YOUR GUIDE TO END OF SEASON SKIING

Although peak skiing season may be behind us, there’s still chance for you to get your fix of snow. But where should you go, and what do you need to pack for the warmer conditions? Here we cover everything you need to know to make the most of the end of the ski season.

The end of season is usually classed as anything from mid-march onwards in the ski world. However, in colder conditions, like those found in Nordic ski areas and some high-altitude European resorts, the snow tends to stick around and resorts can stay open as late mid-May. 

Whether you’re trying to sneak one last trip in before the season ends or are seeking to avoid peak times, there are so many reasons to give end of season skiing a go:

• Cost – As long as you manage to avoid the Easter holidays, skiing from late March onwards is generally classed as low season, which means you can get some incredible deals.

• Longer days – The later in the season you go, the more daylight you get, so if you’re looking to test the endurance of your ski legs, then a trip post-Easter should be on your bucket list.

• Quieter Lifts – Avoiding peak season means that the lifts are generally quieter, and thanks to those long days, the lifts stay open longer too, so it’s even easier to avoid long queues. 

• Better Weather – As the temperature starts to climb, conditions on the mountains generally become more favourable, allowing you to make the most of every day of your trip.

• Good for beginners – Warmer temperatures equal softer snow. This is great news for beginners as it makes learning to turn easier.

• Great après – There’s no danger of missing out on the fun just because you plan on travelling later in the season. Towards the end of the season is the perfect time to party on the piste, and many resorts put on events to mark the occasion. 

North America is incredible during the spring months. The weather has warmed up from the minus temperatures, and thanks to heavy snowfall at the beginning of the season, you won’t experience the same ‘patchy’ runs that can cause concern closer to home.

As for Europe, you’ll find Solden and Obergurgl in Austria are reliable late-season picks. Argentiere in the Chamonix region and Val d’Isere or Tignes are both solid choices in France, as all benefit from either high altitude or glaciers, which pretty much guarantee snow.

Although skiing later in the season is great for so many reasons, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. 

Firstly, the snow tends to get slushier as the sun warms up and more skiers join the fray. The cooler temperatures overnight tend to crisp up the snow again by morning, so for the best snow you need to set your alarm and get onto the slopes first thing. Trust us, the early mornings will be worth it as you’ll go home feeling like you’ve made the most of your holiday.

Skiing earlier also means that you can soak up the sun in the afternoon and eat lunch al fresco or explore the resort and the surrounding areas. You might want to give some of the other activities available a go. For those brave enough, this is the perfect time to take the plunge in an outdoor swimming pool and experience a new kind of exhilaration in the mountains.

There’s no denying that skiing and snowboarding are hard work, and even in the coldest conditions, you’re likely to start feeling warm by lunchtime. Throw the sun and a down jacket into the mix, and it won’t be long before you realise that you need a different approach for end of season skiing. So here are our tips to dress for the conditions…

1. ALWAYS WEAR A LIGHTWEIGHT BASE LAYER

In warmer conditions, it can be tempting to ditch your base layer for a t-shirt, but doing so is a mistake. That’s because base layers work just as well in warmer conditions as they do cooler ones. 

Whether you choose a merino, synthetic or blended base layer on warmer days, they help wick sweat away to keep you dry and comfortable while also preventing you from getting a chill later on in the day when it starts to cool down. 

Choose a top and pants designed for use in mild conditions with a high level of activity involved.

2. DWR COATED MID-LAYER OR HOODIE/SHELL JACKET

When skiing in the spring, there may still be a chill in the air when you first hit the slopes, but after a few runs, you’ll soon be peeling off the layers. That's why we recommend ditching your ski jacket in favour of a water-resistant mid-layer or shell jacket.

A shell jacket will provide a solid outer layer and offer protection from wind and moisture. Look out for high-quality GORE-TEX jackets for the best weather protection and enhanced breathability.

For more freedom of movement on the mountain, a mid-layer or hoodie with a water repellent coating will not only save the pennies, but will do a stellar job at adding a little warmth when the sun goes down and will prevent the slush from soaking through.

3. PACK A BUFF

Skiing in sunnier conditions is all about dressing for versatility, and the original Buff epitomises this ethos. You can start the day with it pulled up around your face to help protect you from the cooler conditions and spend the afternoon using it to protect your head from the sun as you soak up the après.  

For Spring, we recommend choosing a High UV Protection Buff that blocks 95% of UV rays and helps transport moisture away from your skin.

4. DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES

It goes without saying that you need to pack your goggles, but something you may not think of, especially if you’ve never skied at this time of year, is how much you’ll need your sunnies when out and about in the resort.

Goggles are great on the slopes, but you can’t wear them on the lunch terrace. So don’t forget to pack a pair! You’ll not only look the part, but you’ll reduce the glare from your pint glass.

5. PACK YOUR SUNSCREEN

We’ve all seen a skier with a painfully red nose because they’ve forgotten the sunscreen. And it’s no myth that the sun is even more intense in the mountains as it reflects off the snow. During the spring months, these effects are intensified, so you should apply SPF30 or higher at altitude and re-apply it regularly. We recommend taking a pocket-size tube as well as your regular sunscreen so that you can re-apply as needed on the slopes. You may also want to invest in a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips.