Ski season is when ski resorts are open to the public for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Finding the best month to book your ski holiday will depend on how busy you want the resort to be, the snow conditions, and your budget.
When is peak ski season?
Ski season comes in three stages:
- Peak: This is when demand for ski holidays is highest, i.e. during Christmas, New Year, February half-term, and Easter.
- Shoulder: This is the period between peak and off-peak, usually the week on either side of the peak weeks.
- Off-peak: The period with the lowest demand during the season, usually during school term times and often offering lower rates and deals are available.
The ski season typically lasts for 5-6 months, offering ideal weather and snow conditions for skiing during the colder months. The duration of the ski season may vary slightly depending on your destination, so we have compiled a list of ski season dates for the most popular ski destinations.
When is ski season in North America?
The ski season in the USA and Canada lasts from November to April.
Peak:
The busiest months to go skiing in North America land on popular holidays such as Christmas and New Year, Martin Luther King Weekend, and Presidents Day Weekend.
January to February brings the most reliable snowfall and optimal winter sports conditions for skiers and snowboarders. Resorts in the USA and Canada can bring in double the amount of snow during the peak months compared to Europe.
Aspen Ski Resort in Colorado, USA is one of the most luxurious resorts in the world and resident to excellent ski facilities. Aspen's extensive network of slopes makes it a great place to ski during peak times.
Off-Peak:
If you’re planning to book your North American ski holiday around the holidays or when demand is at its lowest then you should be able to find yourself a great deal on accommodation.
Off-peak is a great time to hit the slopes if you prefer quieter runs and a shorter wait time for the ski lifts. There are also plenty of off-ski activities to enjoy in North America.
Whistler in Canada is host to a wide range of fun family activities such as escape rooms, ice fishing, horseback riding, bobsleigh tours, and dog sledging. You’ll never run out of things to do during off-peak times.
When is ski season in Europe?
The ski season in Europe lasts from December to April.
Peak:
The peak months in Europe often land during the school holidays, across the Christmas and New Year holidays. February is when the half-term holidays take place for many European and British schools so you will find that the February school holiday weeks will book up fast. It's best to book early when planning a European ski holiday during peak times to secure the best alpine property or hotel.
There are a number of attractive and slick ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy that are perfect for those looking for lavish experiences in the best snow around. For superb skiing tracks and winter paradise fun.
Off-Peak:
As well as skiing there are plenty of activities to enjoy during the off-peak times in Europe.
You can treat yourself to the perfect mountain scenery while relaxing in a hot tub or enjoy fine dining at the local restaurants and bars.
Zermatt in Switzerland offers a long ski season, boutique shopping, luxury dining, and winter activities such as ice skating, gondola experiences, snow tubing, and snow-shoeing. Making it a perfect destination for a luxury ski holiday during off-peak times.
When is ski season in Japan?
The ski season in Japan lasts from December to April.
Peak:
The peak times in Japan fall on holidays such as Chinese New Year (between January and February) and this brings in a lot of visitors to Japanese ski resorts as guests look to celebrate their holidays on the slopes.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to ski during peak season, Niseko is known as the powder capital of the world. This is due to the high quantity and quality of snow it receives each year.
Off-Peak:
If you want to avoid the holiday crowds then the off-peak is a good time to book your ski holiday to Japan.
In Japan, the snow conditions are not always deep enough for skiing which can leave the ski resorts a little bit quieter.
If you’re looking for alternative activities to skiing, Nozawa Onsen is full of activities to enjoy. Such as bathing in hot springs, cooking classes, walking tours, rock climbing, zip-lining, and plenty of local museums to visit.
Deciding when and where to go skiing
Whether you’re looking to join the crowds during the peak months or trying to find yourself a quiet retreat during the off-peak. At Oxford Ski Company, we have over 25 years of experience in finding our clients the best luxury ski holidays available.
Talk to our expert team about your requirements or find inspiration from our luxury ski chalets and hotels.
