For those still undecided about where to ski this winter, Ski Safari has given the latest updates on snow conditions, availability and late-season savings across their programme. While many resorts in the Alps are already turning green, skiers willing to try somewhere different this spring are in for a snow-filled treat.
Spread across five countries, the destinations below offer superb skiing in March and April with great late-season snow records and high snowfall totals so far this winter.
Norway
Norway is in the midst of an unbelievable winter this season. The powder days have been plentiful and, with fewer people on the slopes than other destinations, the snow stays untracked for longer. Norway Product Manager Andy Hemingway says: “These three resorts are uncrowded even compared to other Norwegian resorts and are known for their late-season conditions. They all set the bar high for service levels too, from the food to the accommodation and the fantastic English-speaking ski schools.”
Gausta
- Recent snow: 22cm
- Forecasted snow: 56cm
Ski Safari’s newest resort, Gausta, is receiving all the praise from customers this winter for both the exceptional service and the high-quality snow. Considered one of Norway’s best-kept secrets, Gausta boasts quiet, snow-sure slopes and is open every day until 14 April. Late season is often the best time to ski the iconic Gaustatoppen mountain, visible from almost every corner of the resort and accessible via a unique train ride up through the mountain. During this time, the snow base is reliably deep, and skiers are more likely to encounter clear and calm weather.
Whether guests prefer the independence of a cosy cabin or the flawless service and fantastic facilities at the 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort, there is still availability throughout March and April, including over the Easter school holidays.
7 nights self-catered at the 3* Lake View Cabins from £1,070pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a 3 Bedroom Cabin, departing 7 April 2024. Price includes return flights to Oslo and train and private transfers. skisafari.com
Myrkdalen
- Recent snow: 32cm
- Forecasted snow: 23cm
For those prioritising snow conditions, choosing Norway’s snowiest resort is the safest bet. Situated in the heart of Norway’s west coast fjords, Myrkdalen is one of Europe’s snowiest resorts and this season is no different. This has earned the resort a well-deserved reputation for offering impeccable off-piste skiing in a vast backcountry. The pistes are characterised by their mellow, wide, and easily navigable nature, making Myrkdalen particularly suitable for a mixed group of beginners to early intermediates and experts. Myrkdalen is usually one of the last resorts in Norway to close and this winter is open until 30 April. So there’s plenty of time to secure some late-season turns.
7 nights Half Board at the 4* Myrkdalen Hotel from £990pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a Family Room, departing 7 April 2024. Price includes return flights to Bergen and shared transfers. skisafari.com
Norefjell
- Recent snow: 23cm
- Forecasted snow: 73cm
This secluded resort is a Ski Safari team favourite for untracked powder. A small bed base and strong snow record means that skiers and snowboarders can enjoy fresh tracks all day long. After impressing last winter with constant snowfall in March and April, Norefjell has continued the trend this year, receiving more snow already than the whole of last season. Similar to Gausta and Myrkdalen, the marked runs in Norefjell cater more towards the beginner and early-intermediate levels, but the off-piste is surprisingly good and very easy to access just off the pistes. Beyond the snow quality, the appeal of Norefjell lies in its tranquillity. The majority of accommodations are situated at the excellent 4*+ Norefjell Ski & Spa, and even when fully booked, the slopes remain remarkably quiet. Ski Safari enthusiasts will appreciate the combination of excellent snow conditions and the serene atmosphere that Norefjell offers.
7 nights Half Board at the 4*+ Norefjell Ski & Spa from £1,115pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a 2 Bedroom Suite, departing 7 April 2024. Price includes return flights to Bergen and shared transfers. skisafari.com
PHOTO: Niseko © Jacqui Skoyles
Japan
For the deepest snowpacks in the world, head east. Japan’s resorts are once again buried in metres of snow with bases over three metres and snowfall over 13 metres in places! Japan Product Manager Andy Knights says: “You might think it’s too late to book a Japan ski holiday this winter, but availability is still good in early March, my favourite time to visit.”
Niseko
- Recent snow: 10cm
- Forecasted snow: 39cm
Niseko is Japan’s most famous resort for good reason. Snow aside, the quality and quantity of the accommodation, restaurants, bars and facilities compete with any resort in the world. But snow is why skiers and snowboarders flock here… It has snowed almost every day since 11 December, total snowfall at the base is sitting at 783cm and there’s significantly more on the mountain where the snow depth is over three metres in places. Niseko regularly receives three metres of snowfall in February and over a metre in the first week of March, so guests don’t need to worry about missing the peak powder season (and they can benefit from lower rates towards the end of it!). The resort tends to quieten down by early March and weather conditions are usually more stable too. Plus, it’s a brilliant time to visit Tokyo on the way home.
10 nights B&B at the 4* The Green Leaf from £3,020pp based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Twin, departing 01 March 2024. Price includes return flights to Tokyo and shared transfers. skisafari.com
Canada
It’s fair to say that Canada had a slow first half of the season for snow, but conditions have improved significantly in February and March is often one of the snowiest months. Canada Product Manager Rupert Hatfield says: “Resorts in Canada are so snow-sure that many stay open into May, and you’ll often find the Ski Safari team out on the slopes in April when the days are long and sunny.”
