Where to Ski March

Where to Ski in March

Skiing in the springtime can be a dream, with bluebird days, sunnier slopes, and peaceful resort atmospheres. 

As the days grow longer and warmer, you’ll want to avoid the late-season slush by heading towards higher resorts. Skiing in March guarantees great snow conditions in top ski areas.

Plus, by this time, you’ll avoid the chaos of the February half-term travel rush. If you have younger children, March could be the perfect time for a stress-free family ski holiday.

For serious skiers who missed earlier in the season, March offers some of the best skiing conditions of the year. With fresh snow, uncrowded pistes, and fewer tourists, March is a month not to be missed.

Here are our top picks for where to ski in March across Europe, North America, and Japan.

March Skiing in Europe

March is a great time to ski in the Alps. 

The warmer weather and longer daylight hours make the slopes more enjoyable, and shorter lift lines mean more time on the mountain. 

Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or enjoying après-ski on a sunny terrace, March in the Alps is magical.

Across the alpine regions of Switzerland and France, there are many areas where skiing in March is at its prime. From charming mountain villages to slick ski resorts with stunning views, these are our favourite locations to ski in March in Europe.

Skiing in France in March 

As winter turns to spring in France, you can truly appreciate the stunning outdoor activities available in March - from hiking in the sun to eating lunch alfresco. 

The French resorts and ski areas will also be significantly less populated, with the congested February crowds a distant memory. 

The resorts may become a little busier towards the Easter holidays, but you should still find yourself queuing far less for ski lifts compared to peak times. 

Keep in mind that snow conditions will vary as the weather gets warmer. The snow is generally in pristine conditions through March to the end of April, but south-facing slopes may be more difficult and icy in the mornings. Depending on the location, you can expect high-range snow cannons to keep the top ski parks as snow-sure as possible. 

Our top picks for the best places to ski in March in France are Courchevel 1850 and Tignes, two resort areas that combine exquisite luxury, picturesque scenery, and well-planned resort and skiing areas.

Courchevel 1850, France 

Elevation: 1,850 m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 57 cm

With the half-term holidays set firmly behind, Courchevel 1850, an iconic luxury ski resort in the Three Valleys in the French Alps, adopts a relaxed party atmosphere. 

Expect long, lazy lunches in mountain-top restaurants and chic aprés ski spots with lively nightlife.

Ski runs are impeccably maintained in March. The town centre is surrounded by a bowl of green and blue pistes for beginners and more challenging runs for experts.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Eating at Restaurant Le Cap Horn - one of the highest restaurants in the Three Valleys at 2100 metres. Perfect for March weather, ski in right off the slopes for a warm, sun-filled terrace.

Tignes, France

Elevation: 2,100m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 35 cm

Located in the Tarentaise Valley, Tignes is one of the best ski resorts to visit in March. This incredibly snow-sure resort is located at a stunning 2,100 metres above sea level. 

Thanks to this height and the Grande Motte glacier, you can expect wonderfully snow-covered pistes when all other resorts begin to get sludgy.

With 300 km of pistes, Tignes caters to all skill levels. Families and groups will love the variety, and experts can challenge themselves on advanced runs.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Purchasing a full Espace Killy ski area pass to have access to 300km of slopes! Remember to use the ski lifts that link to Val d’Isere and check out La Folie Douce for unforgettable après ski.

Skiing in Switzerland in March

In March, Switzerland offers excellent skiing as the weather warms up. To avoid slushy snow, head to the highest resorts.

Luckily, Switzerland boasts a decent amount of high-altitude slopes. From Zermatt, home to the iconic and snowsure Matterhorn, to smaller glacier resorts, Switzerland has something for everyone.

Our favourite March ski locations in Switzerland are the Swiss ski resorts of Saas Valley and Verbier. These luxurious and picturesque resorts each offer impressive skiing in March with reliable snow to novice, experienced, and intrepid skiers alike.

Saas Valley, Switzerland 

Elevation: 1,800 m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 43 cm

The delightful village of Saas Valley is smaller than its neighbour, Zermatt, but it offers breathtaking views of 13 mountain peaks and the highest average skiing in the Alps. 

With most slopes above 2,500m, you can rely on the quality and amount of snow until late into the season. 

