Where to Ski at Easter

The key to choosing where to ski at Easter is to look at snow records, latitude and altitude. The higher each is, the higher the chance of excellent conditions through to the end of the season. If you're travelling with kids, you'll also want a resort that places great family experiences at the heart of what they do. Think first-rate ski-in ski-out accommodation, unintimidating slopes and world-class ski schools.

For tips from our team on where to take your family skiing, read our blog on What Are the Best Family Ski Resorts?

Based on our extensive experience and feedback from our customers, we think these are the best resorts to ski at Easter. Whether you spot your dream destination or you'd like some more suggestions on where to ski at Easter, our team of experts can help you plan the perfect snow-sure late season ski holiday.

See our latest Easter ski offers & prices or for a tailor-made quote, enquire online or call us on 01273 224060.

By Andy Hemingway, Sales Manager / Norway & Sweden Product Manager

If you're looking for somewhere to take the kids for a fun and relaxed ski holiday, Norway is a fantastic bet. As spring approaches and resorts elsewhere in Europe are closing the lifts and prepping the bike trails, the Norwegian ski season rolls on. Its northerly latitude means that you can keep skiing there right through to early May!

Despite its moniker of 'the home of skiing', Norway is still largely under the radar for UK skiers, so you can look forward to quiet slopes and short (if any!) lift queues. The resorts feature mostly wide, open, easygoing terrain, making it a fab place to teach children their first turns. There's no steep learning curve here, the excellent ski schools allow kids to progress safely - whether that's into the easy-access off-piste, off their first jump in the park, or even down their first black run!

These are our top two picks for Easter skiing, but you can find even more in our blog 'Where to Ski in Norway at Easter'.

You and the family will feel at home the minute you pull into Gausta. The compact nature of the resort base means it's nearly impossible to get lost, plus you're no more than a five minute walk from the lifts, bars or shops. It's an ideal destination for families looking for a stress-free retreat to a modest mountain resort over the Easter holidays.

The village may not be the biggest, but there's an expansive network of runs that caters for all ages and abilities. As a lesser-known up-and-coming skiing destination with limited accommodation, Gausta's slopes are never crowded at peak periods such as Easter. Therefore, the laid-back feel of the town spreads onto the pistes as there's room for all and no jostling at the lifts trying to keep the family together!

The family-friendly atmosphere in the 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort hasn't been created by accident. The hotel owners and staff take pride in providing high levels of service and ensuring your whole family is looked after throughout your stay. Parents can book a slot in the floating saunas on the frozen lake, and the kids can enjoy table tennis or the dedicated children's room filled with toys! The icing on the cake is the lifts, ski school and an incredible bakery are less than a minute's walk away.

"Gausta had great snow, the pistes are well groomed and very quiet even in peak season - ideal for young families. It's a small ski resort with mostly T bar drag lifts and only two chair lifts. No on-piste cafes, bars or restaurants, just a main cafe/bar at the bottom of the two main ski areas though you are never that far from either." - Harriet Busby

Spanning a scenic valley on the edge of Norway's largest national park, the quiet and unintimidating resort of Geilo has all bases covered for Easter. First things first - the snow stays in great shape through April and regularly into May. The 2022/23 season has been a belter - the slopes still had a 100-150 cm base at Easter, with snow falling almost every day.

If you have a young family or nervous first-timers in your group, the last thing you'll want on an Easter break is to feel stressed out on the slopes. None of that comes into the equation in Geilo. Its world-class ski school, gentle runs, friendly English-speaking locals and family-focussed hotels offer a warm welcome to the world of skiing for parents and children alike.

The 4*+ Vestlia Resort offers nothing short of perfect accommodation for families. It has the feel of a luxury hotel but with fantastic facilities including a large indoor play area, a family pool and a bowling alley. It's not just the kids who are spoiled though, with exquisite evening meals and an adults-only spa for the grown-ups. The lifts, ski school and childcare are just 50 metres away (as is the bus stop for getting over to the other side of the resort) so you can roll out of bed and onto the slopes with minimal fuss each morning.

If you prefer the convenience of self-catering, how about the cosy 4* Geilolia Forest Cabins? With sizzling saunas and crackling fireplaces, the cabins are about as Scandinavian as it gets and come in a range of sizes from two to five bedrooms.

