When Does the Ski Season End in Europe? And Why We Love It!

When Does the Ski Season End in Europe? And Why We Love It!

It’s understandable to think that if you don’t make it to the slopes in the winter, you’ve missed your chance to ski that season. But, you’re wrong, the Alps have many amazing resorts for glacier skiing.

Late season European skiing has many perks. From lower prices to quieter slopes, the end of the season has a lot on offer. Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of resorts open late into the year!

They say the early bird catches the worm, but, sometimes, it pays to be fashionably late.

So, if you’re still unconvinced, we’re going to tell you why we love the end of season skiing. But first, when does ski season end? Let’s find out…

'Why we love end of season skiing'

The End of Ski Season in the Alps

Although we’re specifically looking at the ski seasons in the Alps, European countries can have dramatically different weather conditions, meaning different potential ski seasons!

When Does the Ski Season End in Switzerland?

The Swiss Alps has many ski areas at altitudes above 2000m, meaning a fairly long snowy season. Typically Switzerland’s ski season kicks off in mid-November and remains open until late April. This is variable and sometimes opens earlier and closes later depending on snow conditions.

For the 2024/25 ski season, there are few Switzerland ski resorts open into May; Engelberg, Pontresina and Engandin St. Moritz being the latest, open until 4th May 2025.

Here are the late ski season dates for some of the most popular Swiss Alps ski resorts:

When Does the Ski Season End in France?

French ski resorts typically open in late November and the season extends until the end of April. However, if you’re hoping to spend your 2025 May Day bank holiday on the slopes, you can bet that the French Alps can cater to your desires! 

There’s a selection of resorts open the first week of May with the latest of the bunch open until the 4th of May, so there’s still plenty of time to get yourself over there for one last hurrah.

Here are some of the best end of ski season resorts closing dates for the French Alps:

When Does the Ski Season End in Austria?

There’s probably no European country more sure of late-season skiing than Austria, with snow guaranteed in most Austrian Alps resorts way into May, some even as late as June!

Monitoring of snow reports is almost unnecessary, pick your resort, pack ski equipment and get your flight booked.

Here are late ski season closing dates for some of the most popular Austrian Alps ski resorts:

  • Zell am Ziller – 21st April 2025
  • Kitzbühel Ski Resort – 21st April 2025
  • Lech Zürs am Arlberg Resort – 21st April 2025
  • St Anton am Alberg – 21st April 2025
  • Stuben am Arlberg – 21st April 2025
  • Weissee Gletscherwelt – 26th April 2025
  • Obertauern – 1st May 2025
  • Silvretta Bielerhöhe – 1st May 2025
  • Ischgl Ski Resort – 4th May 2025
  • Sölden Ski Resort – 4th May 2025
  • Pitztaler Glacier Resort – 4th May 2025
  • Stubaier Glacier – 4th May 2025
  • Kaunertaler Glacier – 18th May 2025
  • Kaprun – 18th May 2025
  • Mölltaler Glacier – 15th June 2025
  • Hintertux Glacier – 1st September 2025
Snowboarder in action on the slopes

When Does the Ski Season End in Italy?

Although Italy doesn’t have as many May closing ski resorts as France or Austria, for example, there is still ample opportunity to hit Italian slopes at the end of April and a few early May options.

Here are ski season closing dates for some of the most popular Italian Alps ski resorts:

Why You Should Try an End of Season Ski Holiday

Crowd-Free Slopes

Picture the scene. It’s the beginning of the ski season, and you’ve finally made it to the slopes.

But, there’s one tiny fly in the ointment. The crowds.

Long lift queues and busy slopes are there to greet you as soon as you step out of your hotel!

While we all love to ski, it can’t be denied that seeing the open slopes in front of us is a uniquely thrilling experience. Nobody wants the landscape obscured by hordes of skiers!

So, how to avoid crowds? Go skiing later on in the year! You’ll be rewarded with plenty of unmarked snow just waiting for you to make the first tracks.

Enjoy showing off? You’ll find plenty of space for your stunts and tricks!

Particularly if you have any younger skiers in tow, quieter slopes are always a welcome bonus! If you’re trying to get your kids into skiing, empty slopes make much better places to practice.

