Poster: A snowHead
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Just got back from a great trip to the Monte Rosa, where we did some fun off-piste skiing in copious fresh snow. I have another ski holiday planned for the week from April 5 and would think to go back there, but I think it's probably too late in the season for Italy, so I'm looking for recommendations for places with good off-piste which have a good chance of decent snow in early April. I've never skied in April before in Europe, and the last couple of trips I've made in March have been rather warm, to say the least. Is early April really viable?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I would think somewhere which did not get layer of sugar snow in December. The weak layer near the base seems well bridged in moat places now, but when snowpack thins that time of year it will certainly be an issue. But you need somewhere high and north facing so I don't know where that place will be
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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http://www.arcticheliskiing.com or similar. Failing that, wait to see where is best ie do a last minute. Easter school hols are late so last minute should be OK.
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If you're looking for late season snow, inspiring off piste, long sunny days, sugary spring snow or late season powder, how about driving north ? Scotland's weather is driest and sunniest in April and May, the skiing will be extensive but the slopes will be quiet and the rocks have all been deeply buried by snow this season so won't be poking their noses out of the snow until mid-Summer.
This season's Spring skiing in Scotland is likely to be amongst the best ever and comparing my own sample of 10 Easter weeks in France, Austria and Italy (and one in Vermont), I know that Spring snow in Scotland is almost always better i.e. its snow consistency and stability is good all day rather than just 9 am-12 pm.
So if you've got the spirit for a road trip adventure and can tolerate a few rough edges, this is probably the year to go for it.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I skied Gressonney in May last year - so no problem there!
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I'd make it a last minute decision - and bear in mind that last year's end of season conditions were exceptional.
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Cervinia and Zermatt are superb around that time of year (Cervinia for more reasonable prices). Loads of snow, often fresh, and lovely weather
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J2R, I've had fresh snow every year bar one skiing late march/early April, been to la tania for years from 2006 and Stuben in more recent years
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Had powder for about 10 years out of the last 13 in Mayrhofen in Easter week.
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I have experienced excellent powder skiing in early to mid-april in:
Mayrhofen/Zillertal
Chamonix Valley
Zermatt
Banff/Lake Louise
St Anton
La Plagne
Les Arcs
St Foy
Tignes/Val D'Isere
Whistler
Flaine
Courchevel
It really is one of the best times of the year to go skiing. You usually experience some wonderful conditions. Check out historical depth records for snow bases. You need somewhere high, with north facing slopes - to guarantee good snow. I have experienced amazing off-piste powder conditions up to 19th April - that's when my holidays finish!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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JimboS, so...anytime between mid March and late April? I struggle to see how that helps...
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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J2R, I'm confused Mont Rosa Gran Paradiso is an area where I know guides go to in April for ski touring as it's so high and conditions are always good.
In fact we're thinking of a few days over there back end of March along with some friends and a guide, if needs must
This is a link to a cracking image of the mountains in the Gran Paradiso (will not put it on here as it is so big)
http://images.summitpost.org/original/699593.jpg
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under a new name wrote: |
JimboS, so...anytime between mid March and late April? I struggle to see how that helps... |
OK Easter school holidays for the last 13 years, either the first or second week of April, don't be a dick.
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You know it makes sense.
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Still a fantastic time for Cervinia - See you there from 2 to 10 April.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I am surprised nobody has yet mentioned the Snowheads EOSB (end of season bash) in Val Thorens starting 19th April. Val Thorens is, I believe, the highest resort in the Alps and thus a standard place to go very late in the season. Groups within the holiday normally club together to do guided days.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Fri 21-02-14 10:35; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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snowball, the OP did say early April though.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hells Bells, the resort is still the one most commonly suggested as snow-sure late season, being the highest ski village in Europe at 2,300 metres. That is why the EOSB always goes there.
I skied in Scotland on 19th MAY last year (I think it was the last time the ski lifts were open) but you can't rely on adequate snow up there - you may get it or you may not. (Mind you, I gather this year is exceptional so far).
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Quote: |
If you're looking for late season snow, inspiring off piste, long sunny days, sugary spring snow or late season powder, how about driving north ? Scotland's weather is driest and sunniest in April and May, the skiing will be extensive but the slopes will be quiet and the rocks have all been deeply buried by snow this season so won't be poking their noses out of the snow until mid-Summer.
This season's Spring skiing in Scotland is likely to be amongst the best ever and comparing my own sample of 10 Easter weeks in France, Austria and Italy (and one in Vermont), I know that Spring snow in Scotland is almost always better i.e. its snow consistency and stability is good all day rather than just 9 am-12 pm.
So if you've got the spirit for a road trip adventure and can tolerate a few rough edges, this is probably the year to go for i
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Hilarious, and I'm from the Highlands, is there another Scotland without ice, wind etc...
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Well, whoopy-doo, you once had a PH postcode. But you live in the Alps. Enough said.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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snowball, not disputing that at all, but the OPs dates don't fit in with the bash. However, I've been in both Serre Chevalier and VT that week and had better snow in the lower resort.
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Quote: |
you can't rely on adequate snow up there - you may get it or you may not.
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you could say that of a huge range of the lower French and Austrian resorts, too - early April can be a terrific time to ski and you don't necessarily need to go somewhere high and expensive. But it makes sense to wait and see how the snow goes, especially as there is normally no shortage of accommodation in early April.
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pam w, I had been going to ski Scotland in late March last year but the snow had melted and there was no skiing available. (It came back later). March in the Alps is fairly snow sure, I'd say. Skiable snow in January or February in Scotland is just as chancy. However I still think Scotland is worth it, you just have to play it by ear.
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The snow in Gressoney was fantastic when we there and has got even better since, so I may even be tempted to go back there, if SkiQuinHat above managed good skiing in May. Cervinia is high up my list as well. Thanks everybody for the suggestions so far!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I'm off to Gressoney in 2 weeks time and am also going on trip with 2 sons on 5 April ....
Thinking High in France at moment - Val, Tignes, VT etc but don't plan on booking till back from Italy 22 March.
May go Swiss (Zermatt ideally) if I can get a deal.
Ski World have some half price deals to St Anton in April ..... very tempting but poor snow so far this season so might be a risk ...
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