Just because much of the world is welcoming spring doesn’t mean you have to, as these are the best destinations for skiing in April around the world.
These destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America are home to the best ski resorts that are always open in April, so you can continue your winter fun!
What to Know about Going Skiing in April
April is the beginning of spring, so of course, not all destinations will have peak snow at that time. We have picked the best skiing destinations in April that usually still have snow. Make sure to check the conditions before planning your trip. Because while these are the best places for April skiing, the weather can vary from year to year.
Resorts in destinations like Austria, Colorado, Canada, and France are safe bets because of their high altitudes, as higher slopes remain skiable. Going in April can be ideal if you’re new to skiing as well! In April the weather is less intense, the snow is softer, and the slopes are less busy.
With Easter, kids may have off school, which is the perfect excuse to go on a family ski trip! Or if you don’t have kids (or don’t want to be around them), you can plan to go when the holiday is over.
In our list, you’ll find the best places to ski in April as well as some of the best ski resorts for April, with something for everyone – including families, couples, friends, and even colleagues! A ski trip sounds like a great idea for a business retreat, right?
We’ve put together some of the most epic resorts offering high-altitude runs, amazing Spring festivals, luxurious accommodations, and more.
Or, if you don’t want to plan it all yourself, you can also book skiing in April packages to destinations all over the world. These are great for busy people who want to spend less time planning and more time enjoying!
Best Destinations for Skiing in April in Europe
Europe is home to some of the world’s highest and largest spring skiing destinations. Here, we cover the best mountains and resorts for April skiing in Europe, including Austria, Sweden, France, and Switzerland.
Obergurgl, Austria (Altitude: 3,030 meters)
With an altitude peaking at 3,030 meters, Obergurgl is still fresh with snow in April. Known as the “Diamond of the Alps,” the slopes are well maintained and provide sweeping Alpine views.
The ski area is also ideal for families with children, as kids can learn to ski here and enjoy the Winter Playground. The resort also offers yoga classes to pair with your skiing adventure to warm your body and prepare it for more winter adventures.
Sölden, Austria (Altitude: 3,340 meters)
With altitudes ranging from 1,350 to 3,340 meters, you’re bound to find yourself gliding along snowy, maintained pistes. The resort at Sölden is also home to two glacier ski areas, which you can connect by the sky tunnel or regular ski lift. Both glaciers serve a variety of levels. Tiefenbach Glacier boasts flatter terrain ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers, while Rettenbach Glacier serves steep black and red diamond slopes for thrill seekers.
Plus, if you love electronic music festivals, this ski area has just what you need! The annual Electronic Mountain Festival in early April, where you can bounce to the beats on a snow-covered dance floor.
Åre, Sweden (Altitude: 1,427 meters)
Aside from being able to go skiing in April, one of the benefits of skiing at the Åre Resort is the long daylight hours. This is especially true in a country known for hours of darkness, making this a great time to visit in general!
In April, the sun still sets at about 7:30 PM, meaning you can bask in the sun all day. The resort offers opportunities to enjoy various activities on the slopes, from cross-country skiing to speeding downhill. And off the slopes, you can try your shot at ice climbing or relax by the fire sipping tea after a long day.
With two areas ideal for family and children, Åre Björnen and Tegefjäll, there’s plenty of space and activities to explore together.
Tignes, France (Altitude: 3,456 meters)
Open until the start of May, Tignes is one of the best places for skiing in April in Europe. It’s also a part of the 3 famous valleys (including Val Thorens and Val d’Isere). The over 90 square mile ski area has a peak altitude of 3,456 meters, where the Grande Motte glacier cable car station drops-off. Yep, you’ll spend most of your time skiing on a glacier!
The weather is also notably warm, so you might find slushier snow on the lower slopes. One of the top benefits of coming here in April is that it’s less busy (and quieter) on the slopes. Meaning you can immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery.
Val Thorens, France (Altitude: 2,300 meters)
Going skiing in Val Thorens in April is perfect to enjoy powdery snow, long days, warm sunshine, and quiet(er) slopes. Plus, you can enjoy gliding down pistes free of ice! If only I had a dollar for every time I slipped on ice growing up…anyways! Being a part of the 3 valleys, with Tignes and Val d’Isere, you can also explore the other valleys of ski resorts open in April.
The resort also offers a high-end spa, ideal for unwinding and warming up after skiing in Europe in April. Plus, with the season’s end ringing in, you can expect stellar end-of-season parties and events.
Val d’Isere, France (Altitude: 3,456 meters)
One of the best reasons to come to Val d’Isere to ski is the many North-facing mountains, as South-facing slopes tend to get on the softer side come afternoon. Plus, over half of the slopes are above 2,500 meters. After you’ve finished skiing, you can further enjoy the warmer weather at resort restaurants, with comfortable terraces providing mountain views, hearty food, and cold beers.
There’s also a variety of unique non-skiing activities here, including airboarding, moon biking, and paragliding. And, of course, with the spring season ringing in, there are many festivals and events to enjoy off the slopes!
La Plagne, France (Altitude: 3,417 meters)
Like many resorts with the best spring skiing in Europe, La Plagne offers long daylight hours, bright skies, and events. As the weather warms, expect some potential slush on the South-facing and lower slopes. But not to worry—the higher slopes are still ideal for skiing!
La Plange is also home to the world’s longest Super Slalom at the end of April. Here, professionals and amateurs compete on a 2.4-mile track, zooming through 320 gates. It’s an awesome spectacle, and not to mention there is a live DJ, food, drinks, and more!
Zermatt, Switzerland (Altitude: 3,899 meters)
While the ski season doesn’t actually have an end date (you can ski all year long!), many lifts officially close here in mid-late April. In this case, it’s ideal that you book your Zermatt ski vacation earlier rather than later. Throughout the year, though, you can take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car all the way to 3883 meters, making it the highest mountain cable car station in Europe!
You can also find some of the coolest experiences for highly experienced skiers in Zermatt, such as free-riding or even getting dropped off on 4000-meter peaks by helicopter. Some of the best resorts for April skiing are around here.
The village of Zermatt is also super charming, with no cars and more natural scenery. Not to mention the iconic Matterhorn Mountain?! This is your sign if you want to kill two birds with one stone, including experiencing the famous mountain and skiing in April here.
Best Destinations for Skiing in April in USA & Canada
Just like in skiing in April in Europe, you can enjoy sunny skies, warmer weather, and fewer lines skiing in April in the USA in Canada. So, if you’re from North America and can’t afford to get to Europe or want to witness the spectacular beauty of North American skiing resorts, these are the best destinations for skiing in April!
Whistler, Canada (Altitude: 2,182 meters)
For skiing in April in Whistler, the best time to hit the slopes is early in the month, because in mid-April, the route to the village isn’t so white anymore. That said, April does get a few powder days, so you might get lucky even later in the month!
If you love backcountry skiing, April is one of the best times to do it in Whistler because of the snow conditions and sunny views. For after-ski relaxation, the many restaurants offer patio seating (many positioned for maximum sun exposure!), perfect for hanging out with friends and taking in the Spring warmth.
Mammoth, USA (Altitude: 3,371 meters)
Located in California’s Eastern Sierras, Mammoth is one of the sunniest places to go skiing in the USA almost year round. But skiing in April brings a few more things to be cautious of, because the sun will be stronger, so be sure to bring good sunscreen and even goggles to protect your eyes.
With a skiing area of about 15 square miles and 60 miles of marked slopes, the options are seemingly endless and Mammoth has had snow into May many times. It’s the perfect destination on a California road trip!
Another reason to hit the slopes at Mammoth is the annual Spring Festival at the end of April. So, if you want to ski and indulge in the festivities, come then! Note that if you plan to come after mid-April, many resorts may already be closed, so plan ahead for accommodations!
Banff National Park (Altitude: 3,961 meters)
Aside from being a bucket list destination for nature enthusiasts, Banff National Park is also one of the best places for April skiing in North America. Skiing in Banff National Park will treat you to about 9 square miles of ski areas and epic views of jagged, snow-capped mountains.
Also famous for its wildlife; you might even see mammals such as elk. After a morning of skiing, you can try out fat tire biking or hiking around the park or some of the stunning lakes, since the daylight hours are longer and the weather warmer.
Lastly, another reason to visit is the MANY events held throughout April in Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort, which are some of the best places to ski in April, including concerts, festivals, and even children’s events.
Breckenridge, Colorado (Altitude: 2,182 meters)
With five peaks and over four square miles of ski areas, Breckenridge is one of the best places for USA skiing in April. There’s much softer snow in April; it’s the perfect time for beginners to embrace the slopes. With that said, expert skiers can enjoy the slopes as well!
Aside from skiing in April, Breckenridge offers unique activities such as fly-fishing and mine tours. You can embrace all adventurous sides of this amazing destination.
Breckenridge also offers an airport shuttle to make your trip easier (psst, you don’t have to rent a car!). Just grab the shuttle from Denver airport. You also won’t need to worry about getting around, as the town itself is quite walkable.
Snowbird, Utah (Altitude: 3,352 meters)
Conveniently located about 30 miles from Salt Lake City Airport, Snowbird is an easily accessible USA Spring skiing destination. With almost four square miles of ski areas, 140 runs, and Utah’s only aerial tram, there’s no shortage of places your skis can go! For advanced and expert skiiers looking to up their skills, you can even sign up for a sit-skiing camp.
For Après skiing fun, Snowbird hosts a Spring concert series, so you can jam and groove all month long. Want to enjoy some relaxation before you say goodbye to the slopes? Visit the Cliff Spa to indulge in massages, yoga classes, and more, surrounded by mountain views.
Best Destinations for Skiing in April in Asia
With so many articles on spring skiing mentioning North American and European destinations, we had to include one in Asia!
Niseko, Japan (Altitude: 1,308 meters)
Skiing in April in Niseko isn’t just an opportunity to experience skiing in the Land of the Rising Sun, but also to make a Japan vacation out of it (if you haven’t been yet!).
Located in Hokkaido in Northern Japan, a colorful spring always blossoms in Niseko, but you’ll still find white slopes! There are about 25 square miles of skiing areas and four different resorts to stay at. Plus, considering a trip to Japan is costly, you know…with all the ramen you’ll eat and souvenirs you’ll buy – this is also the ideal time to come as skiing rates will be less than during the high season.
You can also enjoy some other adventurous activities in the spring season, such as white water rafting and ziplining!
We hope this was a helpful guide to the best places to ski in April! Let us know in the comments below which destination you chose.
