The skiing season is gradually coming to an end, and those who did not manage to go skiing or did not have enough of it, now are trying to decide where to go skiing in April. Fortunately, meteorologists argue that the winter of this year has issued more snow than in 2008, and the fallen snow is enough to ensure a decent spring skiing. However, apart from joyful expectations the blizzards have brought with them troubles as well – virtually in all the European resorts the threat of avalanches has increased.
During the last weekend it snowed once again in Austria, while in the Alpine resorts of France and Italy reigned early spring weather. In any case, choosing a place for skiing in April (especially towards the end of the month), you must either go where the mountains are higher and there are glaciers, or to the Nordic countries, where the spring warmth arrives late.
The most popular resort of Austria, Zelden usually completes the ski season in early May. Until then, the nightly levelled runs are well suited for skiing and getting a beautiful tan. A more peaceful option is the quiet village of Celle-am-Tsiller, which in the past few years has become the center of Zillertal Valley ski region. The resort is especially appreciated by snowboarders, because here about 20 special routes have been created, and operate several snowboarding schools.
At a total of 25 kilometers from Innsbruck the Schtubaisk glacier is located, where you can ski at least until mid-May.
The resort at the glacier Hintertuks is open year round, but 70% of trails are likely to be closed in off-season period, but that is quite enough for good skiing. Other attractions at the resort are few because the majority of tracks are rather complex and the main bulk of visitors here are aimed at ski vacation, after which they usually have little strength for anything else. Another option for year-round skiing is the Kaprun glacier. The town is an excellent choice for peaceful rest, fully consistent with the alpine beauty of nature, and homely atmosphere.
If you have no desire to climb the mountains, it is better to go to Northern Europe. Extreme trails are almost impossible to find, but the location is ideal for beginners, as natural snow stays longer than in the Alps. For example, in Sweden, the season is officially open until mid-May. And beyond the Arctic Circle in Riksgransen you can ski even in June. Since the route is not the most popular, you had better organize the trip yourselves; the expenses will be less than through a tourist company. But in any case you will not be able to save much on the trip to Norway, – the country is very expensive. However, many resorts are open until May, for example, the polar Narwick and one of the most famous ski centers of Northern Europe – Hamsedal. A relatively economic trip can be arranged to Finland, at the same time you can satisfy the interest of your offspring by visiting the home of Santa Claus.