"Lovely laid back resort with plenty of different slopes and activities to explore from husky rides, ice fishing and of course skiing!!! We went in April and had endless sunshine and blue skies and still lots of snow to ski on!" - Ruth Beesley

"Geilo is a perfect family friendly resort. No life queues even over the Easter week and wonderful quiet runs." - Julia Scarth

When it comes to Norwegian resorts with great late-season snow, Norefjell tops the lot. It's usually one of the last resorts to close, with snow sticking around until late April. Two of our team skied there with their families in mid-April 2023 and their only complaint was too much snow!

With mostly green, blue and red slopes, Norefjell is undoubtedly best for beginners and intermediates. But there are still some long and steep blacks and some exciting off-piste areas to challenge the hardiest skiers and snowboarders.

This makes it ideal for a family of mixed abilities. There's enough to keep the parents happy while the kids are in ski school, and most lifts have multiple runs meeting at the same place, so you can ski at different levels while still taking the lift together.

There’s a brilliant ski school and a wonderful range of wide, gentle slopes for less experienced skiers to quickly progress. Plus, it's possible to ski off the sides of most of the runs so it's ideal for trying out skiing in powder for the first time with the safety net of being able to get quickly back on-piste.

Few hotels can rival the 4*+ Norefjell Ski & Spa when it comes to having everything you need under one roof. Ski-in ski-out in an enviable mid-mountain location and beautifully furnished, it features two restaurants, a pool with hot tubs, one of the country's best spas (payable locally), a games room and even a climbing wall!

Everything's taken care of on arrival - you can pick up your lift pass in the lobby and you'll find your skis and boots waiting for you in your assigned ski locker! Even better, ski school meets right outside the hotel so you don't need to worry about getting the kids to their lessons in the morning.

"It was nice being able to ski as a family group from the very top to the bottom just skiing blues & greens, without needing to take a lift, and even at Easter we skied/boarded over some virgin powder... with very few people on the slopes... looking at some very beautiful panoramas - perfect." - Paul Ross

"Great for young families wanting to spend time together on wide slopes with no queues for lifts and away from the crowds." - Heather Monro

With a longer break meaning you don't have to rush back home and cheaper rates meaning your money goes further, Easter is the perfect time to venture further afield for a ski holiday. Canada combines the northerly latitude of Norway with some serious vertical - over 5,000 ft in some resorts - and huge snowfall - regularly over 10 metres from November through to May.

Many people view a ski trip to Canada as cost-prohibitive, but you might be surprised at just how many incredible ski spots your budget will take you to. This is especially true at Easter, when hotels reduce their prices and you can find great deals on lift passes too.

While Canada is synonymous with soaring mountains and towering peaks which are home to some of the best skiing in the world, it's not all steep chutes and tight trees. The best resorts cater just as much to first-timers and families as they do to seasoned pros. 

Simply put, Whistler is one of the best ski resorts in the world and has something for everyone. More than 8,000 acres of terrain with slopes for all abilities, accommodation options for all budgets, an après scene almost as good as the skiing itself and, most importantly for Easter travel, an excellent snow record. Experienced skiers will never get bored here, while the ski school is world-class for complete beginners up to advanced skiers looking for a new challenge.

Whistler's brilliant March snowfall record practically guarantees top-to-bottom skiing at Easter, but even on warmer spring days, beginners have access to the best snow as lessons take place mid-mountain at the Olympic Mid-Station. And with green runs down from almost every lift, even new skiers can enjoy a full-mountain experience.

The resort comes alive in spring, with sharing plates of nachos and wings and beers aplenty on the sunny patios at each base area. The Easter break often coincides with the annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) where you can expect daily live music, ski & snowboard events and photo & film competitions. You'll also discover a host of family-oriented Easter events throughout Whistler Village like egg hunts, ski competitions and special meals.

For an independent and convenient family stay in the quieter end of Whistler Village, the 4*+ Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites is an excellent option. Just a short walk or shuttle bus ride from the lifts, the suites are spacious and well-equipped with facilities including a full kitchen and a washer/dryer that's ideal for longer stays.

