consider booking in advance or looking for last-minute offers.
When is the best time to book a ski holiday?
The best time to book a ski holiday depends on several factors, including your preferred travel dates, destination, and budget. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you secure the best deals and accommodations for your ski trip:
Early Booking: If you have specific travel dates in mind and know where you want to go, booking early can often lead to better deals. Many ski resorts and tour operators offer early-bird discounts and promotions for those who book well in advance.
Off-Peak and Shoulder Seasons: Consider planning your ski holiday during the off-peak or shoulder seasons, which are times when ski resorts are less crowded and prices may be lower. These periods usually fall outside of major holidays and school breaks.
Last-Minute Deals: If you have a flexible schedule and can be spontaneous, waiting for last-minute deals can sometimes lead to significant savings. Ski resorts may offer discounted rates to fill up empty rooms or lift passes closer to the travel date.
Avoid Peak Periods: Prices tend to be higher during peak periods, such as Christmas, New Year, school holidays, and long weekends. If you can avoid travelling during these times, you may find more affordable options.
Midweek vs. Weekend: If possible, consider travelling to your ski holiday during the midweek rather than the weekend. Travel is much cheaper midweek, but it can be tricky to find midweek ski accommodation.
Research and Compare: Take the time to research various ski resorts and tour operators, comparing their prices, packages, and included amenities. Different resorts may offer varying levels of luxury, ski terrain, and accommodation options at different price points. These are my favourite travel comparison sites:
- Booking.com for ski accommodation
- Skyscanner for cheap flights
- DiscoverCars.com for car rental from the airports
- Ski Lifts for ski transfers
- RailEurope.com for train tickets, including Eurostar and “snow train” bookings
Be Flexible: Flexibility with travel dates and destinations can open up more opportunities for finding cost-effective ski holiday packages.
Basically, the best time to book a ski holiday varies depending on your preferences and circumstances. It's essential to plan ahead and take advantage of early booking discounts, but also keep an eye out for last-minute deals if you have the flexibility to do so. Remember to consider the overall value and experience rather than solely focusing on the lowest price.
And lastly… when is the worst time to go skiing in Europe?
There’s no bad time to go skiing or snowboarding! But here are some general rules to follow when you are looking to book a ski holiday:
- If you don't have children, skip the busy, pricey school holidays
- If you’re on a budget, look at booking off-peak weeks, i.e., not the kids' school holidays.
- If you want off-piste, back-country skiing, powder hunters should probably avoid the last few weeks of the season. Temperatures will be rising and snow will be softer and slushy, less reliable.
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We’ve done some early season skiing and have been really lucky with the weather (mainly in Austria). I love to avoid the crowds.
Absolutely – I’m a big far of early and late, spring skiing. Some of the quietest pistes of the season!
Great tips on choosing when to go skiing. I’d probably book my trip for December or at the tail end in March for longer days and more sunshine.
Both great times. Early December is great for cheaper deals, just keep an eye on the snowfall. And I love March as it moves into spring skiing. Longer days and long sunny lunches are my jam!
I had a Christmas and New Year in the Austrian Alps one year and just loved it. Having grown up at a beach it was such a unique experience to spend this time in the snow. I’m looking forward to doing it again so thanks for the great information.
No problem. Christmas in the mountains is just magical! I also grew up on the coast by the beach. So I’ll never get over the magic of the snow either!
Great information for the best time to go skiing in Europe!
I think this was an informative post. I myself have given up on skiing as my knees and body can’t quite do it anymore, but I do love a good lodge, snowmobiles, and fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate moment. Do your kids or you prefer a particular slope compared to others in Europe?
Well they haven’t had the chance yet to ski many other resorts than our home resort here in La Plagne. I’m sure they’ll explore more when they get bigger!
For now, they always want to head to the snow park to play on the jumps and rails! I’m happier just cruising the blues!
After seeing the happy faces of your children, I also felt inspired to organize Christmas ski holidays for my family! Thanks for the inspiration and useful tips!
How exciting! Hope it helps with your inspiration and planning.
Thank you for sharing this information, it is very useful…. and it looks like such a beautiful place.
Really is beautiful, in winter and summer!
We are very lucky to live here.