The ski season doesn’t end with the arrival of spring. With fewer skiers on the pistes, shorter lines at the lifts, great special offers and glorious sunshine, there are many excellent reasons to plan a ski trip end of March and into April. Carry on gliding down the slopes at these ideal late season resorts and these splendid chalets.

Photo Credit: Soar / Flickr

Zermatt

At an altitude from 1,620m to 3,899m, Zermatt has Europe’s highest ski lifts and its largest glacier ski area, making it a complete year round resort. You’re virtually guaranteed to have snow here, especially due to the resort’s efficient snowmaking system which can make up the difference from any natural lack of powder. Zermatt is also a good destination for all levels of skiers so beginnings and advanced skiers can both happily zoom down the slopes and enjoy the balmy spring weather.

Where to Stay in Zermatt: Chalet Zermatt Peak

The perfect place to make the most a late season ski trip here is at the award winning five-bedroom Zermatt Peak by Ultimate Luxury Chalets. Conceived using the highest quality natural materials and workmanship, it perfect fits into the surrounding landscape and village, made all the more impressive by the 4.5-meter floor to ceiling windows in the lounge.

As soon as you enter the chalet, via its private lift access and tunnel, you will be struck by its designer interiors which include unique fixtures and fittings sourced from all over the world. The result is luxurious, stylish and extremely comfortable.
After a long day on the slopes gather next to the real-wood open fireplace or relax in the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, or over a massage. There’s also a fully-equipped gym, B&O cinema TV screens in the lounge, a library and your own personal chef on hand to whip up your favorite international dishes.

Reach the summit of luxurious ski holidays at the Zermatt Peak by contacting Ultimate Luxury Chalets here.

Klosters

The picture-postcard Swiss resort of Klosters is a great bet for late season skiing since more than 80% of the ski area is above 2000m and a majority of its slopes are north facing. In addition, the resort is well-equipped with snow cannons to ensure coverage even late into the season. It’s a great option for families due to the fantastic kids week programs organized by our Klosters’ experts at PT Ski which run the two weeks of the Easter holidays.

They have specially designed programs catering to all ages, from the under fives in the “Pandas” course to older teenagers getting used to off piste in the “All Mountain” course. Their instructors are from the local ski school and they have family friendly PT Ski reps overseeing the “pastoral” side who make sure that all courses run smoothly. They believe that kids learn best when they are having fun, proven true by the huge smiles on the children’s faces. In addition to the ski program, their beautiful Casa Chimera chalet (see below) is also still available… but it could go quickly!

Where to Stay in Klosters: Casa Chimera

Built in 2005, this luxurious family home is a short distance from the lifts and the center of the Klosters village. The chalet has a spacious yet cozy feel and exudes plenty of Alpine charm.

Its five comfortable bedrooms, each with its own bathroom or shower room, make it the perfect size for families. There’s a wonderful open-plan living space that has been strategically divided into three sections: a double-height living room with plush sofas, a games area separated by a large double-sided fireplace and a dining area with a large table with seating for 14. Nearby is a TV/audio room equipped with a widescreen TV. The kitchen is also located on the first floor, close to the dining area.

On the second floor are the chalet’s two master bedrooms, each with a fireplace and en-suite bathroom. There is a further double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. The last two bedrooms are on the ground floor, both twins with en-suite bathrooms. Additional luxury amenities include a sauna on the ground floor with a separate power shower and heated ski boot racks in the ski room.

The chalet has a dedicated staff of two who live in and are there for the guests every need. They will get your days started off with a healthy breakfast in the morning, have tea waiting for you for when you get back from skiing at the end of the afternoon and gourmet dinners in the evening.

Check availability for this exquisite chalet through PT Ski at this link.

St Moritz

The ritzy resort of St Moritz attracts both avid skiers and those looking to show off in their glamorous designer ski outfits. Experience a calmer version of the resort by coming in spring. Its Corvatsch mountain offers the best spring skiing being both higher than Corviglia and shadier. Because most of Corvatsch slopes face north they generally keep their snow longer. The more daring can also take a day at the nearby Diavolezza glacier, which usually offers good late skiing.

Where to Stay in St Moritz: Chalet Etta

Look no further for exceptional accommodation in St Moritz than to this sumptuous seven-bedroom chalet, available through Villa and Apartments Abroad.

Every detail of the interiors has been considered and you will find high quality ETRO fabrics throughout, comfortable sofas, antiques, old wood, granite as well as touches of contemporary art. There are two living rooms, both with wood-burning, open fireplaces and amazing views of the Corvatsch mountain. Divine meals are prepared by its talented chef and can be served in the kitchen which seats 10 or dining room with seating for up to 14.

The well-appointed bedrooms are spread on different floors, offering the perfect privacy for an extended family or group of friends. Bathrooms feature power showers and extra deep bathtubs. Guests can work out in the gym or relax in the sauna/steam room. Children can remain entertained in the fully stocked playroom which also serves as a home cinema.

