If you are thinking of going skiing in the run up to Easter you might be wondering where the best place to head to is. Some of the most popular countries to go skiing at this time of year include Austria, Italy and Canada, but where specifically should you be checking out? Read on for some suggestions.
Austria
If you are fairly competent, Ischgl is a good choice. The principle slopes are high above the actual village with the main lift base at 2,250m and peaking at 2,900. There are runs for all abilities and you should be able to find a good mix of good, hard and powder off-piste. There is also a charming Alpine village, which has a lively après-ski atmosphere and is car-free. Obergurgl has similar altitudes with high points slightly higher than 3,000m and most skiing takes place above 2,150m. You can find the village at 1,930m, which means you can ski to your door. Also in Austria is Mayrhofen, which is a cheaper option than the others. The altitudes are a little lower, but they are great for intermediate skiers as they range from 1,650 to 2,500m. It has the added bonus of travelling up the valley to Hinterux, which has one of the most outstanding glaciers found in the Alps. You can expect traditional Alpine allure whilst being lively in the evenings.
Italy
Italy offers Cervinia, which is sunny and quite high. Most of the runs are between 2,470 and 3,480m although most of them are easy. There is access to Zermatt, which should give experienced skiers more of a challenge. The village itself has a busy main street that is free of cars and quite pleasant. Selva Val Gardena offers something for more experienced skiing with some quite testing terrain to appeal to cross country skiers. Offering some stunning guided winter walks, there are gorgeous vistas in the snowy surroundings not to mention authentic Italian pizzas to warm you up between sessions.
Canada
Banff is renowned for its reliable spring snow due to it being in the Continental Divide. This is a watershed in between the continent's Atlantic and Pacific river systems. Banff's major ski area, Sunshine Village, spans this Divide and has a consistent snowfall record. Banff itself is a lovely bubbly town sitting prettily in its charming setting. There are routes to suit all levels here. Tremblant is very heavily influenced by its French roots and is probably the most accessible of the North American ski resorts if travelling from the UK. With an excellent ski school that guarantees its lessons will improve your skiing; this lovely, traffic-free and colourful resort has a dedicated area for the novice, which sits on the south side of the mountain. It also has a breath-taking 6km long run, named Nansen, where you can test out all your newly boosted skiing skills. Last but not least is Whistler, which is home to the scarily named "Doom and Gloom" and is home to anyone, looking for excitement. It is recommended that you are a competent skier as there are masses of bumps, bowls, chutes and couloirs to negotiate, not to mention steep slopes and long glacial descents. Not surprisingly, it is a renowned thrill-seeker's dream.