Champoluc this weekend. Photo: (c) Welove2ski.

Who says you can’t enjoy fresh powder in April? St Anton currently has superb upper slopes, with more snow forecast for this coming week. Champoluc, where I am at the moment has had fresh snow overnight and it’s been snowing all day today.

There’s still time to book yourself a final week of spring skiing, when you can benefit from the long sunny days and warm enough temperatures to enjoy alfresco lunches. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to wear if you’re sitting on a terrace.

Stay safe: take local advice, book a qualified guide, and have all the necessary equipment with you before even considering leaving the marked piste.

It’s a short Deals page this week, since we are about to start seeing offers for summer in the Alps, but it’s also worth finding out what the ski specialist travel agencies have on offer, such as SNO, Snowfinders and Ski in Luxury. Most of the major tour operators have ski holiday deals available throughout the winter, too.

Don’t forget to reserve your airport parking at least 24 hours before you go – this is especially important during peak holiday periods such as February and Easter. If you’re flying from Gatwick, Cophall Parking has some offers just for Welove2ski viewers.
 

Tignes from £749pp with Ski Total
Book a seven-night ski holiday on a five-night catered basis at the four-diamond Chalet Les Arolles in Tignes, from £749pp. Price represents a saving of £250pp and includes return flights from Edinburgh to Chambery and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing on April 14. Bookings: Ski Total.

Obergurgl for £1,115pp with SNO
The Edelweiss & Gurgl is a popular four-star family hotel in Obergurgl – located by the ski lifts and with a kids club, games room plus indoor and outdoor pools among other facilities. Departing April 13, seven nights is now available for £1,115pp (was £1,456pp) – with half board, childcare, Gatwick flights and resort transfers included. Bookings: SNO.
 
St Anton from £679pp with Inghams
Book a seven-night ski holiday on a catered basis (for five nights) at the three-diamond Chalet Alpenheim in St Anton. It now costs from £679pp including Gatwick to Innsbruck flights, and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing on April 13. Bookings: Inghams. 

Snowbombing in Mayrhofen from £269pp with Visit Tirol
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Snowbombing (April 8-13) is famous for its adrenaline-fuelled snowboarding and partying in Mayrhofen, with leading DJs, club nights and live acts performing. Think igloo raves, enchanted forest parties and underground tennis-club-turned-supper clubs. This year’s line-up includes The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada DJ and Stormzy. A five-night stay, from April 8, is priced from £269pp and includes a festival wristband and five nights’ B&B accommodation. Return flights and transfers are extra. Information: Visit Tirol.

How deep the snow is this weekend… Photo: (c) Welove2ski

Summer in The Alps

Alpe d’Huez from £60pp per night with VIP Chalets 

Two new chalets offer a further option for luxury accommodation in Alpe d’Huez. Eden East is just 100m from the bars, shops and restaurants of the Fontbelle area. The large floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area and bedrooms have views of the summers. Still part of the Eden Blanc property, Eden West enjoys a similarly luxurious interior whilst being slightly larger than Eden East, sleeping up to eight guests. Both chalets come on a serviced self-catered basis but B&B and half board are also available. A stay starting July 20 at either chalet costs from £60pp per night on serviced self-catered basis. Price includes six days’ daily cleaning of the communal areas and bedrooms (not kitchen) as well as a small welcome hamper with essentials.
 Bookings: VIP Chalets.

Next Winter

Free lift passes and childcare with Le Ski
One tour operator is already offering good deals for next winter, if you book before July 31. There’s free childcare for under-sevens (a saving of £300), and free list passes for January and at Christmas (saving 300€ per person). The operator has 17 chalets in Courchevel, 12 in Val d’Isere and five in La Tania. The holidays are for seven nights, with five nights fully catered, plus flights and transfers included. Information: Le Ski.