Banff
- Recent snow: 1cm
- Forecasted snow: 15cm
April (aka ‘the secret month’) is when Banff locals come out to play, enjoying long, sunny days on empty, snowy slopes… and with typical Canadian spirit, they’d love for others to join them! There are plenty of savings to be found in April 2024, including on accommodation, lift passes and rentals, plus kids ski and rent free – even over the Easter school holidays. 13+ hours of daylight, comfortable temperatures just below zero and as much as two metres of snowfall in March and April produce some of the best spring skiing conditions in the world. So good in fact, that one of the three resorts is open right through to 20 May this season. The SkiBig3 lift pass provides access to all 3,358 acres at Sunshine Village, plus 4,200 at Lake Louise and 190 at Mt Norquay – where Alberta’s longest and fastest tube park is also included.
8 nights room only at the 3* Banff Inn from £1,915pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a Standard Room, departing 01 April 2024. Price includes return flights to Calgary and shared transfers. skisafari.com
USA
It’s another epic winter in the USA, where a whole host of resorts are on track to pass the 10 metre mark for snowfall by the end of February. USA Product Manager Rupert Hatfield says: “If you’re in the market for a last-minute powder fix, the resorts below offer the most availability and best value in March.”
Mammoth Mountain
- Recent snow: 89cm
- Forecasted snow: 50cm
It’s rare for Mammoth in California not to feature when discussing the snowiest resorts. This renowned powder destination is currently experiencing another remarkable winter, boasting well over five metres of total snowfall, with more than half of that occurring in February. Availability is still good throughout March when the sun is sure to be shining for some classic bluebird days, and it’s a great time to add a city stay in Los Angeles or Las Vegas too!
7 nights room only at the 3* Mammoth Mountain Inn from £2,225pp based on 2 adults sharing a Queen Queen Hotel Room, departing 8 March 2024. Price includes return flights to LA, car hire and lift pass. skisafari.com
Snowbird
- Recent snow: 64cm
- Forecasted snow: 33cm
Another US resort famed for its consistent powder, Snowbird in Utah is reporting a huge nine and a half metres of snowfall this winter and it just keeps snowing. For those who believe they’ve experienced powder skiing but haven’t yet sampled the trademarked ‘Greatest Snow on Earth®,’ they are missing out. The science doesn’t lie. Beyond Snowbird’s deep snow and expansive terrain, visitors will be pleased to know that their lift ticket is also valid at neighbouring resorts of Alta, Brighton and Solitude. They’re all a 20-30 minute drive from the 4* Hyatt Place Cottonwood, as is downtown Salt Lake City for a break from the powder.
7 nights B&B at the 4* Hyatt Place Cottonwood from £2,655pp based on 2 adults sharing a Standard Guest Room, departing 11 March 2024. Price includes return flights to Salt Lake City and car hire. skisafari.com
Switzerland
While conditions in the Alps have been a mixed bag this winter, ski resorts in Switzerland appear to have missed the worst of it – especially those with high-altitude skiing. Switzerland Product Manager Andy Knights says: “Switzerland is one of our favourite countries for Easter and spring conditions as the snow tends to stay in great shape. Plus, it’s the quietest time to visit!”
Laax
- Recent snow: 22cm
- Forecasted snow: 20cm
You would be hard-pressed to find a better Easter resort than Laax. The slopeside accommodation offers superb convenience, the ski school is world-class, and there’s plenty to do off the slopes. The resort has already received more snow than the whole of last season, including 22cm in the past week, and often receives up to a metre in March. With much of the terrain sitting above 2,000 metres, it’s reliably snow-sure, and it’s easy to access the whole ski area with a well-planned, impressively modern lift system.
7 nights self-catered at the 4*+ Peaks Place from £1,005pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a 2 Bedroom Apartment – Classic, departing 31 March 2024. Price includes return flights to Zurich and train transfers. skisafari.com
Zermatt
- Recent snow: 0cm
- Forecasted snow: 8cm
For those wanting to be sure they’ve not left it too late to ski, why not choose a resort that’s open year-round? Zermatt offers 365 days of skiing – although as fun as it is to ski the glacier, it is best to visit before the end of April when most of the lifts close for summer. Spring is a brilliant time to ski in Zermatt, when the higher chance of blue skies means even more impressive views of the iconic Matterhorn. There are few better backdrops for envy-creating photos and videos. After regular snow throughout February, Zermatt is just shy of its average annual snowfall and there’s plenty more season to come!
7 nights B&B at the 4*+ Hotel Alpenhof from £2,415pp based on 2 adults sharing a Design Double, departing 31 March 2024. Price includes return flights to Zurich and train transfers. skisafari.com
Categories: America, Canada, Holiday News & Special Offers, Holiday Offers, Japan, News, Resort News & Reports, Switzerland