The question of when to start and when to stop skiing is one that looms large in the minds of every avid skier. The ski season typically lasts from June through October, but the exact dates can vary by as much as a month or more depending on the weather. While you might have to wait a little longer to hit the slopes if you’ve been missing out on the sport because of bad weather in a previous year, you can rest assured that this year will be a lot more enjoyable than the last.
The following will discuss the length of the ski season and how to make the most of it.
Table of Contents
The Importance Of Calendars
It’s important to keep in mind that the ski season is not something that occurs once a year at a single location. Instead, it’s a season that can spread across multiple regions or resorts, which is why knowing the right dates is so important. The following will discuss the most recent trends for the ski season and how to use this information to make the most of your next trip.
Longest Season
Thanks to a combination of warm temperatures and an extended season pass, the longest ski season in history was recorded in 2016. In fact, the season lasted until October 31, an entire month longer than the previous year and the longest in records going back to 1881. The previous record had stood for 70 years. The United Kingdom also saw the longest ski season in history last from June through October as well, with some resorts extending the season by a week or more. The record low snowfall in 2015 had prevented the opening of the season early, but heavy rain in the summer of 2016 caused a rise in water levels, which resulted in more slush and slower-moving hills. This, in turn, caused the season to be extended a month. The UK has also seen an increase in snowboarders and ski-in/ski-out trends, which, along with the longer season, has made this year’s winter holidays a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
Longest Day
The longest day of the year is upon us, as the summer solstice marks the first day of the longer “day” and the beginning of the longer season. As night turns into morning and the light begins to seep through the thick, dark canopy above, skiers and snowboarders around the world celebrate the “Sunrise Slopestyle”. This is the moment when the sun completely overtakes the horizon and the winter sun begins its victorious march to the top of the world. This year, the longest day will fall on June 21 (UTC), so mark your calendars.
Spring Ski Trends
With the arrival of spring and the start of what will hopefully be a beautiful, warm, and snowy winter, skiers are searching for the best places to ski and the best times to hit the slopes. Following are some of the latest trends and changes to keep an eye out for.
Ski-in/ski-out
The ski-in/ski-out trend, which gave birth to the ski-in bar, is making its way to the top. The popularity of this trend, coupled with the convenience of online booking and the ability to customize lift tickets, has made it an option for everyone. With this trend, you’ll soon find yourself in the right place at the right time regardless of whether or not you have a guide with you. If this sounds like something that would potentially increase your enjoyment of the sport, then it’s worth keeping an eye out for ski-in/ski-out lifts.
Renting A Home / Apres-Ski Activities
Another way to explore the ski-in/ski-out experience is to rent a vacation home. This is particularly appealing to groups and families that want to enjoy the winter sports without having to worry about finding suitable accommodation. Simply rent a luxury villa that has everything you need, including a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, and private pool. This is especially convenient for those looking to engage in apres-ski activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and even ballooning. If this sounds like a vacation you’d like to take this year, why not consider renting a luxury villa in Tignes or Val d’Isere? There are dozens of luxurious homes available for rent across the Swiss Alps, with some offering stunning sea views and unforgettable sunset spots. This is also a way to have some quality time with your loved ones without worrying about finding a place to stay.
New Zealand
The ski season in New Zealand starts in the South Island on November 23 and continues in the North Island until April. The South Island’s Treble Cone, located in the Christchurch region, is the country’s biggest and most popular ski resort, renowned for its expert and intermediate terrain parks. The slopes of Treble Cone hosted the Winter Olympics in the 2014 edition of the games, which was the first time the event was held in New Zealand. The North Island’s Coronet Peak, located in the Auckland region, is the second-largest ski resort in New Zealand, with Turoa, located in the far north of the island, being the oldest and home to the country’s highest peak, Mt Hutt. The ski season in New Zealand is extremely unpredictable, so flexibility is key. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a booking conflict with another skier or snowboarder.
Canada
The ski season in Canada, which lasts from mid-June to October, is one of the longest in the world. Thanks to a combination of warm temperatures and snowfall, the Canadian Rockies experience one of the best winters in the world. The most popular resort is Banff, located in Alberta, which, as its name suggests, gets its snow from both the Canadian and the American mountains. In fact, the town has a two-mile long main street that is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants – all closed for the season – making it the best place to be between June and October. Another famous Canadian resort is Whistler, located in British Columbia, which, according to legend, gets its name from a whistler who stayed at the original Princess Hotel in the 1890s and inspired the establishment of the ski resort. When it comes to rentals, consider looking into condos in Whistler, as well as the town’s famous Rainbow House, which is perfect for families and large groups.
Chile
Chile, which is located in the southern part of South America, is famous for its ski resorts, such as Valle Nevado, which is the highest continental resort in the world. The ski season in Chile runs from mid-June to October, with the highest elevations experiencing the most pleasant temperatures. For those traveling to Chile, either to ski or for other activities, the Santiago International Airport has direct connections to the major cities and tourist destinations in the country. The Chilean peso, while not widely used as a currency, is gaining popularity, making the country a more affordable option for vacationers. Hotels in Chile are also increasing their food options, which is making the country more attractive to tourists. As in most parts of South America, the winter in Chile is an unstable time, with temperatures frequently hitting 30 degrees, which makes walking on the slopes challenging. Travel during the shoulder seasons for the best temperatures and snowfall. The ski season in Chile means that there are plenty of exciting things to do, including going on a bus tour around the country (which you could rent a car for), and even visiting the famous Christchurch cathedral, which was completely rebuilt following the 2011 earthquake.
Argentina
Argentina, located in the southern part of South America, is home to some of the world’s greatest ski resorts, such as Las Leñas and Cerro Cathedral, where you can find the longest chairlift in the world. The ski season in Argentina runs from mid-June to October, with the most popular resorts located in the Southern Lakes region. The largest and most visited of these resorts is Las Leñas, which is located in the province of Cataratas and features the world’s longest ski run, the Las Leñas Couloir. Cerro Cathedral is another popular destination, with a beautiful monastery and a church that dates back to the 17th century. Travel to Argentina during the shoulder seasons to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and more stable weather conditions. The last couple of years have seen an increase in tourism to Argentina, with the number of vacationers to the Southern Lakes region increasing by 14% in the last year alone.