Winter’s grand finale at its best: The sun on your face, firn snow beneath your skis – this is what spring skiing in Austria is all about! Be the first to slice down the freshly groomed slopes in the morning, then chill out on a lounger in front of a ski hut by noontime. March and April are the best months for sun-skiing in Austria!
Skiing in March or April? Pure Joy!
Cold toes or fingers? No worries, that’s old news by this time of year! In March and April, skiing means slathering on sunscreen and slipping on your shades. Get ready for unforgettable days of sunshine and firn snow in the mountains of Austria! Before you stash your skis away for the season, enjoy the perfect blend of winter and springtime as you indulge in what Austrians aptly refer to as “sun-skiing.” Sun-skiing in March and April is ultra appealing because…:
- Great deals abound: Many resorts offer attractive off-season rates on accommodations and lift passes. Families, especially, benefit from the Easter holiday promotions – and often, kids get to ski for free whenever their parents purchase a lift ticket of their own.
- The days are growing longer: Hit the slopes in the morning, then hang with friends at a ski hut or relax on the terrace of your holiday home in the afternoon. And with the sun setting later now, there’s no rush to squeeze everything into just a few short hours.
- Sunshine galore: Temperatures are rising, the strength of the sun is increasing, and your body starts producing more vitamin D – boosting your mood and overall well-being.
- Laid-back atmosphere: And that doesn’t just mean flopping around on that lounge chair we mentioned! Winter peak season is over, so that March and April promise wide-open pistes that are perfect for extended carving runs sweeping down the slopes.
- Exciting events: Farewells should be celebrated, too! Many ski resorts host fantastic closing events, such as White Pearl Mountain Days in Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, the Snowbombing Festival in Zillertal, Ski & Wine Enjoyment Week in Ski amadé, and Gourmet Weeks in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis …
Our Tips for the Perfect Day of Spring Skiing
Start your ski days in March and April as early as possible to enjoy the freshly groomed slopes and firn snow at their very best. Many ski areas – such as SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Saalbach Hinterglemm, and Turracher Höhe – offer extended spring hours and Early Morning Skiing. As the sun peeks over the mountaintops, you will already have begun carving across the pristine snow – an unforgettable experience indeed!
Don’t forget sun protection – that March sunshine packs quite a punch! Snow reflects about 80% of UV rays, which are already stronger at higher elevations. Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm to protect your skin and eyes.
A well-earned break at a ski hut: Whether it’s a reenergizing pause or the perfect conclusion to a thoroughly successful day of skiing, a stop at a mountain hut is a must during spring skiing in Austria. Apple strudel with whipped cream, a glass of Aperol, or a hearty cheese dumpling soup – the choice is all yours, so long as the view is stunning, your sunglasses are firmly perched in your nose, and your lounge chair is reserved!
Types of Snow: What Is Firn Snow?
When skiing in March and April, you’ll encounter different types of snow:
Firn Snow: Formed in spring by the daily cycle of thawing in the sun and freezing overnight, firn snow stays soft and grippy in the morning – ideal for a smooth skiing experience.
How it feels: Buttery smooth and grippy, almost like gliding over a carpet
Slush Snow: As the sun softens the snow throughout the day, it becomes wetter, heavier, and more challenging to ski. You’ll typically encounter slush snow from late morning onward, especially on south- and west-facing slopes.
How it feels: Heavy and sluggish – more like a workout than gliding
Our tip: Get up early and enjoy the firn snow in the morning before it turns into slush!
The Best Ski Resorts in Austria for Spring Skiing
Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn:
Known as the Home of Laid-Back Skiing, this ski circuit offers 270 kilometers of slopes and state-of-the-art lifts. It’s a paradise for both performance-oriented sports fans and recreational skiers, with snow parks, freeride routes in Fieberbrunn, friendly ski huts, and exciting events like White Pearl Mountain Days.
Nassfeld:
One of Austria’s sunniest ski resorts, Nassfeld sits on the Italian border, offering wide pistes, reliable snow conditions well into springtime, and a unique blend of Alpine and Mediterranean experiences. The Sonnenalpe truly lives up to its name – perfect for relaxed runs and extended breaks out on the terrace.
Serfaus Fiss Ladis:
This Tyrolean family paradise boasts wide, easy-going slopes, kid-friendly areas, and top-notch infrastructure. But it’s not just for families – expert skiers will find the challenging runs they crave as well. Special highlights include wellness stations, individually designed rest areas right by the pistes.
Turracher Höhe:
Enjoy cross-border skiing between Carinthia and Styria at over 1800 meters above sea level. This resort is famous for its long season, sunny high plateau, and its popular Ski Butler service.
Ski amadé:
The biggest ski alliance in Austria boasts 760 kilometers of pistes spanning five different regions. From the sporty slopes of Gastein Valley to family-friendly runs on the Hochkönig, there truly is something here for everyone. Spring highlights include the Ski & Wine Week and the Highest Farmers’ Market in the Alps.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing in Austria in March
High-elevation resorts and glacier ski areas offer the best spring conditions. Sun-drenched resorts like Nassfeld in Carinthia also tend to have good skiing even in April.
At higher elevations and on north-facing slopes, you’ll typically encounter good conditions into April: grippy firn snow in the morning and softer snow in the afternoon. Glacier ski areas often maintain excellent conditions well into May.
Layering is key! Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons are pleasantly mild. A softshell or lighter winter jacket is often more comfortable than a heavy ski outfit. And don’t forget sunscreen – absolutely essential for skiing in March and April!
Photo Materials © saalbach.com/Christoph Johann, Georg Lindacher, Àdám Bertalan; Nassfeld: Martin Steinthaler
Verena J.
E-Commerce Specialist bei ALPS RESORTS
Frühaufsteherin mit einer Leidenschaft für einsame Berge und gute Geschichten, immer auf der Suche nach spannenden Ausflugszielen und Erlebnissen.
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