 Poster: A snowHead
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Snow-forecast website is showing a good dump across Grindelwald, Solden, St Anton and Ischgl.
Any recos for mid April skiing between 1st to 14th April. I am trying to keep Solden/Obergurgl as the final resort.
Any more suggestions. Would love to to do 2-3 resorts.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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1. Lech
2. St Moritz
3. Zermatt
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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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I know it has a great snowfall record most winters, but would Lech be slushy in April?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Aletsch Arena
Saas Fee
Andermatt
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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'd say go to Zermatt and also enjoy the Zermatt Unplugged music festival too (9th - 13th this year I think)
Funnily enough, whilst the town is quite busy for the festival it appears many go who don't ski so the slopes tend to be quiet and Zermatt often gets late season powder.
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Ischgl
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I am planning this --
19-24 Mar -> Grindelwald
24-31 Mar -> Ischgl
31 Mar - 7 Apr -> St Anton / Lech / Zurs
7 - 13 Apr -> Solden / Pitztal / Kaunertal
Will be driving by a car.
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| ankitind wrote: |
I am planning this --
7 - 13 Apr -> Solden / Pitztal / Kaunertal
Will be driving by a car. |
Not sure that makes sense, long long drives. The Pitztal and especially the Kaunertal Glaciers are at the end of long valleys. You would probably be better off staying in one spot. I would guess Kuhtai will still be open, it is pretty high and in the Ötztal.
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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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I might do 4 nights near Solden and 3 nights near Pitztal, or maybe all night near Solden. What do you recommend? Or maybe stay in Otztal city and make it my base. I dont mind driving 30-45 mins one side especially in 2nd week of April when days are long.
Though, i might end up staying 7 nights near Solden and only focus on Gurgl and Solden resorts. I think a 7 day pass alos gets you access to James Bond Elements.
Otherwise how is the snow conditions in first and second week of April in Austria especially in these resorts.
Snow-forecast was showing 5-10cm of fresh snow on 23rd and 24th March. But I understand weather changes fast and forecasting is unreliable.
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| ankitind wrote: |
| Though, i might end up staying 7 nights near Solden and only focus on Gurgl and Solden resorts. |
I think there's another couple of smaller resorts further down the Oetz valley as well: openskimap.org
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| I think a 7 day pass alos gets you access to James Bond Elements. |
It does! Got to some [spoiler alert] photos somewhere...
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
| I know it has a great snowfall record most winters, but would Lech be slushy in April? |
Yes. A lot.
Based on my personal experience in mid March. Twice
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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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I’ve been keeping an eye on these resorts, and it looks like the slopes should be in decent shape by the end of March since some snow is on the way. But the first couple of weeks in April seem a bit iffy—warmer weather could make conditions unpredictable.
What I don’t get, though, is why so many people say April is the best time to ski. I’ve seen it mentioned in forums like Snowheads, and it keeps coming up. Wouldn’t the snow be slushy by then? Doesn’t that make skiing harder?
Maybe I’m missing something. Is it because there are fewer crowds? Do some places still get fresh snow in April? Or is it just a different kind of experience that makes it special? Would love to hear from anyone who’s skied in April—what makes it so great?
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Longer days. Sunny. Wide open areas, pistes with perfect visibility.
Enough high areas in FR and CH to ski from early morning.
Less crowded, which is always a huge advantage security wise.
I've always went for Tarentaise ski resorts in mid April. Every time there was at least one snowy day. Nothing serious but it added to the fun.
If you only have one week to go skiing, maybe January is a better choice. But for 2+, April is good fun
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You know it makes sense.
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| Blackblade wrote: |
I'd say go to Zermatt and also enjoy the Zermatt Unplugged music festival too (9th - 13th this year I think)
Funnily enough, whilst the town is quite busy for the festival it appears many go who don't ski so the slopes tend to be quiet and Zermatt often gets late season powder. |
+1
We have done that a few times. Also staying in Sass Fee for the week with a night in Zermatt. Allows you to ski Zermatt for 1/2 days (more importantly to have an outstanding lunch on the mountain) and take in a concert.
