Our blog:
Top 5 late season ski resorts - Switzerland
by Fraser Wilkin, 10 March 2015
When it comes to spring skiing Switzerland has more than its fair share of high altitude slopes.
Here are our top five late season ski resorts in Switzerland...
1. Saas-Fee
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Resort height: |
1800m |
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Slopes: |
1800-3500m |
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Pistes:
Closing: |
100km
19 April 2015 |
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The village in Saas-Fee gets no direct sunlight early in the season and has a reputation for extreme cold. However, the resort does have the highest average slope height in the Alps, as well as one of its best glaciers.
No surprise then that Saas-Fee really comes to life in spring, when the snow is super-reliable, yet temperatures are more tolerable.
Best for: Beginners and Intermediates
Looking for hotels in Saas-Fee? Click here
2. Zermatt
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Resort height: |
1620m |
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Slopes: |
1620-3820m |
(1525-3820m incl. Cervinia) |
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| Pistes: | 200km |
(350km incl. Cervinia)
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Closing: |
Gornergrat/Sunnegga - 19 April 2015 Klein Matterhorn - Open all year* |
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Photo: Lizzie Norton
Seasons can start slowly in Zermatt, thanks to its relatively dry climate and rocky terrain (some runs need several feet of packed snow to be operational).
The slopes are exceptionally high, however, with each sector topping 3000m, and the Klein Matterhorn boasting the highest piste in Europe.
This means that the snow that does fall tends to stick around and, towards the end of the season, Zermatt has few equals when it comes to the quantity or quality of high altitude skiing available.
Best for: Intermediates and Advanced
3. Andermatt
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Resort height: |
1445m |
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Slopes: |
1445-2965m |
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Pistes:
Closing: |
125km
26 April 2015 |
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With its famously snowy micro-climate and high north-facing bowls, Andermatt is an excellent bet at any time in the season, but is particularly good in spring.
Be warned, however, the Gemsstock is a serious mountain for serious skiers, and there is precious little scope for more cautious types. The gentler Nätschen area is lower and gets a lot of sun, so can deteriorate quickly in warm weather.
Best for: Experts with off-piste experience
Looking for hotels in Andermatt? Click here
4. Verbier
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Resort height: |
1500m |
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Slopes: |
1400-3330m |
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Pistes:
Closing: |
410km
26 April 2015 |
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Photo: Verbier St-Bernard
Verbier’s lower slopes get a lot of sun and conditions can be extremely variable later in the season.
Higher up, however, the snow is more reliable with plenty of north-facing terrain – particularly off-piste (if you know where to look).
In this respect Verbier can offer some exhilarating spring skiing, but it helps if you’re a good skier and a guide is highly recommended.
Best for: Experts with off-piste experience
Looking for hotels in Verbier? Click here
5. St Moritz
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Resort height: |
1770m |
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Slopes: |
1730-3305m |
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Pistes:
Closing: |
350km
Corvatsch - 3 May 2015 Diavolezza glacier - 25 May 2015 |
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Photo: swiss-image.ch/Sonderegger
Of the two main ski areas in St Moritz, the Corvatsch mountain is the place to be in spring.
Not only is Corvatsch higher than Corviglia (the other main mountain), it is also far shadier. Nearly all the slopes here face north, and hold their snow particularly well later in the season.
The Diavolezza glacier, south of St Moritz, is also good late in the season, but is much more limited in extent.
Best for: Confident intermediates
Looking for hotels in St Moritz? Click here
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