Contact Villa and Apartments Abroad here to start planning your perfect ski trip to St. Moritz.

Tignes and Val d’Isère

As the pistes stay open until early May, France’s Espace Killy, shared over the Tignes and the Val d’Isère is a safe option for skiing at end of March and into April. The fact that 60% of its 300km of pistes are above 2500m definitely helps. Added to this are its healthy levels of natural snowfall, vast north-facing terrain and two amazing glaciers. Both resorts are good for all levels of skiers so you can please companions still gaining their footing. Tignes is located at an elevation of 2,100m, however, serious skiers can go up to 3,400m on its Grande Motte glacier which is open nine months of the year. Whereas Val d’Isere, starting at 1,850m, has more of the north-facing slopes.

Where to Stay in Tignes: Chalet Quezac

This uniquely and carefully designed 600sqm chalet, available through Ultimate Luxury Chalets, will delight both children and adults seeking an indulgent ski break in Tignes.

Personally decorated by its owner Guerlain Chicherit, this chic, contemporary abode can accommodate up to 12 adults and four children in seven individually decorated suites. The open plan living area includes an executive office space complete with a Apple Mac and printer, billiard table that transforms into ping pong and table football. The kids will love the secret ‘children only’ playroom, the adults will adore the fully stocked wine cellar and everyone will be thrilled over the fabulous outdoor entertaining space complete with large hot tub.

Each bedroom has its own unique artwork and gorgeous en-­suite bathroom. One of these even features a glass bath, one of only two in the world. To tempt you further, there is also a gym for those wanting some additional sport to their skiing and a bubble lift in the garden, ideal for cigars and a glass of port at the end of the evening.

Discover more about this special chalet by reaching out to Ultimate Luxury Chalets at this link.

Where to Stay in Val d’Isere: Chalet Himalaya

At the top of the French Alps is the summit of Val d’Isère chalets: the Chalet Himalaya, also by Ultimate Luxury Chalets. A former monastery dating from the 17th century and located right on the piste in the charming village of La Daille, it has been fully brought up to modern luxury standards.

A set of beautifully carved antique doors greets guests as they enter the white marble and stone hall. These open onto a stylish paradise featuring light and dark marble, carved and painted wood, glass and stone, antiques and furs, creating a warm, seductive atmosphere. Among the highlights of these four bedroom chalet are a massive fireplace, stunning window stone seats, the hidden movie screen and the invisible swimming pool.

Enjoy an incredibly unique ski trip to the Val d’Isère through Ultimate Luxury Chalets here.

Photo Credit: Lee Netherton

Val Thorens

At an impressive 2,300-3,200m France’s Val Thorens is Europe’s highest major resort so you are virtually guaranteed to have snow until May. It’s one of the resorts that make up the expansive Three Valleys ski area and many of its slopes are above 2,000 metres. Having a glacier, which was formerly open for snow sports in the summer, is an added bonus.

Where to Stay in Val Thorens: Chalet La Datcha

The largest in Val Thorens, this impressive chalet is spread over five floors and offers spectacular views over the resort and mountain tops.

Available through Ultimate Luxury Chalets, the chalet has an abundance of off-the-slopes entertainment. Rest your weary muscles in the pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and hammam or keep active over a round of golf on the golf simulator or a race around your favourite track on the Formula 1 simulator.

The bedrooms are large and there is an overall wonderful feeling of space in the chalet, aided by the vast south facing windows. Staff are on hand throughout your stay to ensure you have a perfect vacation and your palates will be marvelled by the excellent chef’s delicious creations.

Learn more about this exquisite chalet through Ultimate Luxury Chalets here.

You can also read more about many of these resorts in our article on our Favorite European Luxury Ski Resorts here.

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The ski season is just kicking off in New Zealand, one of the world’s premier snowsports destinations. But we aren’t talking about any old skiing here. We travel to Queenstown and Wanaka to soar to the top of jagged peaks for some daredevil heli-skiing, zoom down the best off-piste terrain, venture into the backcountry for some cat skiing, and end our adrenalin-fuelled days relaxing in luxury at the finest villas, chalets, and lodges in New Zealand. Read on for the best insider tips from our experts at Majordomo and Touch of Spice.

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“Offering plenty of sunshine, majestic lakes, snow-capped alpine beauties, and an unrivalled selection of activities and attractions, it comes as no surprise that Queenstown, New Zealand, is as popular a winter destination as it is a summer one,” enthuses Jacqui Spice, founder and owner of Touch of Spice.

“Queenstown is nestled in the Alps close to four ski resorts and fabulous backcountry terrain,” explains Jacqui. “Typically the ski season starts on piste by mid-June with helicopter access to the Southern Alps being mid-July through to October. Touch of Spice can offer exceptional skiing and boarding on exclusive terrain with untracked, virgin snow. On and off-piste, the extensive range of activities has been designed to suit everyone’s ability and desires.

