Not ready to swap the piste for the beach just yet? Us neither! Spring brings blue skies, quieter slopes and shorter lift queues in many of Europe’s top resorts. Plus, longer days mean more time for sun-kissed après! Aim high this April and point your skis in the direction of these snow-sure spots.

Val Thorens, France

Fly to: Chambery

Sitting pretty at 2300m, Val Thorens takes the title as Europe’s highest resort. The ski season here runs all the way into early May! You’ll have access to the entire Three Valleys, with Les Menuires at one end and Courchevel at the other. The more than 150 runs include steep blacks, challenging reds and cruisy blues, so there’s something for everyone. When you’re looking for fun away from the slopes, there are plenty of bars decked out with spacious sun terraces, so get ready to soak up the rays.

Cervinia, Italy

Fly to: Turin

In Cervinia, you can experience the majesty of the Matterhorn, without splashing out on Swiss prices. The lifts here top out at 3,883m, so the snow tends to stick around for longer. The town itself is south facing, which means many of the bars and restaurants are blessed with sunshine come après o’clock. Buy an area pass and the neighbouring resort of Zermatt will be yours to explore too.

Ischgl, Austria

Fly to: Innsbruck

Got your sights set on Austria this April? Make a beeline for Ischgl. With a wealth of adventurous activities on and off the piste, and lots of runs above 2,000m, it’s a popular pick for good reason. Boarders flock here for the snow park, where they can test their tricks on the various obstacles. End the day dancing at one of the glitzy clubs or bars - it stays lively until late around these parts!

Tignes, France

Fly to: Chambery

With 300km of piste to play with, Tignes is a top-tier resort, whatever month you visit. Skiing or snowboarding on the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456m is sure to be a holiday highlight. When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are five villages to choose from. Val Claret and Le Lac put you in the heart of the action, while Le Lavachet, Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières are more laidback locales.

Obergurgl, Austria

Fly to: Innsbruck

The altitude alone (1930m) is enough to put Obergurgl on the map for April getaways. The resort’s amenities, combined with its authentic alpine feel, adds to its appeal. Families will love the fun slopes, while night skiing will tempt the piste pros. Want to stretch your legs? Hop on the free bus to Sölden, which is home to two glaciers.

Avoriaz, France

Fly to: Geneva

Avoriaz’ reliable snow record speaks for itself. Here, you’ll see horse-drawn sleighs instead of cars and skiers whizzing and weaving their way through the centre of town. Fresh out of ski school, tiny tots troop across to the tropical-themed Aquariaz water park. It’s also an intermediate’s playground, thanks to the range of red runs. There’s even a La Folie Douce – perfect if you’re in the mood for a party!