Tour operators are reporting Easter this year is looking to be the best for them for many winters and report that they are already selling out for the 'first week' of the main holiday period for departures on 31st March. Those looking for the best deals remaining are advised to consider 7th April departures.
The huge snowfalls in the Alps over the past two months have left most resorts with the biggest bases they've had in years and with Easter falling in the first fortnight of April, rather than the last fortnight in spring 2011, everything is currently looking good for the final big holiday period of the season.
"We have been incredibly busy and I expect we will finish the season well up on last year. For March we are already 140% up on last year's final booking figure and we are still taking a lot of bookings for March/April. Given the amount of accumulated snow we expect that April will be a big hit too," Xavier Schouller boss of French specialist ski tour operator Peak Retreats told J2Ski.com.
"We've had many clients who could not get anything for this February half-term (11/2) who have booked for Easter instead (31/3 and 7/4 departures). The first Easter holiday week (31/3) is already massively booked-up with little left but there is still availability for the second week (7/4)."
Despite the big snow base and the relatively early Easter dates, the advice for late season booking remains the same – aim high in altitude or latitude of your chosen ski destination and expect freeze/thaw conditions with icy slopes in early morning most likely than good skiing until mid-afternoon when it may get slushy. And pack then wear lots of sun cream.