When is the best time to go skiing?

Great for: A white Christmas or New Year.

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than spending the winter holiday amongst snowy mountains and cosy chalets. Open presents around a roaring log fire, hit the slopes to spot some skiing Santas, work up an appetite for your Christmas dinner and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Kids will especially love the magic of a white alpine Christmas and, as most people take time off work or school around this time, it’s easy to get the whole family together.

New Year’s Eve is just as special in the mountains, whether you’re dancing the night away or cosying up with family to watch the fireworks. Many ski resorts organise a spectacular torchlit descent – an amazing way to bring in the new year. And there’s no better way to dust yourself off from a night of celebrating than by heading up the mountain to blow the cobwebs away.

Picture-perfect alpine villages like Saalbach and Hinterglemm in Austria make for a magical Christmas break, while lively resorts like Sauze d’Oulx in Italy are a great choice if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve to remember

Bear in mind: This is one of the most popular times to book a ski holiday so prices can be high and resorts can be busy.

Check out: December ski deals

Great for: Fresh snow and uncrowded slopes. January is traditionally the month for the best snow and the quietest slopes.

By this time, most resorts should have a good base covering on their pistes and temperatures tend to drop low enough to add to that with snowmaking technology if needs be.

With no school holidays scheduled during the month, this is a great time to take advantage of the quieter slopes. Cruise the blues to your heart’s content or take on some more challenging runs without the pressure of steering through crowds. Whether you’re planning a group ski trip, a couple’s break or taking the kids out of school for a cheeky family holiday, you can find some great deals during this off-peak month.

January is a great time to discover a new area in the skiing world. Why not try the world-class slopes of St Anton, Les Arcs or Val d'Isère but without the crowds? 

Bear in mind: It can get seriously cold in the mountains during January so make sure you have all the right skiing clothing and gear to keep you protected from the elements.

Check out: January ski deals

Great for: A lively family vibe and plenty of snow. 

As the days get longer and the February half-term holidays begin across Europe, the slopes get busier as kids big and small enjoy the snow. You might have to queue for longer to jump on a ski lift, but resorts often have a fantastic atmosphere during this much-loved part of the season.

While February is certainly a hit with families, it’s also a brilliant time for après-ski as resort bars fill with fun-seeking skiers and boarders.

Travelling with children? A great all-rounder resort will suit families of all ages so look for somewhere with plenty of activities on and off the slopes, like El Tarter or Les Deux Alpes. Or if you’re looking for something a little less family-orientated, try a quieter resort like Val di Fassa.

Bear in mind: With the exception of New Year, this is usually the most expensive time of year to book a ski holiday.

Check out: February ski deals

Great for: Warmer conditions and quiet slopes. 

After the buzz of February, March is usually more relaxed – although it’s also when some resorts hold snowsports festivals, so check their events calendar to join or avoid the party as you wish!

At this point, temperatures are beginning to warm up, so choosing a high-altitude resort (perhaps with a glacier) is something worth considering if you're keen to find great snow conditions, particularly later on in the month. 

If you’re one of the lucky ones who, by March, have already enjoyed a holiday earlier in the season, March is great time to sneak in some more time on the slopes. A year is simply too long to wait for your next ski trip!

You’ll find great glacier skiing at resorts like Arabba and Tignes, ideal for stretching out the season as long for as long as you can.

Bear in mind: As the weather gets warmer, you’ll find the snow getting slushier in the afternoons, so it pays to be an early bird.

Check out: March ski deals

Great for: End of season parties and sun worshipping. 

An April ski trip can be a lovely bridge between winter and summer holidays. You’re likely to get some much-needed vitamin D as well as some action on the pistes. Think long al fresco lunches lazing in a deckchair, warmer temperatures and hopefully plenty of the white stuff!

You can grab some fantastic end of season deals during April, and while the snow may well be past its best, many boarders, kids and beginners have quite a soft spot for a bit of slushy snow – it gives a softer landing for any tumbles than ice and hard-packed snow does.

Resorts with high altitude ski areas like La Plagne or Mayrhofen give you a good chance of finding some late-season snow.

Bear in mind: The Easter holidays are another favourite time for families. Add in the end-of-season celebrations and you’ll find many resorts are bustling.

Check out: April ski deals