You're within walking distance of some of Whistler's best restaurants, including the on-site Hy's Steakhouse and the Brickworks pub, and there are three hot tubs and an outdoor pool for relaxing after skiing.

"Amazing, vast amount of ski area good for all abilities. Lots of well-groomed runs. Very efficient lift systems even on a busy Easter weekend. Great variety of restaurants on the mountain - good value for money and plentiful choice. We started going to Whistler 15 years ago and have been back regularly as we think it’s the best place to ski. We fell in love with Whistler and will continue to return as often as we can." - Katie Stanton

"Perfect spring skiing. The conditions at the top of the mountain we beautiful. The people are friendly and kind and there is absolutely no pushing and shoving in the queues like you can find in Europe. The perfect place for Children to learn." - Jo Knight

Banff is probably Canada's most beautiful ski spot and equally pulls out the stops for late-season skiing. Split across three separate areas - Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise - this big-name destination offers up varied terrain which is perfect for families with older children and teens. The town of Banff itself is a sight to behold in spring sunshine, with clear views of the surrounding peaks.

The snow depth in April is second only to March, and the three resorts regularly receive 50-70cm of late season snow. This year is no exception with over 50cm falling already across all three resorts. This allows for skiing right through to late May in Sunshine Village, which even opened for summer skiing in 2022!

To make the most of Banff, we recommend waiting until the kids are a bit older and have a few ski trips under their belts. While each ski area has dedicated learning areas, the best skiing is in the intermediate to advanced range.

The 4*+ Moose Hotel and Suites has become a firm Ski Safari team and customer favourite since it opened its doors in 2016. Not least because of the decadent rooftop hot tubs with panoramic views of the mountains. Nice in winter, unrivalled in spring sunshine and perfect for adults and teens alike.

Rooms range from hotel rooms to two bedroom suites depending on how much space you (and the kids!) need.

"Went to Banff for Easter holiday with my family and had a fantastic time... Spent most of our time at Sunshine but had a few great powder days at Norquay and Lake Louise. Thank you to Ski Safari for a wonderful time. We are booking for next year..." - Ali Wheeler

"Great ski resort, lovely town and awesome scenery... We had excellent snow conditions for April, it was unseasonably cold, which was great - I am not sure we would have had such a great skiing experience under normal spring weather conditions (although then there would have been more sitting in the sun taking in the views going on)." - Wendy Greenop

Supersize your Easter ski holiday and spend your spring stateside. The USA is home to big resorts, big skiing and big snowfall - even late-season despite being more southerly than the destinations we've covered so far. 

With so many world-class resorts it can be hard to choose just one, but we've selected three of our best-loved American resorts which offer late-season snow and spectacular slopes.

The resorts around Lake Tahoe are seriously good for a late-season ski holiday. Sitting on the border between California and Nevada, the ski areas here combine glorious West Coast sunshine with strong April snow records.

Heavenly, along with Kirkwood, Northstar and Palisades Tahoe, used to be a real hit with UK skiers, but numbers have dwindled since the pandemic. Well, we're ready to put it back on the map, and there is no better time to return for some skiing in the Golden State than at Easter.

You would think that California's 300 days of sunshine a year would make Heavenly too warm for Easter skiing. Not so. The 4,800-acre ski area is blessed with a strong late-season snow record and usually stays open until late April. With Easter falling late in the month in 2025, this is good news for families tied to the school holidays.

Sales Manager Andy Knights and USA Product Manager Rupert can personally vouch for the outstanding late-season skiing around Lake Tahoe, having skied Heavenly, Northstar, Palisades Tahoe and Kirkwood this April. They enjoyed gliding around the perfect spring snow which covered the ski areas from top to bottom under gorgeous blue skies. In fact, Andy and Rupert loved it so much that they've decided to create the Tahoe Value Ski Safari for next season, where you can ski Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood on the same lift pass for £420!

We recognise that stays in the USA are a stretch for many skiers' budgets which is why we recommend the 3*+ Forest Suites Resort. These affordable condos are delightfully set beside five acres of forest and are a popular family property with room options for four to six people.

The excellent value of the Forest Suites does not mean you'll be sacrificing on comfort or convenience. The suites are spacious with fully equipped kitchens and a separate lounge area while the property's location just 150 yards from the Heavenly Gondola provides speedy access to the slopes.

