Late Season Skiing - The Best Ski Resorts For Spring Skiing

With the valley temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, the snow melt increases by the day on the lower slopes yet above 2500m, the conditions couldn't be better.

With the good fortune of heavy falls in February and March, many of the higher ski resorts that don't have the benefit of year round glacier skiing, are keeping some of their lifts open until 4th May. And with more snow forecast over the coming weeks with the freezing levels generally staying between 2500 and 2800m - the superb conditions across many of the Alpine resorts is expected to continue.

Chamonix is the first choice for many when it comes to late season skiing. The Grands Montets ski area at Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley is open until 4th May and with skiing peaking at 3300m, snow is guaranteed. There is also the 20km glacier Vallee Blanche starting from the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m - just be prepared to walk the last kilometre down to the village as the track towards Les Planards is now a hiking trail!

Other ski resorts with late season spring skiing are Les Deux Alpes, which is staying open until 26th April, Cervinia on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, Tignes and dont forget the resorts in Norway and Sweden such as Hemsedal and Sälen.

In North America, Breckenridge has just reported it is extending its season by another week and Vail has virtually the whole mountain and back bowls in full swing with still an incredible 4,800 acres to explore - the last day is 20th April.

Apart from warmer weather (usually!)where you can ski in a T-shirt, hardly any lift queues and reduced lift prices, the other major advantage of going on a ski holiday out of the main season is that the accommodation costs are significantly lower. Bargains are to be found everywhere whether you are looking for a self-catering chalet or hotel and you are more likely to get exactly what you are looking for - close to the centre, slopes and apres-ski.

So while many people have packed up their ski gear and are planning their summer holidays, this time of year can offer excellent skiing and some the best value for money ski holidays of the season.

See Mychaletfinder for more ideas on late season and summer skiing holidays.