Best Ski Resorts Still Open in March 2026— Where to Ski Late Season

March is one of the most underrated months to go skiing. The days are longer, the sun is stronger, the lift queues are shorter — and in the right resorts, the snow is still excellent. Yet many skiers assume the season is winding down and miss out entirely.

The key is knowing which resorts to choose. High-altitude destinations across Austria, France, Switzerland, and Italy reliably hold good snow well into March and even April. Some resorts are at their best in late season — with spring conditions on upper slopes and a relaxed, end-of-season atmosphere in the village.

This guide covers the best ski resorts to visit in March, whether you’re planning a February half-term extension, an Easter break, or a spontaneous late-season trip.

Why March Is a Great Time to Go Skiing

Before diving into the resorts, here’s why March skiing deserves more credit:

• Longer days: Daylight extends significantly compared to December and January — more hours on the mountain.
• Spring sunshine: Blue skies and warm sun make for an enjoyable on-slope experience, especially at altitude.
• Quieter slopes: School holidays are largely over by mid-March, meaning shorter queues and more relaxed skiing.
• Better value: Accommodation and lift passes are typically cheaper than peak season.
• Softer snow: Spring snow (known as “firn”) can actually be very pleasant to ski — firm in the morning, softer by afternoon.

The main risk in March is snow quality at lower altitudes — which is why resort selection matters.

What to Look for in a March Ski Resort

Not every resort holds its snow through March. Look for these characteristics:

• Altitude above 1,800m resort base (or good glacier access)
• North-facing slopes — these hold snow longer as the sun angle increases
• Snowmaking infrastructure — resorts with good snowmaking can补 cover lower runs when natural snow is thin
• High top altitude — ideally 2,500m+ for reliable upper-mountain skiing

Best Ski Resorts Open in March — by Country

Austria

Obertauern (Salzburg Region) Obertauern sits at 1,740m — unusually high for an Austrian resort — and is one of the most reliably snow-sure destinations in the Alps. It regularly holds excellent conditions through late March.

• Top altitude: 2,313m
• Known for: snow reliability, circular ski circuit, compact layout
• March highlight: Still skiing strong when lower Tyrolean resorts are fading

Hintertux Glacier (Zillertal, Tyrol) Hintertux is unique in Austria — it’s a year-round glacier resort open 365 days a year. In March, the combination of glacier skiing and lower valley terrain makes it a superb all-round destination.

• Top altitude: 3,250m
• Known for: year-round skiing, varied terrain, reliable conditions
• March highlight: Glacier is fully open with excellent snow every year

Ischgl (Tyrol) Ischgl traditionally closes in late April with a famous open-air concert — meaning March skiing here is reliably excellent. High altitude, extensive terrain, and one of Austria’s most lively après-ski scenes.

• Top altitude: 2,872m
• Known for: extensive terrain, lively atmosphere, cross-border skiing into Switzerland
• March highlight: Full resort open with spring sunshine and long days

France

Val Thorens — Les Trois Vallées At 2,300m, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe and almost always offers excellent conditions in March. Access to the wider Les Trois Vallées ski area means 600km of pistes even if some lower connections soften.

• Top altitude: 3,230m
• Known for: Europe’s highest resort, vast terrain, reliable snow
• March highlight: Often better than peak season — snow has consolidated beautifully

Tignes Tignes is another ultra-high resort with glacier access, consistently good in March. The Grande Motte glacier ensures upper runs stay firm while lower terrain comes into spring condition.

• Top altitude: 3,456m (Grande Motte glacier)
• Known for: glacier access, freeriding, year-round skiing
• March highlight: Glacier still fully open; resort typically quiet after half-term

Switzerland

Zermatt Zermatt’s Klein Matterhorn glacier reaches 3,883m — the highest lift-served terrain in the Alps — guaranteeing exceptional March skiing. The iconic Matterhorn backdrop and car-free village make it one of the most memorable late-season destinations.

• Top altitude: 3,883m
• Known for: year-round skiing, glacier terrain, iconic scenery
• March highlight: Glacier fully open, spring sunshine, magnificent views

Saas-Fee Another Swiss glacier resort with guaranteed March snow, Saas-Fee sits above 1,800m and has access to terrain at over 3,500m. It’s quieter than Zermatt but equally snow-sure.

• Top altitude: 3,600m
• Known for: glacier skiing, car-free village, reliable snow
• March highlight: One of the most reliable resorts in Europe for late-season conditions

Italy

Cervinia — Valle d’Aosta Cervinia shares a glacier with Zermatt across the Swiss-Italian border, giving it access to the same high-altitude terrain. It’s typically cheaper than its Swiss counterpart and offers excellent March conditions.

• Top altitude: 3,883m (shared Zermatt glacier)
• Known for: high altitude, glacier access, affordability vs. Switzerland
• March highlight: Full glacier open; often better value than February peak

March Skiing: Resort Comparison at a Glance

Tips for Booking a March Ski Trip

1. Book accommodation early if targeting half-term — the week around UK/NL/DE half-term (late February into March) remains busy. After that, availability opens up.
2. Aim for north-facing slopes — in spring conditions, north-facing aspects hold snow much longer as the sun gets stronger.
3. Ski mornings, rest afternoons — spring snow is at its best in the morning when it’s still firm. By mid-afternoon, lower runs can get slushy.
4. Wear sun protection — UV radiation is much stronger in March, especially at altitude. Factor 50 on exposed skin and glacier glasses.
5. Book ski rental online in advance — alpy.com’s rental options are available across all the resorts listed above, and booking ahead guarantees availability and better pricing than walk-in hire shops.

FAQ: March Skiing

Are ski resorts still open in March? Yes — the majority of major Alpine ski resorts are fully open throughout March. High-altitude resorts and glacier destinations remain open even later, often through April and in some cases year-round.

Is March too late for skiing in the Alps? Not at all. For high-altitude resorts like Val Thorens, Zermatt, and Hintertux, March is often considered prime season. Snow is well-consolidated, days are long, and slopes are quieter than peak January and February.

What is spring skiing like? Spring skiing typically means firm, groomed snow in the mornings and softer, more forgiving snow in the afternoons. The sun is strong, the atmosphere is relaxed, and long lunches on sunny terraces are part of the experience.

Can I rent ski equipment in March? Yes — ski rental is available throughout the season at all major Alpine resorts. Booking online through alpy.com before you travel ensures you get the equipment you need at the best price, with no queuing at resort hire shops.

Which is the most snow-sure resort in March? Glacier resorts offer the most reliable snow in March. Zermatt, Val Thorens, Tignes, Hintertux, and Saas-Fee all have excellent track records for late-season conditions.

Conclusion

March skiing is one of the Alps’ best-kept secrets — longer days, quieter slopes, better value, and (at the right resorts) excellent snow. Whether you head to the high-altitude French giants of Val Thorens and Tignes, the guaranteed glacier conditions of Zermatt or Hintertux, or the snow-sure Austrian favourite Obertauern, you’ll find a late-season ski holiday that rivals anything the peak weeks of January can offer.

Ready to book your equipment? Browse ski rental options across all these resorts on alpy.com — booking online saves up to 65% vs. hiring in resort, with hotel delivery available at many locations.

Compare ski rental prices for March →