Towards the end of the ski season, it’s just you and the empty pistes ahead of you. This sense of freedom is hard to come by during peak times.

Another bonus? Quieter slopes mean fewer snowboarders and skiers getting in each other’s way!

You May Also Like: Best Ski Resorts for Late Season Ski Holidays

Tan While You Ski

Goggle tan lines and burnt noses are far from attractive, but skiing in the sunshine is a great feeling.

For those worried about the warm weather, head to high altitudes! With the end of season skiing, the higher you go – the better. Plus, thanks to snowmaking machines, you won’t have to worry about a lack of snow. Fake it until you make it is the motto at the end of the season!

With late-season skiing, you can wear fewer layers and, perhaps, even catch a tan. Ever skied in a T-shirt? Now you have the chance!

Take advantage of the warmer evenings too! Unwind after a day on the slopes with a stroll around the resort, or an evening barbecue.

Better Après-Ski

One of our favourite things about late-season skiing? The great après-ski.

Whatever the time of year, après-ski is a fantastic way to spend your afternoon. But, it seems to come to life towards the end of the season.

Perhaps it’s the longer days, the warmer weather, or the season winding down, but, at the end of the year, the après-ski is unparalleled.

If you fancy trading your wellies for skis, plenty of ski festivals begin later on in the year.

Is there a better way to celebrate the end of the ski season? We don’t think so.

Longer Days

If you think that the ski day is over far too quickly, you’re in luck!

Late season skiing means longer days. Often, the ski lifts open earlier and close later! So, you’ll have all the time you need to make the most of the slopes.

Thanks to these longer days, skiers have more opportunities to venture off-piste. The powder may not be as light as the winter months, but the sunny weather should see you enjoying some simply unparalleled views of mountainous landscapes!

Better for Beginners

Never been skiing before? During the later months, the on-piste snow is more forgiving on beginners.

One worry about booking a late-season ski trip is the snow quality. While some of the keenest skiers may view late-season snow as ‘slushy’, thanks to snowmaking, this is a thing of the past.

If you’re tempted to learn to ski in a day, the end of the season is the perfect time to try!

Towards the end of the season, you’ll be skiing on a base that has been built up during the winter. This is the perfect terrain for exploration! There should be fewer of the hidden icy patches found during the colder months.

You May Also Like: Learning to Ski at 40

Skiers in action on the slopes

End of Season Ski Deals

Lower Holiday Prices

While most holiday prices skyrocket later in the year, skiing does the opposite.

Not following the crowd can result in some serious savings! Who doesn’t love to save money?

During peak ski season everything from accommodation to flights is at much higher prices. So, by skiing later into the season, you’ll have more money to spend at après-ski. What’s not to like?

Quicker and Cheaper Transfers

Heading to the slopes later sees skiers rewarded with less traffic and lower transfer prices!

To make end of season skiing even better, Alps2Alps is offering an exclusive ski sale – book your ski transfer by 20th April 2025 and get up to 10% off with promo code ‘MELT5’!

How to Use Your Promo Code

  1. Visit the Alps2Alps website
  2. Enter your travel details
  3. Apply the promo code MELT5 at checkout
  4. Complete your booking & enjoy your exclusive discount!

Lock in Your Discounted Transfer Now!

The snow won’t stick around forever – neither will this offer! Book your Alps2Alps transfer today for a reliable, affordable, and hassle-free ride to your favourite ski resort.

Book Your Ski Transfer Here

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Raitis Bullits, Founder

Alps2Alps’ Founder, Raitis, is an innovator, entrepreneur, philanthropist and all-round adventure-seeker. Dedicated to transforming the way people travel, Raitis combines a forward-thinking approach with a deep commitment to sustainability and community impact. When not spearheading industry innovation, Raitis often embraces the Alpine lifestyle, inspired by the mountains that drive Alp2Alp’s mission.

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Emily Sotudeh

Emily Sotudeh

Content Manager

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Emily is a content expert with over six years of experience in crafting engaging narratives about skiing and travel. At Alps2Alps, she brings destinations to life, inspiring adventurers to plan their next Alpine escape. Known for her ability to capture the magic of the mountains, Emily’s content resonates with the brand’s adventurous spirit. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her exploring hidden Alpine gems or hitting the slopes herself.

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