Easter falls on the 12th of April this year, not especially late or early, but late enough to warrant the question where is best for snow towards the end of the season? Check out our recommendations for the top 5 ski resorts for Easter 2020.
The top 5 ski resorts for Easter 2020
French Alpes
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe, lying at a lofty 2300m. It is a part of the massive Trois Vallees region, covering a whopping 600km ski area. It is unlikely you will run out of ski runs to try in a week! This resort welcomes all levels of skiers from beginners to expert.
There are so many accommodation options to choose from. If you are skiing with young children and want a stylish modern luxury stay whilst the kids are happy too Hotel Altapura should hit the spot. The hotel has a play room and Kids concierge and a ski in ski out location. Plus 3 gourmet restaurants in the hotel everyone should be well catered for.
Nearest airport: Chambéry, 90 minutes (122km), Geneva, two hours, 30mins (200km).
Nearest train station: Moûtiers 45 minutes (37km). A regular shuttle bus runs from the train station to Les Menuires and Val Thorens.
Val D’Isere
Val D’Isere is as much famous for its off piste life as it is on. With slopes open until early May, skiing is guaranteed at Easter. Another giant ski area covering 300km and 78 lifts it is one of the older prettier resort with a traditional heritage. Its often know as a destination for experts, however beginners and intermediates should not be put off. This is a family friendly resort with dozens of red and blue graded slopes covering hundreds or kilometres.
Hotel Le Blizzard is situated right in the heart of town, minutes from everything. Including lifts with a restaurant attracting top reviews. Hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours sits in a spectacular location at the foot of the notorious La Face black run. You can relax in the extensive spa, float the days aches and pains away in the indoor pool or even use the hotel’s own bowling alley.
Nearest airport: Chambéry, 120 minutes (145km); Geneva, 170 minutes (223km).
Nearest station: Bourg-St-Maurice, 40 minutes (30km). Regular buses run from the station.
Switzerland
Verbier
Not only can you go skiing in April in Verbier, you might rub shoulders with royalty and celebrities. Definitely a resort to party in, or simply ski hard and relax in style. With an impressive 410km of slopes. You are unlikely to ski the same run twice if you want to try a different route everyday. The views are impressive, this is big sky country, with vistas as far as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Verbier has invested in extensive snowmaking machines, so combined with the high altitude you can book with confidence early and late in the season. I would suggest this is not a beginner’s resort. With the beginners slopes practically cut off from the rest of the resort making meeting up within groups and families more time consuming than other resorts.
Hotel La Cordee Les Alpes is in a great location, just set back from the centre of town in a quiet road. Complimentary shuttles take you to and from the slopes. The rooms are luxuriously furnished, the hotel has a stylish bar and highly acclaimed restaurant. I can’t write about Verbier and not mention the incredibly cool W Hotel. Set right in the heart of the village and opposite the Medron gondola. Sip cocktails at the expansive bar or luxuriate in your generously sized room gazing at the mountains through floor to ceiling glass walls.
Nearest airport: Geneva, two hours (161km), has a vast choice of flights from the UK. Sion, one hour (55km).
Nearest station: Martigny (28km, 32 minutes) taking the Eurostar Ski Train and changing at Geneva.
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada has the longest ski season in North America. Open until the end of May, you could even have a ski holiday as your early summer break. There are 200 ski runs across two mountains. Every level of skier is welcome and accommodated here.Beginner intermediate and advanced can ski to their hearts content. Whistler has outstanding dining and apres ski life too. There are lively bars and sophisticated restaurants, you may go home exhausted but you won’t go disappointed. The accommodation choices are extensive ranging from the iconic ski in ski out Fairmont Chateau Whistler located at the base of Blackcomb mountain. To the Delta Whistler Village suites offering condominium style suites including kitchens and lounges.
Nearest Airport Vancouver Direct Flights approximate flight time 9.5 hours. Distance to resort 136km, approximate transfer time 2.25 hours.
Banff, Alberta Canada
The great ski location of Banff in Alberta Canada is described by many as one of a kind, a jaw dropping stunning resort set in a national park. It is made up by 3 ski areas; Sunshine village, where you will probably spend most of your holiday. Mount Norquay and slightly further afield Lake Louise, all 3 areas easily accessible via the tri area lift ticket using the complimentary shuttle bus from town. This is a town with a longstanding traditional mountain heritage whilst still remaining current and modern.
Dining out is easy with a wide cross section of restaurants and the après ski is lively. We would recommend staying in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, at first sight you may think your flight got diverted and you’ve ended up in a Scottish Castle! It you want luxury and every service you would expect from a 5-star hotel, then you won’t be disappointed. Nor will the kids!
Nearest Airport Calgary Direct Flights approximate flight time 8 hours 55 minutes. Distance to resort 146 km, approximate transfer time 1 hour 35 minutes.
Contact us to find out more about booking your bespoke holiday with Berry Travel.
