April 16th, 2026 – As the traditional curtain falls on the 2025/26 ski season across much of the Alps this weekend, a select group of resorts are extending the joy of winter sports into May and even beyond. This year has been characterized by a notably strong end to the season, with abundant fresh snowfall and generally excellent snow cover at higher elevations, providing a welcome finale for enthusiasts. However, the closing dates are rapidly approaching for many beloved destinations, marking a significant shift in the European snowsports calendar.
Major Closures Across Europe: A Weekend of Farewell
This weekend, April 19th, 2026, marks the end of the season for several iconic ski areas. In France, the expansive Les3Vallées domain, renowned for its vast interconnected skiable terrain, will largely cease operations. However, a beacon of hope for late-season skiers remains in the form of Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, which will continue to welcome visitors until May 3rd. This extension is a testament to its strategic high-altitude location, ensuring reliable snow conditions well into the spring.
Joining Les3Vallées in closing this weekend are other prominent French resorts. Alpe d’Huez, famous for its challenging slopes and sunny disposition, will conclude its season. Avoriaz, with its unique car-free village and striking architecture, is also shutting down, as are Flaine, known for its modern design and expansive pistes, and Serre Chevalier, celebrated for its long, sunny valleys and traditional villages.
In Austria, the formidable Arlberg region will see some of its most celebrated resorts, St. Anton and Lech, cease operations this weekend. These destinations, synonymous with challenging skiing and sophisticated après-ski, will bid farewell to the 2025/26 season.
Switzerland’s high-altitude offerings are also seeing closures. Saas-Fee, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Alps" for its glacial skiing and dramatic peaks, will close its lifts. Similarly, the interconnected Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area and the increasingly popular Andermatt-Sedrun will conclude their winter seasons.
Italy’s ski offerings are also contracting. Champoluc, a jewel in the Aosta Valley and part of the Monterosa ski area, is among the resorts ending their season this weekend.
Extended Spring Skiing: A Second Wave of Closures
For those seeking an additional week on the slopes, several popular resorts will remain open until Sunday, April 26th. These include Les Arcs, La Plagne, and Verbier, all offering substantial skiable areas and a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of spring skiing.
Norway, a burgeoning destination for late-season skiing, also has options extending into late April. Trysil, Scandinavia’s largest ski resort, and Narvik, renowned for its stunning fjord-side skiing, will both close on April 26th. Narvik, in particular, offers a unique experience with the possibility of skiing under the midnight sun as spring progresses.
The May Cut-Off: Val Thorens and Glacier Powerhouses
The first weekend of May traditionally signifies the end of the primary European ski season. Val Thorens will be one of the last major French resorts to close, maintaining its operations until May 3rd. This extension is crucial for many who rely on its high-altitude snow reliability.
Also closing on May 3rd are Tignes, another French high-altitude specialist known for its extensive ski area and glacier skiing, and Argentière, a key part of the Chamonix Valley offering access to challenging terrain.
In Italy, Cervinia, linked to Zermatt and boasting high-altitude runs, will close on May 3rd. This Italian counterpart to Zermatt offers a different perspective on the Matterhorn and a slightly warmer spring skiing experience.
Austria’s commitment to extended skiing continues with Engelberg, a Swiss resort known for its Titlis glacier, and Ischgl, a vibrant destination famous for its après-ski and modern lift infrastructure, both shutting down on May 3rd. Pitztal, Austria’s highest glacier ski area, also concludes its season on this date.
The Long Haul: Austrian Glaciers and Year-Round Skiing
While the majority of European resorts wind down in early May, a dedicated few, primarily glacier ski areas, offer the chance to ski much deeper into the spring and even summer.
The Austrian glacier resorts are leading the charge for extended season. Stubai, located near Innsbruck, will remain open until May 17th, providing ample opportunity for late-season turns. Kaunertal, known for its pristine glacial skiing, will continue until May 25th. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun will also offer skiing until May 25th, and Molltal, another Austrian glacier, is expected to remain open, though its exact closing date is subject to confirmation.
PlanetSKI’s own experiences in the Stubai Valley during the latter half of May have consistently revealed excellent snow conditions, often accompanied by fresh powder, defying expectations for this late in the season.
The ultimate in extended skiing can be found at Hintertux in Austria and Zermatt in Switzerland, both of which aim to offer year-round skiing, weather and snow conditions permitting. Hintertux, a dedicated glacier resort, is renowned for its consistent opening throughout the year. Zermatt, while primarily a winter destination, leverages its high-altitude glaciers to provide summer skiing opportunities, particularly for training purposes.
The French resort of Les2Alpes, historically a summer skiing destination, has adopted a unique "Spring Season" model. After closing its main winter season on May 3rd, it immediately re-opens on May 4th for its spring program, which extends until July 5th. This allows for a continuous skiing experience on its extensive glacier.
Late-Season Special Events: Tignes Unlimited Festival
For those looking for more than just the slopes, Tignes is set to host the second edition of the Tignes Unlimited Festival from April 25th to May 3rd, 2026. This electronic music festival aims to provide a vibrant send-off to the winter season. The festival will feature multiple stages across the resort and on the slopes, including a unique venue at an altitude of 2,704 meters at Toviére. World-renowned artists such as Purple Disco Machine, Moblack, and Agents Of Time are scheduled to perform, offering a blend of open-air concerts, daytime DJ sets on the slopes, and lively evening events.
Planning Your Late-Season Ski Trip: Crucial Considerations
It is imperative for anyone planning a late-season ski trip to exercise caution and verify information directly with the resorts. Snow conditions at this time of year are highly susceptible to weather fluctuations, and resort openings and closings can be subject to change. PlanetSKI has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the dates provided, but unforeseen circumstances can lead to modifications.
The appeal of late-season skiing lies in its unique advantages: fewer crowds, potentially lower prices, and the distinct, often sunny, spring snow conditions. However, it also requires a greater degree of flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the evolving mountain environment.
Recommendations for the Final Weeks
For those still eager to hit the slopes, PlanetSKI’s top recommendations for the remaining weeks of the season include Tignes, Val Thorens, Zermatt, and Cervinia. These resorts offer a combination of high-altitude reliability, extensive terrain, and, in the case of Tignes, a unique cultural event to round off the season.
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Disclaimer: Resort opening and closing dates are subject to change based on snow conditions. It is strongly advised to confirm directly with individual resorts before making travel arrangements.
