Skiing is, famously, an activity that requires snow. But that doesn’t mean that the average ski resort shuts its gates and closes for the rest of the year. In fact, these beautiful, activity-rich parts of the world can be just as inspiring, even when the opportunity to do actual skiing is limited.
Let’s take a closer look at how the average resort changes over the course of a year.
Winter
Most obviously, winter is the peak of the skiing season. You can spend your time strapped into a pair of skis, or a snowboard – but there are other wintry activities to consider as well, depending on the resort you’ve chosen. The Tignes ski resort, in France, offers ice diving, snow-shoeing, and a range of amazing bars and restaurants.
Spring
Once spring rolls around, the pistes of the average resort tend to quieten down a little. Sparser crowds tend to mean that beginners have an easier time finding the instructors they need. You’ll want to favour high-altitude resorts, like Val Thorens, where the snowfall is more reliable even in late season.
One aspect of spring that’s easy to overlook is the appeal of a scenic lunch on a terrace. You’ll be able to soak in the sunshine without worrying too much about wind chill.
Summer
During the summer, the snow is entirely absent. At this time of year, a good resort will transform into a hub for adventure holidays. You might use the lifts to access mountain biking trails, or to go hiking through the surrounding valleys. You might also strap yourself into a para-glider, or go for a dip in an Alpine lake. If you want to climb to the peaks, then you’ll find summer is often the best time to do it. Of course, the selection of activities on offer will tend to vary considerably depending on the resort you’ve chosen. Pick out a destination that matches your interests and budget, and be sure that you’ve done your research carefully.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably the time of year during which the mountains are at their most beautiful and inspiring. They’re perfect for artists and photographers in search of a little natural inspiration – and, since the ski season probably won’t have kicked off yet, you’ll be able to enjoy a break for a much lower price.
Some of the best wellness retreats tend to be at their most appealing during Autumn, so be sure to check them out!
