Last Days of Snow in the Alps: Is There Still Time to Enjoy It?

1 Apr

1. How Long Can You Still Find Snow in the Alps?

The duration of snow in the Alps depends on altitude and location. Generally:

❄️ Low-altitude areas (up to 1,500m) – Snow starts melting quickly by late February and early March.

❄️ Mid-altitude areas (1,500m to 2,500m) – It’s still possible to ski and enjoy winter activities until mid-April, depending on temperature and weather conditions.

❄️ High-altitude areas (above 2,500m) – Some high-mountain ski resorts remain open until May, ensuring longer-lasting snow.

2. Best Ski Resorts for the End of the Season

If you still want to enjoy the snow in the Alps, some locations are known for maintaining good skiing conditions until late in the season:

🏔️ Val Thorens (France) – The highest ski resort in Europe (2,300m), one of the last to close, usually operating until May.

🏔️ Zermatt (Switzerland) – With its ski area on the Matterhorn Glacier, it offers guaranteed snow well into spring and even summer.

🏔️ Sölden (Austria) – Known for its glaciers, it maintains excellent skiing conditions until late April.

🏔️ Cervinia (Italy) – Sharing slopes with Zermatt, this resort also benefits from high altitudes and snow until May.

🏔️ Stubai Glacier (Austria) – One of the largest skiable glaciers in the Alps, providing great snow conditions until late spring.

3. How Does Snow Change During the Seasonal Transition?

As temperatures rise, the snow conditions change:

🌞 Softer snow – Warmer temperatures make the snow heavier and wetter during the day, especially at lower altitudes.

🌙 Icy snow in the morning – Overnight cold temperatures can cause the snow to freeze, making the slopes more challenging early in the morning.

🎿 Best times to ski – The morning (until around 11 AM) usually offers the best conditions before the snow becomes too soft.

👕 Milder temperatures – Late-season skiing means less extreme cold, allowing for lighter clothing and more comfortable conditions.

4. Beyond Skiing: Other Ways to Enjoy the Snow

If you’re not a fan of skiing, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the snow:

🥾 Snow hiking – Many areas offer guided snowshoe hikes, a great way to explore the snow-covered mountains.

🛷 Sledding – Some resorts keep sledding runs open until the end of the season.

🚁 Helicopter tours – Seeing the snowy mountains from above is an unforgettable experience.

🧖‍♂️ Spas with snowy views – Alpine hotels and resorts offer wellness areas with outdoor thermal baths, allowing you to relax while admiring the snowy landscape.

5. Is It Worth Visiting the Alps at the End of the Season?

Absolutely! For those looking for good snow conditions without the peak-season crowds, this time of year can be ideal. Some advantages include:

✅ Fewer tourists – The crowds start to thin out, making the mountains more peaceful.

✅ Lower prices – Hotels, ski passes, and even restaurants often offer discounts at the end of the season.

✅ Longer days and milder temperatures – The sun stays out longer, and extreme cold is no longer an issue.

✅ A mix of landscapes – In some regions, you can witness a unique scene: snowy mountain peaks with blooming flowers in the valleys.

Conclusion: There’s Still Time to Enjoy the Snow!

If you still want to experience the magic of snow in the Alps, take advantage of the last weeks of the season! Even as winter comes to an end, there are still plenty of opportunities to ski, go snow hiking, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this seasonal transition.

📷 Have you ever visited the Alps at the end of winter? Share your experience in the comments!

Gerson Paulo