Five of the best holidays for late season skiing

If you think late season skiing is all about booking a quick late deal to Europe then think again. A late season skiing holiday doesn’t have to be a compromise on destination, and can be the best time to ski too.

Some of Ski Safari’s most inspiring resorts and aspirational holidays are best enjoyed in March and April. Enrich the overall holiday experience by selecting a single resort or a Ski Safari that takes you to several resorts, bringing together all the positives of late season skiing. Embrace longer daylight hours, where the lifts stay open later, enjoy the deep snow base and statistically sound late season snow record and benefit from quieter slopes and competitive prices on accommodation, lift passes and ski hire. In reality, later in the season can be one of the best times of the year to ski.

Aspen, USA

The consistently strong late season conditions in North American resorts take the edge off that worry about the snow conditions. Take Aspen Snowmass, for example, which records reliable April figures with just over 50cm falling on average ^†. Aspen is one of the most attractive resorts in Colorado, with the terrain split over 4 mountains on one lift pass and linked by an incredibly efficient shuttle bus system. Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands offer some of the more challenging skiing with some beautiful tree runs, Buttermilk is great for intermediates thanks to its wide cruisers, whilst Snowmass is the biggest of all four areas and has a range of terrain suited for all. Aspen prospered in the 18th century, thanks to the discovery of silver, and many of the most luxurious and rich in heritage accommodation can be found in Aspen town, such as the 5* Hotel Jerome, built at the height of Colorado’s silver mining boom and celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 062 or visit www.skisafari.com/Aspen.

Breckenridge, USA

If last season is anything to go by the US resort of Breckenridge is one of the safest bets for late season skiing. Thanks to the deep snow pack and terrific conditions last April, Breckenridge extended its season by an extra week and closed right at the end of month. Breckenridge is one of the UK’s favourite US ski holiday destinations and is famous for its great resort atmosphere, high altitude, bluebird days and snowsure terrain that suits just about everybody! What’s more April is classed as low season so skiers can make the most of the quiet slopes and favourable prices, with up to 30% off accommodation, lift pass reductions and flight sales.

Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com/Breckenridge

Banff, Canada

As North American resorts usually have longer seasons than their European counterpart, springtime in Banff is one of the best times to ski the Rockies – spring sees some of the best snowfall and avoids the cold snaps that can put some skiers offer this central Rockies area. From Banff you have three ski areas to explore; Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, which are all covered on the same lift pass and with the super-efficient shuttle bus to take you to the ski areas included too. Varied terrain, incredible snow with a long season, a fantastic resort town, great value accommodation and stunning scenery all make for a winning combination.

Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com/Banff.

Ski & Sun – Utah and San Diego

If springtime starts to awaken your thoughts of relaxing in the sunshine, but you still feel you haven’t yet fulfilled your winter fun on the slopes, then a Ski & Sun holiday offers the best of both worlds. Thanks to the favourable flight connections, the ski resorts of Park City and Canyons in Utah can make for a perfect combination with California’s San Diego. Explore the vast terrain and amazing spring snow conditions in Utah. Park City is one of the most popular place to stay as it offers the best value accommodation of the three ski areas, is the central point for all three ski mountains – Park City, Deer Valley and Canyons – and the Historic Main Street has a fantastic vibe with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. Swapping the mountain air and white snow for the sandy beaches and warm sunshine of San Diego opens up a whole host of different things to do, from taking a trolley bus tour through San Diego to relaxing on the sandy beaches

Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.comm/skiandsun.

Sweden: Åre & The Arctic Ski Safari

The best things come to those who wait and this is one trip you need to do later in the season. March is the best month to embark on a 10 night Åre and the Arctic adventure, combining the best skiing conditions and increased possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. This trip of a lifetime begins in Åre, Scandinavia’s premier mountain resort, where passionate winter sports enthusiasts can ease their way in gently with a few days skiing. After a couple of days take the overnight sleeper train 200km north of the Arctic circle to Riksgränsen, the world’s northernmost ski destination and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.  Inspiring scenery and incredible snow coupled with immense heli-skiing terrain, the size of Holland, pushes Riksgränsen to the top of the must-ski list. After heli-skiing, the next overnight adventure stop is at the original Swedish ICEHOTEL^®, where you can try a few new experiences such as ice sculpting, snowmobiling, ice carving or reindeer sledding.

Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 068 or visit www.skisafari.com/AreAndTheArctic.