THE JOURNAL
Photograph courtesy of The Alpina Gstaad
Spring might be in the air, but there’s still plenty of snow in the mountains. April isn’t the most obvious month to book a ski trip, but in the right locations, it can be the best part of the entire year, with late-season powder combining with mid-spring sunshine to create spectacular slope-side conditions. Not only that, but fewer skiers on the slopes and longer daylight hours mean shorter lift queues and more skiing time.
The trick comes in picking the right resort – and for that, you should be considering everything from the number of north-facing slopes and high-altitude lifts to the historic powder record and snow cannon coverage.
Fortunately, MR PORTER has done the leg work for you. Whether you’re keen to take advantage of late-season deals, or simply to squeeze in another weekend on your skis while you still can, here’s where to slope off to in style right now.
01. Andermatt, Switzerland
Photograph courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt
Andermatt sits in a perfect powder-hoarding pocket, at a meeting of valleys on the northern side of the Alps. Throw in a mammoth £1.2 billion redevelopment, linking the pretty resort to neighbouring villages via a spiderweb of lifts, and you can see why it’s become the late-season skiing destination of choice for the Swiss beau monde. The high altitude here (most of the slopes are between 2,000m and 3,000m above sea level) means lashings of spring snow, while the recent arrival of a remarkable five-star hotel, The Chedi, just ups the ante further.
Stay here: The Chedi Andermatt.
An intriguing blend of Asian and Alpine influences, the visually striking Chedi boasts a spectacular spa, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant.
Après ski here: Spycher bar.
An ideal spot for schnapps or post-piste pitchers outside in the Swiss sunshine.
02. Lech, Austria
Photograph courtesy of Hotel & Chalet Aurelio
From Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, royals have always adored Lech, and it’s easy to see why. A pretty Tyrolean town, it’s stuffed to the gunnels with discrete, world-class restaurants and reliable late-season powder. Excitingly, the entire Arlberg ski area – which also includes neighbouring St Anton – is now linked up and fully skiable from anywhere, thanks to the opening of the game-changing Flexenbahn lift.
Stay here: Hotel Aurelio.
One of the most exclusive hotels in the Alps, the ski-in, ski-out Aurelio was recently crowned World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel at the World Ski Awards.
Après ski here: The Bar Lounge at the Hotel Arlberg
The Bar Lounge at the Hotel Arlberg is a stylish respite from the elements, serving outstanding craft cocktails and apple strudel to die for.
03. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US
Photograph by Mr Bjorn Bauer, courtesy of Aman Resorts Limited
With epic Teton verticals, top notch spa-hotels and a booming restaurant scene, Jackson Hole’s star continues to rise in the West. The Rocky Mountain resort has long been known for its “steep and deeps” (the thrilling, precipitous drops behind its nickname, “The Big One”), but it’s the reliable late snow coverage across a sprawling 2,500 acres of high terrain which have made the Hole a stand-out favourite in the US for spring break and beyond.
Stay here: Amangani.
A luxurious mountainside retreat showcasing incredible snow-drenched panoramas and a heated outdoor whirlpool from which to enjoy them.
Après ski here: The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
It‘s an iconic drinking establishment with saddles for barstools and an impressive posse of A-list patrons.
04. Val D'Isère, France
Photograph courtesy of Le Yule
Val d’Isère and neighbouring Tignes (collectively the Espace Killy), frequently stay open into May, and are an excellent bet for late-season skiing. Val d’Isère in particular benefits from a large number of north-facing slopes, while Tignes’ lift network reaches the towering Grande Motte Glacier at 3,400m, which can be skied nine months a year. The good news for groups is that the vast majority of this extensive 300km area is intermediate-friendly, too, with rolling groomers and top-to-bottom blues supplemented by snow cannons, groomed and open throughout.
Stay here: Le Yule
A new, perfectly positioned five-star hotel and spa on Val d’Isère’s main “front de neige”. Request a south-facing room – they all have balconies with magnificent views of the ski area.
Après ski here: La Folie Douce.
Arguably the most famous après-ski bar in Europe, La Folie Douce might be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, but it’s still the best mountainside party in the Alps.
05. Alta Badia, Italy
Photograph by Mr Gustav Willeit, courtesy of Hotel La Perla
High up in Italy’s idyllic Dolomites – nearly 2,600 metres up to be precise – Alta Badia is as renowned for its laid-back atmosphere as its breathtaking scenery. The area’s 130km of slopes are traditionally open until mid-April, along with a glut of gourmet restaurants, centred on the charming town of Corvara. Be sure to try some of the local Ladin cuisine during your visit, particularly the moreish turtres (fried pastries filled with meat, potatoes and spinach). And ringfence some time to relax like the locals: the area is renowned for its spas and wellness centres.
Stay here: La Perla
A cosy, Tyrolean-style property in Corvara, with a traditional spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and labyrinthine wine cellar.
Après ski here: Toccami Wine Bar.
Located in the middle of Corvara, this spot manages to seamlessly blend rustic charm with well-heeled luxury – and some seriously potent cocktails.
06. Gstaad, Switzerland
Photograph courtesy of The Alpina Gstaad
A favourite of celebrity skiers from Mr George Clooney to Mr Bernie Ecclestone, Gstaad in southwest Switzerland might be hard to pronounce (it’s “kush-tat”), but it’s easy to predict late-season snowfall here: there’s always plenty of it. Whether you’re here for the bragging rights or the deep, velvety snow, keep your eyes peeled for famous faces on the ski lifts and in the whirl of top-end restaurants, including the world-renowned Eggli, where access is only via cable car, and the fondue is the stuff of legend.
Stay here: The Alpina.
A luxurious Alpine fantasy, all crackling fireplaces and cloud-like beds, tucked away, fairy-tale like above the picture-perfect village.
Après ski here: The Lobby Bar at The Gstaad Palace.
After a hard day’s skiing, relax your burning quads in the lap of luxury by the fire here, while you indulge in some serious celebrity spotting.
07. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Photograph courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
With an average snowfall of 12 metres a year, North America’s largest ski resort is always a banker for late-season snow (it’s been so good this year that it’s not scheduled to close until as late as 27 May). Perched just two hours’ north of Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, Whistler boasts a lively bar scene and European resort vibe, as well as some of the most incredible tree runs you’ll ever find, within a mind-boggling 8,000 acres of terrain.
Stay here: Four Seasons Resort and Residences.
Part ski lodge, part stylish boutique hotel, the Four Seasons also offers the incredible “Blue Room” experience – where a private helicopter ride is followed by a five-course dinner inside a cathedral-like ice cave.
Après ski here: Bearfoot Bistro.
Think oysters, champagne sabres and lashings of joie de vivre – as well as a sub-zero vodka tasting room, with more than 50 different bottles to try.