Spring skiing is indeed fantastic, albeit you should be prepared to adapt your approach. Get up early and ski hard in the mornings (very hard pistes first thing are great for hard carving), followed by a long lunch in the sun and call it a day after that. Be happy to download (I am always amazed at the numbers who scoff at that even when the lower slopes are in terrible shape). On top of that there is all the ski touring and off-piste routes that are available to add some spice to your week.
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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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We did Zermatt in Jan, so want to do Austria now.
I am assuming slushy slopes are at the bottom mostly which you can avoid by taking Gondola back and spending most time above 2000m - good thing about Ischgl, Alberg and Solden. Is this correct assumption?
And why one has to stop early in the day after lunch. I thought longer days will give more hours for skiing, atleast on upper reaches.
We are intermediates, have never done off-piste so this year also we will stick to pistes.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I would check the different resort maps and altitudes on skiresort.info.
My personal experience and knowledge for week 2 or 3 of April will take me to France if you wish to ski for many hours and rather avoid slushy slopes, but do tell us how it all went.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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With Ischgl much of the skiing is above the gondola stations at about 2000m, there are some runs down to the gondola mid stations but the home runs below there are often not worth the effort especially for less confident skiers. One of the reasons it is generally good early & late season.
Arlberg, the runs just above the village in both St Anton & Lech are south facing and have a tendency to turn into piles of slush.
Much depends on conditions but a typical late season day has hard pistes (especially high up) first thing as a result of overnight below zero temperatures, as the temperatures rise especially if the sun is shining the pistes soften and become easy to ski (if you are lucky you might find a type of snow called "spring corn"), as the warming process goes on the snow conditions tend to deteriorate becoming lumpy and slush like which is not so nice to ski. Given this many folk get into a routine of starting early, working their way up the mountain as the snow softens, taking a late lunch with maybe a beer or three on a sunny terrace. If conditions are particularly gloopy it is often better to take a lift down as heavy soft snow can be a cause of accidents.
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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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@munich_irish, @drporat, @drporat,
After your suggestions - I’ve decided to change my plans and drop Arlberg from the itinerary.
Here’s my updated schedule:
• March 19-24 → Grindelwald (Booked)
• March 24-31 → Ischgl (Booked)
• March 31 - April 7 → ???
• April 7-13 → ???
I’m looking for recommendations for the first and second week of April—somewhere with plenty of skiing and minimal slush. I’m open to driving to France if needed. Right now, I’m considering Sölden / Obergurgl as one destination, and figuring out another destination since both have skiing above 2000m.
Unfortunately, I can’t change my Ischgl and Grindelwald bookings as they are non-refundable.
Would love to hear your thoughts! Any other resorts that would be ideal for good skiing conditions in early to mid-April?
I have already done 3Vallees and Zermatt, so looking at other resorts.
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Verbier and Engelberg in Switzerland. Val d’Isere/Tignes in France. Not a good snow year in Austria so far
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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 need to pick one resort in Switzerland to break up the drive between Ischgl and Tignes.
Between Saas Fee, St. Moritz, Engelberg, and Verbier, which one would you recommend?
Also, I’m planning to spend 7-8 days in Tignes (April 5-13)—would that be a safer bet for good skiing conditions?
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Never been to St Moritz so can’t comment on that. Of the others Engelberg or Saas Fee would be good for a weekend. Verbier better for a week
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@ankitind, I would say you are overthinking this. In April pretty much everywhere is likely to have soft snow & slush. Clearly higher is better and it is perfectly possible to have snow in April & May but spring skiing is different to skiing in January (longer amounts of daylight does not necessarily equate to much longer skiing days). Nothing wrong with Tignes (except the ugly tower blocks). I wouldnt go with St Moritz, not that high and it gets a lot of sun. I would have thought Verbier would be a good option though not sure how good the pistes will be (as opposed to itineraries & off piste). Another option might be Flims / Laax, only issue is still a long drive to Tignes
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@munich_irish,
Thanks so much for the suggestions! After doing some research, I’ve decided to play it safe and adjust my itinerary accordingly:
• March 19-24 → Grindelwald // (4 day ski)
• March 24-31 → Ischgl // (6 day ski)
• March 31 - April 4 → Saas Fee (3 day ski)
• April 4-13 → Val Claret (Tignes) (9 day ski)
This setup also helps cut down travel time, and based on recommendations from you and other members, Tignes and Saas Fee seem like the safer bets for good skiing conditions.
