Why I love Spring Skiing

Having worked (part of) a season in Val d’Isere 4 years ago, with VIP SKI of course, I’ve been lucky (or unlucky?) enough to experience skiing in every condition known to man – from ice to slush, blue skies to blizzards – a season In Val d’Isere offers every type of skiing condition possible (including being stranded in Tignes when all the bubbles close – thank goodness for the Loop Bar!). Since then I have skied in late March/April in La Plagne, Morzine, Verbier and most recently St Anton.

As such I’ve come to the decision that although January offers pristine groomed pistes and fresh dumps of powder you just can’t beat spring skiing. Granted it’s a lottery as to whether the pistes hold up and you have to pick where you go (luckily we’ve carefully selected our high altitude resorts just for this) but there’s something to be said for being able to grace the slopes without looking like the Michelin Man and having your nostrils freeze on the inside!

Just think (and this is mainly for the ladies) you save so much luggage allowance and space in the suitcase if you don’t have to pack wimpy baselayers, fleeces, neck warmers and god-forbid a balaclava!

Of course, I totally understand the off-piste, trails, itineraries fanatics who live for the fresh powder and cold, upholding conditions of January and early February to get their adrenaline fix. Those skiers who can effortlessly glide down knee-deep powder with such grace that can only be matched by Torvil and Dean. Unfortunately, I would probably look more like Eddie the Eagle so, knowing my limits, I like to stick to the groomed but soft pistes Spring skiing offers, occasionally testing myself on a couple of well sculptured moguls just to show that all those ski lessons mum and dad invested in back in the early 90’s didn’t go to waste. 

I find a 9am-2:30pm ski, then stopping for a late lunch followed by a bit of après, the perfect mix of getting the most out of my lift pass, topping up my goggle marks, letting off steam by dancing halfway up a mountain in my salopettes and t-shirt and most of all relaxing – it’s a holiday!
By the end of the week I have a goggle tan reminiscent of my (half) season, the achy legs of someone who’s put some effort in on the slopes (although more likely this is from dancing at the Folie) and the desire to get back to work...well almost!

If Jess's tales of spring skiing are tempting you, we still have availability for holidays this week and next, with special offers from just £499 per person. Call us now on 0844 557 3119.