“To help you out further, Touch of Spice can offer professional in-house ski fitting when renting equipment, free chains and GPS with Thrifty car rentals for the month of August, and complimentary value-add recommendations such as spa upgrades, two-for-one offers and complimentary drinks.”

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Whare kea

Accessible only by helicopter, this luxury chalet offers unparalleled accommodation and a spectacular base for those seeking the ultimate alpine adventure in an exclusive location—high in the mountains on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park. It sleeps eight in four bedrooms with four bathrooms.

This is one of the few places in New Zealand with ski-in, ski-out mountain access, which makes for the ultimate ski experience. With striking natural beauty in every direction, your photo-posting on social media will make you the envy of all your friends. From here, you will be heli-ed onto exclusive untracked virgin snow, be taken on 10–12 runs, and then led back into the chalet for morning tea, gourmet lunch, and après-ski drinks.

You can completely tailor the chalet experience to suit your requirements, from a short day trip with a relaxing lunch and a glass of wine on the balcony to multi-night accommodation with action-packed alpine adventures. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience in this secluded mountain paradise. Whare kea starts from NZD$2,000/night.

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Kumanu

Kumanu is a faultless luxury retreat in rural Queenstown, with stunning views across the Wakatipu Basin and beyond. Being at the centre of Queenstown’s three elite ski resorts, you have the opportunity try a field each day. With the perk of huge lawn space, heli-skiing is an obvious choice.

Kumanu sleeps eight in four bedrooms with five bathrooms. Every room provides a feeling of serenity and calm yet draws you in seamlessly to the landscape. From the airy dining room with its ambient open fireplace, to the magnificent chef’s kitchen, which adjoins a cosy lounge. It is well equipped and appointed for winter with its large spa pool, ski storage, Cinema room plus indoor & outdoor fires. Kumanu starts from NZD$2,000/night.

These great chalets and skiing tips were provided by Jacqui. For more on these skiing experiences, contact her and the Touch of Spice team here.

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We also spend some time heliskiing, heliboarding and cat skiing with our experts at MajorDomo.

“Queenstown and Wanaka are fabulous locations to base your family and friends for the ultimate heliski experience,’ informs Lisa Hayden, co-owner of MajorDomo. “Our villas are all located within five to 20 minutes from a helicopter pickup zone with some of the villas and lodges able to have helicopter landings on the property.

“Heliskiing or boarding packages range from group to shared excursions with two to five runs, to private charters with ‘unlimited daily vertical’. The operators and guides we deal with are very experienced with the relevant certificates, safety equipment and top-end powder ski and board equipment. The scenery and terrain is as varied as it is magnificent!”

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The MajorDomo team highly recommend the experienced pilots and guides from Alpine Helicopters to provide your exclusive heliski and heliboard adventures in the New Zealand Southern Alps. Stay at the stunning Minaret Lodge and your helicopter will pick you up directly outside your chalet after your mountain kitchen breakfast. You will be the first to ski this heliski dream arena every day.

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Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

Situated on 50,000 acres of Minaret Alpine Station near Wanaka, the lodge comprises four chalets and a mountain kitchen to provide you with a luxurious escape within an untouched landscape. A private hot tub on the deck your chalet, open fires, library, cosy living areas and first-class dining facilities with stunning meals prepared by gourmet chef complete a thigh-burning day in the backcountry powder bowls.

Find dynamic terrain in and around Minaret Alpine Station and lodge to suite any intermediate or expert skiers and boarders, with pristine snow covering wide open bowls, natural half-pipes and chutes. Beautiful long runs will maximize your ski time and guides are there to direct you on to the best snow in the region.

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Soho Basin

If Heliskiing is not your thing, then cat skiing could be your calling. Soho Basin is a private ski area offering pristine high-country terrain, world class views and gourmet dining in an atmosphere of relaxed and understated luxury.

After reaching Soho Basin via a 60-minute drive or 10 minute helicopter transfer from Queenstown, you will access 650 acres of skiable terrain from the comfort of a heated cabin, atop a state-of-the-art snowcat. The Soho team will show you the best lines, deepest powder, steepest chutes or gentle slopes – whatever is your thing. With the number of skiers or boarders limited to 24 per day, you will be able to experience this unique area of beauty and serenity within the Southern Alps almost exclusively.

Soho is suitable for early intermediate skiing ability and above, with some great options for the more adventurous skiers or boarders. Your day, your pace, your mountain. When you are ready for a break, you’ll enjoy food and wine on the deck of Soho’s Alpine hut prepared by the chefs of the award-winning Amisfield Bistro. Self drive from Queenstown or MajorDomo can arrange luxury transport with a private driver.

MajorDomo’s villas or partner lodges in Queenstown, Arrowtown or Wanaka would provide the perfect accommodation base for your Soho Basin Private Ski Area experience.

Learn more about these ultimate skiing holidays and gain more of their fabulous local insight by reaching out to MajorDomo at this link.