Is April a good time to ski?

By James Hardiman
Published June 2025

It really depends on the location and weather patterns, but in general, April can offer a mixed bag when it comes to snow conditions.

However, we’ve seen an historic shift in the start and end dates of the season. The season often started in early December and ended in mid-April. The shift we now see is a season that starts mid-December and ends towards the end of April. If we take the last three years (as a memorable fact in most people’s minds) we can see evidence that is testament to this. In 2023 and 2024, The Alps experienced better snow fall in late March and April with powder and off piste conditions in Morzine-Avoriaz falling (in abundance) as late at April the 19th. In Tignes and La Plagne, the snow remained in excellent shape well past the resort closing date of May the 5th.

Tignes & Val d’Isère, May 5th 2024. Closing day but full ski area still open and fresh snow from the night before.

Things to consider:

1. Higher Elevations: If you're skiing or snowboarding in a mountain range, particularly those at higher elevations, April can actually be a great time for snow. While the base snow might have been accumulating since November or December, the warmer temperatures can lead to a snow that's more spring-like — a bit heavier, slushier, or “corn snow” (a term used for snow that has gone through a freeze-thaw cycle and becomes grainy, like the texture of corn kernels). This is great for people who like softer snow conditions.
   
   
2. Spring Snow: In April, you may get more sunny days, which means the snow can soften up during the day but still remain good in the early morning, particularly at higher altitudes. Some resorts are known for excellent spring skiing conditions, especially in places like Colorado or the French Alps, where late-season snowstorms can still add fresh powder to the slopes.
   
   
3. Resort Terrain: Some ski resorts have extensive snowmaking capabilities, so even if natural snow isn’t ideal in early spring, they can often keep the snow in good condition for skiing and snowboarding. The resorts at higher altitudes tend to have more consistent snow quality into April.
   
   
4. Energy and Water Use Concerns: As artificial snowmaking becomes more widespread, there are concerns about its environmental impact. Snowmaking requires significant amounts of water and energy, which may become unsustainable in areas experiencing droughts or water scarcity.

Advantages of Skiing in April:

1. Warmer days: The weather is better, the days are longer and temperatures are milder, so skiing is generally more comfortable, especially for children. This can be a big bonus if you prefer warmer conditions over icy hardpack snow. Which most of us generally do!
   
   
2. Softer Snow: Many resorts have softer, more forgiving snow in the afternoons, especially on groomed runs. This is great for intermediate skiers who want to enjoy smooth turns without the icy surfaces found in colder months.
   
   
3. Fewer People: Many people (especially the French) simply choose not to ski after March. As the sun warms up, you’ll find most French folk enjoying the beaches on the south coast and opting for swimwear rather than donning their salopettes. It’s great for us keen skiers as we get shorter lift queues and less crowded slopes.
   
   
4. Spring Snow (the off-piste phenomenon): is a term used for snow that has reformed in the sunshine, re-compacted itself (if that is a word!) and creates a smooth, almost velvety texture to the off-piste conditions which makes it easy for all users to ski, even on alpine skis and requires no special equipment to make more use of the wider (off-piste) ski area. It is often at its best on a sunny day, in the afternoon – which is common with April and, as inferred, will really expand your ski area.
   
   
5. End-of-Season Deals: Woop! Even better is that many operators offer discounts on holidays and resorts offer discounts on lift tickets, equipment rentals and lesson packages. See our April ski deals.
   
   
6. Artificial Snow: Artificial snow allows ski resorts to open earlier in the season and extend the season later into the year. It enables consistent coverage, can be made in 2C+ . It is also more dense than the real thing and thus provides a better base. It skis better than the real thing too, and modern designs of skis and boards, (and styles of skiing) have both adapted to artificial snow. The fine texture it creates when ‘scraped’ off hardpack – which tends to happen in busy periods – becomes easier to ski on as well, as it accumulates in a powdery form on pockets on the piste.
   

   “Artificial snow skis better than the real thing, too.” 

In summary

If you're flexible with snow conditions and you're skiing at a higher-altitude resort like la Plagne or Tignes or a northern resort like Morzine-Avoriaz, April can be a fantastic time to ski. You'll enjoy fewer crowds, warmer weather, and possibly better deals—just keep in mind the potential for variable snow conditions but don’t lose hope as artificial snow is better than the real thing in warmer temperatures.