Second week of April - yes or no?

[FallenFigs]

Is there any skiing to be had the second week of April? Based on average year, not this year.

Ideally Alps where we can train it in.

Wondering whether to think about taking DC the second week of the Easter hols. Are there good resorts that have good non-skiing options, so if perhaps the skiing is higher, we can also spend some time locally.

Hoping for any advice.

There's definitely skiing to be had! I can only really speak for France but I've been to La Plagne, Les Arcs, Alpe D'Huez and Tignes several times at Easter. The latest was when we arrived April 13th. Still plenty of snow - obviously spring skiing. But, tbh, I can cope with a bit of ice in the morning and a bit of slush in the afternoon if it means I can sit on a terrace in the sun with an Aperol.

Downside though is that all those resorts are big and purpose built. So definitely not pretty and not a massive amount of non skiing options. Tignes has a pool and sledging etc. Aple D'Huez also has a pool - I think it might be an outdoors one but not 100% sure on that.

We're getting the train for the first time this year to Tignes. Only direct train you can get at the moment is if you book package through Travelski (who charter a Eurostar there and back once a week).

Also, Val Thorens is another snowsure option for April. Alpe D'Huez is possibly the only one a bit more risky because almost entire resort is south facing.

We did Val Thorens 13th-20th April in 2019 and it was fine. The resort further down the valley though was noticeably bare, so I'd say you have to stay high by that point. This season is not looking great though!

I’ve been to Val d’Isere at that time and Serre Chevalier twice. The latter doesn’t have much around it and we drove so don’t know about trains. Generally I much prefer late March / April, it’s not as busy and I love sitting outside in the sun. Downside is you have to go much higher and afternoons are slushy.

Thanks, was thinking Les Arcs 2000 or 1950 might be an option. Probs 1950. we did that a few years ago (earlier in season) and went by train.

Haven’t been to Tignes - not high on my list of places to go, but if needs must.

On the train, thanks @PickleSarnie for the Travelski tip. Direct is good, but last year we changed in Paris and that was quite doable too.

Happy to leave it late for accommodation but that risks expensive/full trains….

Oh is the Travelski overnight Friday to Saturday? So is that with cabins and couchette or chairs? Think we’d do daytime Eurostar + TGV

Yes, overnight Saturday and a day train back the next Saturday morning. Was supposed to be the other way around but got changed due to engineering works.

Just regular eurostar seats sadly. So I'm dreading it a bit because I'll be knackered but figure we don't need to ski on the first day. Just get our skis and passes and chill a bit. I figured that ski flights are usually at stupid o'clock which needs a 3am start. Then a hideous 4 hour bus transfer on the other end. At least this way I can get on a single train (other than the one to St P obvs but that's the station our local train goes into) and be able to get up and use the loo whenever I want!

May consider changing in Paris next year if the overnight eurostar is hideous!!

We ski the last few weeks of the season in Tignes every year, absolutely love it. Lovely and warm, a bit slushy but we like that too. We’ve even had a powder day on May 3rd before!

I would go to Tignes or VT for the best snow.

This year the snow is really bad in most areas. It last snowed were we live on December 23rd, and that was the only snow of the whole season so it’s not deep, so 3 weeks later it’s patchy. At 2100m yesterday there were patches on grass on show, and it was +9 and super sunny the last week so the snow cannons aren’t great either as too warm to stay. Some areas can be skiied still, but it’s really grainy and icy.

Its the same story across the alps.

If you want to go this year, I would suggest holding out for a last minute deal and seeing if there’s more snow the next 2 months.

Yes that’s what I’m thinking @Caspianberg . Wondering if I booked the train now, Eurostar and then TGV to Alps, then have a skiing and non-skiing destination lined up and decide last min.

Can I ask why Tignes over Les Arcs?
les Arcs 2000 and Tignes 2100.
However transfer time from train station much less to Les Arcs - 25 mins versus 60 mins.

Have a think about Vars/Risoul. Accessible by train and the snow is reliable into second week of April. I’ve been there at that time of year. You’ve got the town of Guillestre and the Vaubin fortifications at Mont Dauphin to visit.

Tignes has a glacier and is higher, the season starts earlier and last longer because of this. It also has excellent investment in snow making to make it as snow sure as possible.

les arcs is really easy to access from the train as the funicular is next door to the station.

Depends on what your after! And how the season goes snow wise. Les Arcs will probably be fine but Tignes snow will be better.

Also if it is sunny and warm Tignes I’d lovely with the Lac to sit by and have a drink!

I'd get the trains now and wait and see for accommodation. We've booked accommodation last-minute for April a number of times and there's been plenty of options. If skiing looks out, personally I'd get off the train at Albertville and transfer to Lake Annecy for your holiday! It's often glorious in April.