An introduction to ski seasons – and when the best time is to go
The chances are that you have a broad idea of what “the ski season” is. This term refers to the several-months-long period from winter until the spring, when a ski resort is open for visitors to partake in winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
For many of us, the very expression “ski season” conjures up evocative images of picture-postcard alpine scenery, a rewarding après-ski culture, and – of course – enthralling action on the slopes.
However, the dates of the “ski season” aren’t exactly the same from one place to the next – even here in Europe, where we’re accustomed to the idea of it running from around late November to mid-to-late April.
So, our seasoned winter sports aficionados at Ski Exchange decided to take a closer look at what the typical start and end dates of the ski season are, and what else you should know.
When does the ski season begin?
As you might imagine, the specific part of the world will make a big difference to when the ski season starts:
- In the Northern Hemisphere, early to late November is when resorts tend to throw open their doors. The end of November is customary for resorts in the Alps, which account for about a third of the globe’s ski resorts. If you’re planning a ski trip to North America, though, you might be waiting until mid-December for your favourite resort to open.
- As for the Southern Hemisphere, thanks to the reversal of our planet’s seasonal tilt towards the sun, it is the complete opposite situation. The ski season here approximately commences in June, although the precise dates vary depending on the resort and weather conditions.
When does the ski season end?
You can probably guess the rough dates in each case, but let’s give you a summary:
- You can expect resorts in the Northern Hemisphere to begin closing for the season from around mid-April onwards, although some might stay open until early May. With the Alps, for example, covering eight countries over around 750 miles (1,200 kilometres), you shouldn’t be surprised by some variation across its resorts.
- Again, it is the reverse situation in the Southern Hemisphere – temperatures begin to rise high enough for the ski resorts here to begin closing their doors around the middle of October. However, ski touring can be possible as late as November in Chile and Argentina.
How can you decide on the optimal time to go skiing?
So much of life is about timing, and this is no less the case when you are scheduling a ski break.
It greatly depends, though, on what you will be seeking from your trip. The early part of the ski season inevitably brings the best snow, and the start and end of the ski season can be advantageous for saving money. But if you’re a social butterfly, you might favour the middle of the ski season because of the sheer energy and “vibes” of ski resorts during this time.
There isn’t a single answer, then, to the question of when anyone should be going skiing. Make Ski Exchange your single choice of ski shop, however, and you will be well-placed to get the very best out of your time on the slopes, whenever during the season you ultimately go.