At the end of a killer winter season across the Northern Hemisphere, many ski resorts are in the process of closing their ski runs and switching off the chairlifts. Some don’t have the snowfall to keep operating into the spring months; others are limited by laws around their leases, or simply can’t justify visitor numbers or cash flow in order to keep the lifts turning.
That’s not the case in Switzerland. Thanks to extensive recent snowfalls, many ski resorts in the country have extended their operating period, meaning that you can enjoy long laps and their famous après ski until well into May.
In Switzerland, you can expect bluebird skies, perfect groomers and perfect slopeside spots with rows of sun loungers and picnic benches for enjoying a cheese fondue or a mulled wine. Here’s a list of some of our top spots, and their relevant closing days – now all you need to do is pick your favourite…
1. Zermatt – closing 31st May, 2018
Want to ski some of the best terrain in Switzerland – 360km of piste, to be precise – while enjoying spectacular views of the Matterhorn? This is where you need to be.
2. Engelberg – closing 27th May, 2018
This spot is famous for the local Benedictine monastery, which was founded in 1120; but with classic Swiss architecture and a beautiful ski area, it’s also the perfect place for a culturally rich and unique ski holiday.
3. Andermatt – closing 21st May, 2018
Go beyond this charming little village to choose from several different ski areas, with something to suit everyone – adrenaline junkies and families included.
4. Engadin St. Moritz – closing 20th May, 2018
This luxury resort offers up four different ski areas with 88 slopes – and great snow to cover all of them, thanks to a combination of altitude and snow-making facilities. Foodies will be stoked about the 34 different restaurants on offer.
5. Adelboden – closing 6th May, 2018
One of the largest ski areas in Switzerland and also one of the hosts of the FIS Ski World Cup. Your ski pass will cover 210km of piste, and you’ll also get to enjoy the surrounding views of the glorious Bernese Oberland mountains.
6. Les Diablerets – closing 6th May, 2018
Three ski areas will cater for every level of skier, from beginner to advanced. A bucket list item is the Combe d’Audon run – 10km long, with 1650m of vertical, you can ride all the way down from the glacier.
7. Pontresina – closing 6th May, 2018
A popular holiday spot for many years – the first hotels here were built in the 19th century – this resort not only offers skiing and snowboarding but access to Europe’s highest mountain railway pass across the Bernina.
8. Silvaplana – closing 6th May, 2018
Silvaplana has the highest lying mountain station of the European alps, and the lake at the base of the lifts makes for some stunning scenery as you explore over 120km of runs.
9. Gstaad – closing 6th May, 2018
Here’s one for the shoppers. This chalet village offers up a shopping mile that, along with its luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants, attracts celebrities to this particular resort. Families will love staying in the nearby villages and skiing the beautiful slopes.
Find out more information about all of the above resorts – and more – by clicking here.
Have you been spring skiing in Switzerland?
