Long weekend to La Clusaz in April

I'm after any advice from forum members on a short trip to La Clusaz for some late season skiing.

Can anyone who's been there recommend any accommodation? Or have you got an apartment to rent?

Also, having not been there before, locations on where to stay would be useful?

Thanks, Rich

Hi Rich, we've been there once or twice... 8)

Spring may have arrived by April (although there's no imminent sign of it just yet!) so you'll probably want easy access to the La Balme sector - as the bowl holds onto the snow much longer than the rest of the ski area, and will get the best of any fresh that comes.

What sort of skiing are you after, and do you have any preferences for accommodation? La Clusaz has options to suit most people.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm not bothered what the accommodation is, as long as it's clean and comfortable. Self catering would be better, but I appreciate it's late notice, so might have to take what we can.

We're happy with piste skiing, my wife is a relative beginner, and I don't get a lot of freedom :-)

We went to Flaine last year, mid April, and it was great, loads of snow at the top, and pretty good condition until mid afternoon, so I'm hoping La Clusaz might be the same????

dickdutch wrote:so I'm hoping La Clusaz might be the same????

Very likely!

La Balme is the area that keeps the snow late, and is almost always good skiing until the lifts close at the end of the season. The other areas have more south-facing slopes and get their melt on much earlier so keep an eye on the temperatures. If it does stay cool, the Beauregard is a great area for beginners/early skiers - with very mellow slopes off a sunny plateau.

As of today, the forecast models are all over the place for the start of April. There is lots of snow currently on the ground but Spring can come fast!

For location; being either in the main town or along the Route des Confins will let you hop on the ski bus up to La Balme; 10 minute ride and regular. You can ski back to town from La Balme (unless ALL the snow in the valley has melted by then) or get the bus.

There are quite a few self-catered places (try HomeAway?) and you might find a deal from one of the many hotels (look on Booking.Com) as the last week or two of the season can be very quiet.