"As usual just what we wanted, we were able to drive to other resorts - we had a Tahoe Value pass which was great and very easy to use. Heavenly is a typical American resort... especially for time of year good, quiet, no queues, plenty of lifts and runs." - Jo Cheyney

High altitude is another way to have a snow-sure Easter and Colorado is as high as it gets. With base areas around 2,400 to 2,900 metres above sea level and peaks reaching up to 4,000 metres, resorts here retain their snow and regularly stay open into May!

Say 'howdy' to Breckenridge, where the Wild West meets the world of winter sports. This authentic former gold mining town is full of character and has a traditional American atmosphere that offers fun for the whole family. The ski area is genuinely good for all abilities. There are wide runs for beginners and cruisey blues for intermediates, while the black runs on Peak 10 descend through challenging bowls and glades.

The world's third-highest ski resort (at 3,914m above sea level) is home to the world's highest ski slope and highest lift, so it won't just be the views and the terrain that takes your breath away. We'd advise to always stay 10+ nights here to allow for acclimatisation, but it's worth it as the snow stays in great shape until closing day.

While Breckenridge is big enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders more than happy, it's also a great base to explore the surrounding Epic Pass resorts including Vail, Keystone and Beaver Creek.

When we say this resort is fun for the whole family, we mean the whole family. Breckenridge has perhaps the best range of accommodation options for all sizes of travelling parties. Whether you plan to ski as a family of four or extend the invite out to cousins, aunts, uncles or friends, you'll find somewhere that fits everyone in.

Top of our list for flexibility, value and location are the 3*+ Pine Ridge Condos, which feature spacious units that sleep up to ten people all with a homely and authentic vibe. They're situated on the Four O'Clock Run a short walk away from the Snowflake Lift and Main Street.

"Great town to stay in, excellent skiing for all levels of skiing from our 10 year old on lower slope greens and blues to those capable of double black diamonds, something for everyone. Town has loads of choice of restaurants, good supermarkets and shops to browse in the evenings." - Jonathan Robinson

"This resort was our first experience of skiing in Colorado and it exceeded our expectations. The ski area was incredible with a trail to truly suit all abilities. The ski area coupled with the outstanding quality of tuition from the Breckenridge Ski and Ride school for all the family really did make for a memorable holiday. We would love to go back to this resort again." - Vikki Cousins

If size is a key factor for you, the four ski areas of Aspen Snowmass and the spacious condos at Snowmass Village are sure to be a winning combination. A healthy average snowfall of 78cm in April keeps conditions good through to the end of the season. There's tonnes to do off the slopes and with 5,517 acres of skiable terrain, you're sure to find skiing to suit every preference and ability.

As well as four mountains to ski, you also have the option of two distinct places to stay. While we love the glitz and glamour of Aspen town, Snowmass Village is a much better option for families. The compact, purpose-built village features almost entirely ski-in ski-out accommodation and all the amenities you'll need for a successful ski trip - restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets, ski hire, ski school and also the brilliant Treehouse Kids' Adventure Centre.

It's one of the best childcare centres you'll find in a ski resort anywhere in the world, taking kids from 8 weeks to 4 years old and providing childcare, ski school and rentals under one roof. There are few better ways to introduce toddlers to the joys of skiing!

As I mentioned above, the accommodation in Snowmass Village is all about space. The wide selection of one to three bedroom condos at the 4* Timberline Condos provides plenty of flexibility for families of all sizes.

They're truly ski-in ski-out, have a fantastic slopeside pool and hot tub area and if you don't fancy the short walk to the main village, the on-site The Edge Restaurant & Bar is open for après and dinner. Make sure to stop by for happy hour from 4pm to 5pm!

"Vast and almost empty slopes with a wide range of terrain, no lift queues, and the friendliest people ever." - Lucy Taylor

"Snowmass is a massive and lovely resort with perfect skiing for all abilities. There are enough bars and restaurants to keep you entertained for at least a week. The free buses to Aspen are very convenient for skiing there or for nights out to experience the wider selection of bars and restaurants there." - Dion Daniels

Our team regularly skis at Easter with their families and between them, they've skied all the resorts above. For personal advice or a tailor-made price, enquire online or call us on 01273 224060.

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