Really appreciate your insights—thanks again!
This also cut my travel times, and plus as other members have suggested Tignes and Saas Fee are the better bets
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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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| ankitind wrote: |
@munich_irish,
Thanks so much for the suggestions! After doing some research, I’ve decided to play it safe and adjust my itinerary accordingly:
• March 19-24 → Grindelwald // (4 day ski)
• March 24-31 → Ischgl // (6 day ski)
• March 31 - April 4 → Saas Fee (3 day ski)
• April 4-13 → Val Claret (Tignes) (9 day ski)
This setup also helps cut down travel time, and based on recommendations from you and other members, Tignes and Saas Fee seem like the safer bets for good skiing conditions.
Really appreciate your insights—thanks again!
This also cut my travel times, and plus as other members have suggested Tignes and Saas Fee are the better bets |
Nice mix. I’m biased as have a place in Verbier, but it’s usually great in April and on the way from Saas Fee to Tignes so if you don’t mind another changeover, I’d add a few days there and reduce a few days in Val Claret (Tignes has great high altitude skiing, but so does Verbier and it’s a much nicer place to hang out than Val Claret!!!)
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@BobinCH, Quick question—what’s the best village to stay in Verbier, especially in the second week of April? I was looking into Thyon, which stands at 2000m.
In terms of ski conditions (e.g., slush, snow retention, etc.), how does Verbier compare to Tignes around that time? Which would be the better option for good late-season skiing?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@ankitind, Thyon 2000 is quite far from Verbier, and lacks atmosphere. But then Quatres Vallees imo really is only a great resort for above intermediate skiers.
General remark for all of the Alps, but by chance my experience in Quatre Vallees some years ago: We had a week of slush over 2000 meters first week of April. My knees were sore for some weeks after that. 
Also: don't think Grindelwald really fits your requirements wrt slush.... Grindelwald is at just 1000 m, and there are no pistes at Jungfrau. Would choose Arlberg or Sölden instead.
Last edited by snowHeads are a friendly bunch. on Fri 14-03-25 17:26; edited 1 time in total
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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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@Langerzug, I saw weather forecast and it said there is good snow in Grindelwald. I will be in Grindelwald in 3rd week of March.
Me and my 10yr old son are confident red skiers and occasional do easy black ones. I like to think myself as Intermediate Beginners.
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| ankitind wrote: |
@Langerzug, I saw weather forecast and it said there is good snow in Grindelwald.
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this tells you nothing about slush.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Langerzug, gotcha.
Any suggestions, how do I figure this out?
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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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@Langerzug, he mentioned this morning that Grindelwald cannot be cancelled.
When life gives you lemons...
@ankitind, it is an iconic area with excellent views. Reach the Grindelwald terminal in order to take the panoramic gondola to Kleine Scheidegg, 2500 m in the morning should be awesome.
There is a lovely hike between the trees in First Bort area in case it will be too slushy.
From Grindelwald terminal you can take the gondola to Mannlichen, extraordinary views again. Other than skiing/sledging at that point, you can reach Wengen for a walk. It is a car free Swiss mountain village, take many photos.
So goes for Murren and the new gondola in Schilthorn area
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Poster: A snowHead
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| ankitind wrote: |
Any suggestions, how do I figure this out? |
We choose the week and the mountain. Then we adapt to whatever the mountain throws at us. Make our home lemonade and enjoy it to the last sip.
Lower pistes with southern/western orientation are usually quicker to close/get slushy.