Most of the easier terrains are located on the glacier at the top of the mountain, making it the perfect location for beginner and intermediate March skiers.

The Saas Valley village offers a remarkably peaceful alpine atmosphere in March, with smaller crowds and its entirely car-free nature.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Staying at the Chalet Annapurna - the perfect ski-in, ski-out luxury chalet with a sauna, hot tub, and an open fireplace among other impressive amenities. 
Explore all of our luxury chalets and hotels in Saas Valley for more inspiration.

Verbier, Switzerland

Elevation: 1,500 m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 33 cm

Known as the "Alpine Ibiza," Verbier is famous for off-piste skiing and après-ski.

Set at a breathtaking high altitude of 1,500 metres, you can expect miles of pistes available for intermediates, and the powder is known to stay deep for the formidable off-piste and black runs.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Checking out the run of après bars located off the Meridan lift and down to the Place Centrale. Here, these après bars are open from the afternoon till late in the evening.

Skiing in Japan in March

Skiers from all over the world travel to Japan during the winter season to experience ocean-effect snow, or as some call it - ‘Japow’. 

In March, you can still find this famous snow across the country, especially on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. 

Our top pick for the best place to ski in Japan in March is Niseko, located on this island and around the ‘Fuji of Hokkaido’, Mount Yōtei.

Niseko, Japan

Elevation: 1,308 m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 81 cm

Niseko is known as Japan’s winter wonderland, with incredible skiing and an après ski scene that never disappoints - from booking a Michelin-rated restaurant famed for its sushi and sake to enjoying ramen and beer at a noodle joint. 

You can expect the snow at Niseko to be the stuff of legends, with over 16 metres of snow (more than four times the Val d’Isère average) expected to fall throughout the season and into March.

With perfect weather and smaller crowds, you can expect reduced rates on accommodation and lift passes, less competition for bookings in Niseko’s famous restaurants, and fewer skiers on the slopes to get in your way and carve up the fluffy March Japow.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Taking a day trip to Kutchan and the larger port city, Otaru. Here, you can arrange to snowmobile, cross-country skiing, and even snowshoeing to fully take advantage of the iconic snow.

Skiing in North America in March

Despite March being marked as ‘spring’ on the calendar, this month can be one of the snowiest of the year, transforming many of the ski areas across North America into winter wonderlands. 

In fact, this month is referred to by many as ‘Miracle March’, with the largest powder downfalls all year.

If you’re planning a ski holiday across the pond, March is the perfect time to ensure you get the most out of your trip and ski the most terrain available. The deepest snowpack is guaranteed this season, and almost every trail and lift will be open, be it Revelstoke, British Columbia or Banff, Alberta.

Our top pick for the best place to go skiing in March in North America is Jackson Hole, Wyoming - the top of many skier’s bucket lists and home to the infamous Corbet’s Couloir.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Elevation: 1,901 m
Average monthly snowfall in March: 200 cm

Known as the ‘Big One’ to local skiers, Jackson Hole is located just south of Wild Elk Country in Yellowstone National Park and near the Grand Teton National Park. While some of the smaller North American mountain seasons begin to end, this powder-hound resort is still going strong with some of the best blower pow in the country.

Although Jackson Hole is well known for its challenging runs that make even the most experienced skiers sweat, there are plenty of trails available for intermediates and beginners in March. The town itself is reminiscent of something from an old Wild West film, complete with saloons and swinging bar doors.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Enjoying live music at the 1937 Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, with its saddle bar stools and a taxidermied grizzly bear, or grabbing a bite to eat at the Many Moose Steakhouse for an authentic saloon experience.

Start planning your early-season luxury ski holiday today! Explore our luxury chalets and discover our collection of luxury ski hotels here. If you have any questions, please reach out to a member of our expert team or explore our blog for more inspiration.

FAQs for ski holidays in March

Can you still ski end of March?

Yes, you can still find reliable snow at the end of March at the high-altitude resorts across Europe, North America, and Japan.

When is the best time to book a ski holiday in March?

While you can avoid peak crowds during mid-March we still recommend that you book your holiday around 8 months in advance to get the best choice of accommodation. 

Is skiing cheaper in March?

March is one of the best times to find a deal on your ski holiday. This is due to there being off-peak weeks for the month of March.