The lowdown on Easter skiing in the French Alps

With regular top-ups over the last few weeks, the snow is looking great as we head into spring and Easter, with promising forecasts pointing to more of the white stuff. There’s never a bad time to hit the slopes with Neilson, especially in France, home to two of our favourite resorts - Les Menuires and Val d’Isère. High altitude resorts with access to glaciers, countless runs, eye-catching views and snowsure slopes, Les Menuires and Val d’Isère have excellent reputations for a reason.

In anticipation of some more excellent skiing this Easter, we spoke with our Winter Operations Manager Steve Carter, who explains just why late season skiing is so great. Steve has been with Neilson since 2008, and has been based in France since 2011, so certainly knows more than most when it comes to skiing and snowboarding on the famous French pistes.

Discussing Les Menuires, Steve said: “The skiing in Les Menuires is generally at a higher altitude than the other 3 Valley resorts of Courchevel and Méribel – allowing customers to make the most of the end of season snow conditions.

“The new super-fast chair lift on the La Masse ski area in Les Menuires gives great access to some of the higher slopes. The ski links from Les Menuires to Val Thorens, with its glacier, are close to Neilson Hotel Le Menuire & Spa, and allow skiers looking for the highest altitude and lowest temperatures to access these pistes quickly and easily.”

Steve was also keen to speak about the world famous resort of Val d’Isère, and just why it’s so ideal for an Easter getaway. He said: “Tignes and Val d’Isère form the linked Espace Killy ski area and are both high altitude resorts, benefitting from some of the best spring snow conditions in the Alps - this allows them to remain open and skiable until the start of May.”

Alongside the Glacier du Pisaillas in Val d’Isère, Steve highlighted the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes as another reason for excellent Easter skiing in the region: “The Tignes glacier is one of the higher ski areas in the region, and Val d’Isère also boasts various peaks around the 3000m level – conditions remain as good as any for those looking for an Easter break.”

Here at Neilson, we’re certainly of the opinion that there aren’t many better places to spend an Easter break than out on the slopes, with the late season conditions always offering something special. When asked what makes skiing at Easter so brilliant, Steve said: “Easter skiing offers plenty of benefits in both Les Menuires and Val d’Isère.

“The whole atmosphere changes in the resorts as the days become longer, the sun (normally) shines for longer and the temperatures start to warm up a degree or two. Lunches on terraces become a little longer, and the views throughout the mountains are superb with great visibility.”

Easter also brings perfect conditions for après, with the sunshine making that post-ski drink even more rewarding. Talking about his favourite aspects of après at Easter, Steve said: “Après-ski drinks start a little earlier in the good weather, and the Folie Douce in Val Thorensis definitely worth a look. It’s well known but has an amazing sun terrace to enjoy at the end of season with live music. Plus, it’s even on the way back to Les Menuires as you ski home.”

Steve really is the expert when it comes to these fantastic ski areas, so we couldn’t let him go without a word of advice. Steve said: “I would look to explore the hidden “4th Valley” of Orelle which is accessible from the top of Val Thorens in the 3 Valleys at the end of the season”, so for any guests stuck for something to do, there’s your plan.

What’s not to love? Skiing and boarding on snowsure slopes before après in the sun. And with the free guiding provided by our Neilson Mountain Experts, you’ll always find the very best snow. So take Steve’s word for it - an Easter escape to the French Alps is not to be missed.

Book your spot at Hotel La Tovière or Hotel Le Menuire & Spa before everybody else does, and see what makes Easter skiing such a special occasion.

We’ll see you on the slopes.

Book an Easter ski trip to Hotel La Tovièrein Val d'Isère or Hotel Le Menuire & Spa in Les Menuires and enjoy half price lift passes - saving up to £167pp. Must be booked by midnight 23 March 2023. Terms & conditions apply.