But the area is iconic. You will want to return, probably in a futureJanuary
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@ankitind, snow + temperature x sunshine = slush 
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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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| ankitind wrote: |
@BobinCH, Quick question—what’s the best village to stay in Verbier, especially in the second week of April? I was looking into Thyon, which stands at 2000m.
In terms of ski conditions (e.g., slush, snow retention, etc.), how does Verbier compare to Tignes around that time? Which would be the better option for good late-season skiing? |
Stay in Verbier not Thyon. In April you will be doing most of your skiing between Ruinettes (2200m) and Mont Fort (3300m) if you like easy blacks  . You will also be able to ski to Nendaz and La Tzoumaz so lots of variety. If it is sunny you can ski the South facing slopes in the morning and move onto the North facing slopes in the afternoon. We also often get big snowfalls in April so you may get a nice powder day or 2. And while many of the runs in are north facing, Verbier sits in a sunny bowl so you will also be able to enjoy nice sunny terraces for a drinks break or lunch and a buzzing Swiss ski village in the evenings. Tignes skiing is at similar altitude. It has the benefit of a glacier going up to 3500m and excellent and varied piste skiing. But Val Claret is quite ugly and exposed compared to a nice chalet style village like Verbier. That’s why I suggest you try and fit in both.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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there are no easy blacks from Verbier to Nendaz, just ski-routes.
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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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As @zikomo suggested, I’d be happy to download for the valley runs or lower slopes and focus most of our time in the upper reaches.
I’ve also requested the hotel in Grindelwald to cancel my bookings—hopefully, they accept. If not, we’ll find the best way to manage our time.
Do you think the runs at Männlichen, Schilthorn, Eigergletscher, and Oberjoch will be slushy as well?
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Interested in this. Vic and fam will be in the vengabus driving back to UK (doing the factory relocation of a motorhome )
Was hoping to get some skiing in!
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I have heard that - "if off-piste is not your thing then Verbier should be discounted"
I haven't done off-pistes, and generally I stick to reds and blues, occasionally sometimes easy blacks.
Grindelwald booking can't be changed - so have to stick with it.
Is 4V/Verbier too advance for us? Should we stick to 9days in Tignes/EK or split them in 4V/EK?
I do understand, driving time will be reduced as we will be driving from Saas-Fee to Tignes and Verbier can be a good stopover.
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@ankitind, Verbier certainly favours strong skiers looking to the itineraries and off piste and if you need to choose one I would choose Tignes or Val D for piste cruising but there is still some nice piste skiing - M25, Jumbo, Lac des Vaux, Tortin piste, Plan de Fou red, Lac Tzoumaz blues that you could enjoy for 2 or 3 days to add some variety to your trip
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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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Spring skiing is very nuanced.
I’ve done St Moritz in 1st week of April. And the EOSB bash in 3V in third week of April. In both places, I heard people complain about the slushy snow. But those are the same people who go back year after year! Go figure.
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what makes it so great?
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Reality is, it’s only “great” for about an hour or two for any given segment of the piste.
There’s a “golden hour” for any section, when the sun had soften the snow but before it turns to slush. When you hit it right, it’s the next best thing shy of fresh powder! (It’s aptly called “poor man’s powder” )
So it isn’t just looking at the piste map and say we want to go to that mountain hut to have lunch NOW. There’s some art form in choosing when and where to ski within the same resort. Sometimes, even the left side of the piste skis differently than the right side of the piste! You just have to experiment to find the best snow condition as the day progress.
As a rule of thumb, you want to start on an east facing part of the mountain, move with the sun to the south, then west. If you can’t find a run in the right condition, go for some coffee, or lunch.
But depending on the elevation, there are often north facing slopes that stay soft all day long! (Or, on days when the sun doesn’t shine at all, you just have to slide on rock hard pistes all day long)
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Do some places still get fresh snow in April?
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Yes, sometimes.
If I’m visiting a large resort I’ve never been before, I’ve been known to pay for a short private instruction just to be shown the mountain and get some local knowledge of when to ski where.
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