The Best months to go Skiing
The concise answer to this issue is that you should take your ski trip when snow conditions are perfect. However, it is quite hard to know exactly when your resort is going to get 20 inches. However, it is possible to use historical data to time your ski trip for when you are likely to find good conditions.
In some resorts, the conditions are perfect in the middle of January. In some areas, the conditions are perfect for skiing around February. For instance, if you plan to visit Whistler ski resort, the perfect conditions are towards the end of February. In Beaver and Jackson Hole, the conditions are perfect in March and late January respectively.
Numerous online databases can show you how each ski resort fairs during a ski season. Some of these databases contain detailed graphs that show when you can expect to get the perfect skiing conditions. Make sure you study them carefully.
The most influential factor in different peak periods for different resorts is the orientation of the slope. For instance, a resort like Jackson Hole that is east facing experiences an increased amount sunlight as the winter season progresses.
Another factor that influences snow conditions is elevations. A resort like Breckenridge, which has higher elevation experiences a longer ski season. The high elevation ensures that the longer winter days have little effect on it.
A ski resort that is north facing and has high elevation is likely to offer a longer ski season. For instance, a resort like Telluride has one of the longest ski seasons. The reason is that it is both north facing and has a high elevation.
If you would like to plan your ski trip during the latter half of the winter season, you should choose a ski resort that has a high elevation and a northern orientation. Such a resort peaks and then holds its conditions for weeks. You are thus assured that no matter what week you choose, you will find good conditions.
Snow cadence is also an important consideration, even when the topography is not supportive of snow preservation. For instance, Jackson Hole experiences some of the highest snow volumes in North America. The result is that it has fresh slopes during the ski season although it is east facing.
If you are planning a ski trip, making plans around mid-December is always risky. There is a good chance that you will not find any favorable conditions. In fact, you may end up going back home thoroughly disappointed.
One of the periods you should avoid is President’s week. It is a week not worth considering especially because of the many kids who take this period to go skiing. If you are planning to go on a romantic ski trip, you will likely find that on this week, the resorts are jam packed with people. However, if you have kids, this might be the perfect week to go skiing.
One of the worst times to go skiing is around April. At this time, there is virtually no snow. However, you can visit a ski resort around April if it is on a glacier or it has high elevation. These types of ski resorts usually have some great snow conditions all season.
If you are planning to go skiing in Europe, you should plan your trip between the end of November and late April. However, there are a few exceptions such as the Levi Resort in Finland. The resort is normally open until June because of the influence of the Artic temperatures.
In Europe, most other snow resorts open around the same time. It is important to keep in mind that they have the highest amount of snowfall at the beginning of ski season. Although you are likely to face poor ski conditions if you visit a resort in North America and Europe late, there is an advantage.
The advantage is that the days are longer. That means there is more time for you to enjoy other activities such as visiting the cafes. Besides that, it means that the lifts are open for longer hours that mid-season.
If expense is an issue for you, then the cheapest months are the best time to go skiing. The most expensive period to visit a ski resort is during the holidays and the school holidays. If you avoid these periods, you can be sure to get some good deals.
Additionally, you can use a travel agent to lower your costs. He or she can help you get a good deal to make your ski trip affordable. If you love peace, you should go in the first half of January. Many people will be seeking to save money after spending a lot during Christmas. Thus, the queues will be quite short, and there is also a reduced chance of accidents.
Summary
While conventionally, you should go skiing in mid-February, it is not always the best time to go skiing. There are many factors to consider such as economics, topography, and the snowfall levels for each resort. Take all these factors into consideration when choosing the best time to go skiing.