Why March, And Not February, Is The Best Month To Go Skiing
Off season tourism makes for the best tourism
For decades, January and February have held the reputation of being the best months in the skiing calendar. Early storms, fresh powder, post festive season frenzy and peak winter visuals make January the obvious choice, while February, trailing close behind, gets the crowd as schools and colleges shut down around the world.
But talk to people who actually spend time on the mountain year after year, and you’ll hear a different answer. After the humdrum that is February, March (and depending on where you are, early April) delivers the best overall skiing experience for people who want a relaxed, laid back approach to skiing. The slopes are safer, the crowds are gone, the weather is forgiving, and the social scene reaches its peak.
The Thickest Snowpacks
You see, by the time March arrives, mountains have had months to build and consolidate their snow base. While fresh powder days are often associated with January and February, total snowpack depth typically reaches its maximum in March and early April across most Northern Hemisphere resorts, and this matters more than people realise.
A deep snowpack creates consistency. Runs have full coverage, off-piste terrain becomes more accessible, and you’re far less likely to encounter exposed rocks, thin patches, or icy interruptions. The snow has also had time to settle and stabilise, which makes conditions more predictable across elevations.
March also benefits from late-season storms, which regularly refresh the surface without compromising the base underneath. Resorts like Whistler Blackcomb in Canada and Val d'Isère in France often see some of their strongest overall conditions during this period, precisely because the base is at its most reliable.
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Sunlight At The End Of The Season
By March, the brutal cold of mid-winter softens into something far more manageable. Temperatures are warmer without compromising snow quality at higher elevations. You’re no longer layering excessively or retreating indoors just to recover feeling in your hands.
Longer daylight hours extend the ski day. Bluebird skies become more frequent. The mountain feels more alive, because guess what? Sunlight and warmth is an automatic mood lifter.
These conditions also improve snow texture. Instead of icy, unforgiving surfaces common during colder months, spring snow often softens slightly by late morning, creating smoother, more forgiving runs that are easier and more enjoyable to ski.
No More Tourist Surges
February is the peak tourist month of the ski calendar. School holidays and across the world lead to resorts filled to the brim with families, first-timers, and once-a-year vacationers. Lift lines grow longer, slopes become congested, and the overall pace of the mountain slows.
By March, that surge has passed. What remains is a crowd of more experienced skiers and season regulars. Forget about exasperating lines for the lift, even hotels start offering discounts now that the crux of the crowd has made their way back home. Resorts like St. Moritz and Aspen Snowmass feel noticeably more relaxed. And when it comes to relaxation, the best bit about a late season skiing vacation is the après ski scene.
Après Peaks
Don't let the purists fool you; if skiing is only half the culture, après ski is the other half. And in March, it reaches its full potential.
As temperatures go up, outdoor terraces reopen, music moves outside. People stay, socialise, and celebrate rather than escaping the cold. Venues like Ischgl, rightly called the Ibiza of the Alps, thrive in spring conditions, where sun and snow converge for the best social events.
Spring also brings some of the season’s biggest events. Closing parties, music festivals, brand activations, and pop-ups are deliberately scheduled during this period. Resorts recognise that March delivers the ideal balance of conditions and atmosphere, and they program accordingly.
All that being said, spring skiing isn’t without its caveats. Lower elevation resorts can become slushy or close earlier if temperatures rise too much. Snow quality deteriorates fastest closer to the base, particularly in warmer regions.
Higher altitude and glacier resorts, however, remain excellent well into April and beyond. Places like Zermatt maintain reliable conditions thanks to elevation and glacier coverage.
But here's a simple rule of thumb: Late March to mid April is ideal across Europe. Mid March to early April delivers peak conditions in North America. Meanwhile, glacier resorts can remain excellent even into May.
Ultimately, the winter months may carry the reputation, but spring is the best season, in winter sports too. The snow is deeper. The crowds are thinner. The weather is better. And the culture surrounding skiing comes fully into its own.