Snow-sure resorts for Easter

25th February 2013, by Abi Butcher

Les Arcs in April — sunny and snow-sure

Guaranteeing snow for an Easter skiing holiday can be tricky, and although this year Easter comes early at the end of March, to be really sure of good conditions it’s best to head high.

Ski resorts such as Breckenridge (resort 2,925m, slopes 2,925-3,915m) in Colorado, Saas Fee (1,800m) in Switzerland, Cervinia (resort 2,050m, slopes 1,525-3,480m) in Italy, Sölden (resort 1,380m, slopes 1,350-3,250m) and Lech (resort 1,450m, slopes 1,075-2,650m) in Austria are great options.

In France, Val Thorens (resort 2,300m, slopes 1,260-3,230m), Tignes (resort 2,100m, slopes 1,550-3,455m) and Les Arcs (resort 1,600-2120m, slopes 1,200-3,225m) are among the very best snow-sure options — especially for families.

On average, Tignes has almost 20 per cent more snow on its upper slopes at Easter than at half term — 217cm as opposed to 182cm. Val Thorens has an average of 201cm on upper pistes during the first week of April, as opposed to 190cm in mid-February and Les Arcs has 20cm more — 212cm in early April, and 192cm at half term.

Another good reason to ski at Easter is the sun. Despite their height, these French resorts enjoy average highs of 9c and around five hours of sunshine a day, certainly a more attractive prospect for family skiing than chilly half term. And if you’re heading off with friends, après-ski is far more civilised when you can enjoy it wearing sunglasses. 

Easter is a great time for spring snow, but powder isn’t out of the question either. Both Les Arcs and Tignes average higher daily snowfalls at Easter than during February half term — an average of 4cm (instead of 3cm) in Les Arcs and 5cm (instead of 4cm) in Tignes.

Erna Low has some exclusive offers for readers of Where to Ski and Snowboard, including a saving of £1,159 on a three-bedroom mezzanine apartment sleeping eight to ten people in Arc 1950 for the week beginning 30 March and a discount of £150 per apartment in Hameau du Kashmir, Val Thorens for the week beginning 6 April.

Both offers are subject to availability; for more information visit ernalow.co.uk

• snow
• france
• tignes
• les arcs
• val thorens
• easter

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