The Top 10 Snow Sure Resorts
When looking for an early or late season ski break we all want to have great snow reliability. We've put together a list of our top 10 snow sure resorts to give you the best chance possible of finding that fabled low season snow.
Whilst many people simply head for the highest resorts (as height normally means more snow), these resorts may not always be your best bet. They can get crowded and what snow does fall can get tracked out straight away with the heavy ski traffic the resorts draw.
What you want to look for is height and snow record as well as latitude (the further north you go the less altitude you need). Even looking at the direction the majority of the slopes face can have a massive impact upon how well resorts will hold their snow. The extent of snow making facilities is another major factor and the geographical location plays a role too. Generally, the deeper into the Alps you are, the longer pistes will hold their snow.
France is traditionally favoured due to its height, however, we have plenty of alternatives with snow sure slopes. Whether you love Austria's après, France's food or fancy a trip further afield we have some short break ski options for you.
1. KAPRUN, Austria
Pistes up to 3,030m
Together with neighbouring Zell am See there's a 138 km ski area and 50 km of this is on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier rising over 3,000m metres. Thus offering skiing from November until July. It doesn't get much more snow sure than that. The resort of Kaprun itself is a laid back old town just above Lake Zell with some fantastic spa options such as the Tauern Spa.
Stay at the 4* Sportkristall for a fantastic family run hotel with a warm welcome complete with outdoor hot tub and car museum.
2. MAYRHOFEN, Austria
Pistes up to 3,250m
Whilst not the most snow-sure in its own resort slopes, the proximity to the Hintertux Glacier (12 miles away) make it a better option than staying in the tiny hamlet at the foot of the glacier. You can easily make the trip each day by car or bus (included in the lift pass) and still enjoy the buzzing nightlife and fantastic restaurants of Mayrhofen.
Stay at the 4* Hotel Elisabeth for an indulgent spa break a few minutes from the town centre.
3. OBERGURGL, Austria
Pistes up to 3,080m
For a non-glacial resort, Obergurgl is probably our most snow sure. Every slope is above 1,750m and most face north or north-west, meaning they hold their snow for longer. 100% of piste is covered by snow machines meaning even without natural snow cover there will be enviable conditions.
4. WHISTLER, Canada
Pistes up to 2,285m
Our most popular North American ski resort has an enviable snow record. Being close to the coast the precipitation rolls over the mountains creating around 13m of snowfall each season. The largest ski area in Canada has plenty of terrain to explore and ties in well with a city trip to stunning Vancouver Island.
Stay at the centrally located 4* Crystal Lodge Hotel for the perfect blend of convenience, comfort and value.
5. ST ANTON, Austria
Pistes up to 2,811m
2016/2017 saw the completion of the Flexenbahn cableway linking St Anton to Lech and Zurs creating a formidable ski area. Lech is traditionally the more snow sure of the two resorts, so head for the upmarket village for the best conditions.
Stay at the Chalet Amalien Haus for a social experience in the heart of St Anton.
6. ANDERMATT, Switzerland
Pistes up to 2,965m
The Swiss Alps are known for towering peaks the often stand higher than its French neighbour's, none more prominent than the world-famous Matterhorn. The huge mountains attract intense weather and snowfall that leave resorts like Andermatt covered in fresh snow for most of the season. Pistes here are often open from late November to late April.
Stay at the 4* Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen to experience a brand new hotel perched in this spectacular environment.
7. VAL THORENS, France
Pistes up to 3,230m
Perhaps the less surprising of the snow sure resorts is the big French names. Val Thorens is a perennial favourite and with a resort height of 2,300m, it's not hard to see why. Great snow records do bring the crowds but there's plenty of pistes to disperse them.
Stay at the 4* Fahrenheit Seven for ski in, ski out convenience over a Thursday to Sunday weekend break.
8. VAL D'ISERE, France
Pistes up to 3,455m
The top of the most snow sure list with a giant 300km of pistes between Val d'Isere and Tignes. These two resorts offer drastically different village options, with the same fantastic skiing. Opt for Val d'Isere if you're more concerned with aesthetics. This chocolate box village provides picture perfect views, all round.
Stay at the 4* Hotel L'Aigle des Neiges for a convenient village centre location just 50m from the lifts.
9. TIGNES, France
Pistes up to 3,455m
Glacial and state of the art artificial snow creation give Tignes and Val d'Isere arguably the best chance of low season snow in the world. With the Grande Motte glacier providing plenty of guaranteed snow, even during some summer months, Tignes is a really safe bet to get your fix of the white stuff.
Stay at the 4* Hotel Le Taos for a ski in, ski out with an eclectic Native American-Indian interior style.
10. TRYSIL, Norway
Pistes up to 1,110m
By far the lowest slopes on the list, Trysil makes it as a wild card for its northerly latitude. We went on the 18th April this year and had some of the best conditions we'd experienced all season. For a family friendly option, it's hard to beat but we'd recommend it to all. Just watch out for the price of beer in the bars - it can get a little steep.
Stay at the 4* Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences. They're ski in, ski out with fantastic facilities and for a fraction of the price you'd expect.
