Where to Ski in March

If you spot a destination you like, get in touch as there are plenty of spring savings to be snapped up. For personal advice and a tailor-made quote from our experts, enquire online or call 01273 224060.

Many are drawn to Japan and Niseko in particular during the 'peak powder months' of January and February. However, to miss the crowds, bask in glorious sunshine with crystal clear visibility of Mt Yotei and still play in the untouched powder, your best bet is to set your sights on a trip in March.

Don't believe me? Our very own Japan Product Manager, Andy Knights, dipped his board in the sea of Niseko snow in late March a few years back and had a whale of a time. Watch his video below, or for a more in-depth account, you can read his blog on Skiing in Japan in March.

As the weather improves and the deep winter blizzards subside, Niseko opens its doors to a host of heart-racing events and activities. From 23 - 26 March 2024, ski over to Hanazono Park to watch some of the best snowboarders in Japan compete for the Slopestyle and Big Air titles.

There are activities off the slopes for daredevils too! From 15 March 2024 onwards, the Hanazono Winter Zipline opens for a few weeks.

"This is our second snowboarding holiday in Niseko and we absolutely love this place. The snow conditions are awesome, the resort has an abundance of variety with regards to restaurants (raw and/or cooked fish and meats) and some great atmospheric "drinking holes". The Japanese people are so friendly and amenable, and it's great fun when attempting to speak a few words in Japanese (I have a long way to go before holding a conversation mind you!). Five stars from me!" - Julie Walker

"March Madness" is a phrase we've often heard the locals use to describe the start of the spring snowfall across Whistler. It’s a month that promises some of the heaviest snowfalls of the year (1.5m on average) and the temperatures ensure good snow from top to bottom. Longer days also offer more time to play in all the fresh powder. From 22 February, the lifts stay open for an extra 30 minutes, shutting at 4:30pm.

The mountain may be cold enough to hold the snow, but back down at the base, Whistler Village welcomes the return of the patio season. I'm not talking about huddling up and jostling for space around the outdoor firepit, I'm referring to sunny afternoons out on the terraces of GLC, Merlin’s and Dusty’s, tearing off your ski jacket, grabbing a refreshing drink, clinking glasses and toasting to an epic day's skiing. There's the added bonus of evening out that goggle tan in the warm rays of the afternoon sun.

"Whistler is the ultimate ski/boarding destination. Two huge mountains linked by the Peak to Peak gondola provide a vast amount of terrain to suit all abilities. Powder, ice, moguls, trees, groomed, ski park, ski cross, toboggan zone, ice skating and skidoo. Whatever you fancy, this resort has it. The pedestrianised village provides something for everyone, plenty of shops and restaurants to suit all price ranges and taste. Lots of hotels to suit all budgets and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Just a few reasons why we return here year after year, why go anywhere else!!!" - Claire Patterson

We've all been there, sweeping across the pistes without a care in the world and all of a sudden BOOM! You've hit mountain rush hour and it's absolute chaos. If even thinking about this scenario gives you the heebie-jeebies, get yourself to Jackson Hole in March for blissfully peaceful skiing.

Without facing a cluster of skiers, a beginner or nervous skier can safely build their confidence by calmly practising turns on Jackson Hole's dedicated beginner trails which span off the Teewinot Quad and Eagle’s Rest Chair. More advanced skiers can leap undisturbed into the resort's little slice of heaven, otherwise known as Corbett’s Couloir. A steep chute famed for testing the hardiest skier’s mettle and bringing wide smiles to adrenaline seekers.

A scenic two and a half hour’s drive from Jackson Hole is perhaps the most famous National Park in the world, Yellowstone. The park is usually covered in snow in March, turning the rocky landscape into a steamy winter wonderland with the mist bellowing from the geysers. While there’s still a fair amount of snow, the temperatures are far more pleasant than January and February.

March is also a prime time to see the wildlife, especially bison and wolves. The white environment provides a beautiful backdrop and becomes a useful canvas for spotting creatures with darker coats. Share the once-in-a-lifetime hike with the local wildlife and not crowds of people, which you'll avoid by visiting at this time of the year!

"Great snow, loads of wildlife seen and great skiing." - Steven Wainwright

If there's one thing first-timers, seasoned experts and everyone in between have in common, they've all fallen over in spectacular fashion at one time or another. Nothing breaks a fall quite like soft, forgiving snow and Sun Peaks' slopes are brimming with the stuff come March. With the promise of a softer landing, it's the perfect excuse to sign up for ski school and learn something new whatever your ability.

As the temperatures are milder at this time of year and you're more likely to encounter clear skies, it's an ideal time to explore the mountain with some of Sun Peak's friendly locals on a free Sun Host Mountain Tour.

Bluebird days are the best days to cruise across the slopes whilst getting insider tips on everything from the best places to eat to where you can uncover hidden powder stashes.

"Our second time there and once again loved it. Great village, big ski area with plenty of variety of groomed and ungroomed terrain, and the ski instruction is second to none. We are already planning next year's trip and Sun Peaks is a must!" - Alex Conboy

The buzzing ski town of Banff is home to three ski areas which bring the best out of every ability. But, where Banff comes into its own, is off the slopes thrills and with sunnier skies and warmer weather, March is the best time to revel in non-skiing activities.

Whilst Banff is a bustling town full of restaurants and bars, it doesn't take long before you're in the serenity of the surrounding national park where there's little to no noise or light pollution. Our experts recommend taking part in the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk for a magical stargazing experience combined with a hike through a maze of ice pillars.

Or staying closer to town, the largest snow-tube park in the Rockies is located on Mt. Norquay. It’s fun for all ages with the park staff claiming the screams of excitement predominately come from the adults rather than the kids!

"Fantastic resort. Nice town with a very relaxed feel. Huge choice of bars & restaurants with consistently good food and great value compared to Europe. Very family friendly and very helpful staff pretty much everywhere. Nice to have the option of different ski hills and plenty of non-ski activities for days off the slopes." - Alison Parr

A huge factor that needs to be considered when contemplating a skiing holiday in March is picking a destination with excellent spring snow conditions. Mammoth is certainly a safe bet as a whopping 65% of its terrain is north-facing meaning the snow is preserved long into the back end of the season (which is late June!). Mammoth also sits at over 11,000 ft ensuring the powder is kept fresher for longer.

Mammoth is a little out of the way, but the big advantage to being off the grid, especially in March, is the absence of crowds. All the skiers that have travelled this far bring huge levels of enthusiasm which contributes to a passionate feel around the resort. 

"There is a lot to ski here and the resort is well managed. There are a lot of bowls for advanced skiers and no queues when we were there in March. The advantage of this resort is that it is not close to any major towns - if there is a snowfall, you don't get day trippers." - Serena Cowell

For many, a ski holiday in March is about avoiding the crowds. However, for those tied to this time of year looking for a vibrant atmosphere, Åre is a brilliant option. The après scene in the first week of the month is arguably the best of the year because of Sweden's spring break. For a lively 'after-ski' experience, we suggest heading to Timmerstugan, a fun après bar with a superb location next to the VM-6 lift (a short stumble from the village centre).

The following week is far from quiet as well because Åre plays host to the Alpine World Cup running from 09 to 10 March 2024, bringing an electric, spine-tingling atmosphere to this Swedish resort.

"Superb resort full of character and excellent ski runs with good weather and snow conditions." Graham Pooley

If observing the Northern Lights is something you've wanted to tick off your bucket list for a while, March is statistically the best month to get a glimpse of this majestic phenomenon. Tromsø in particular offers one of the highest probabilities of experiencing the Northern Lights in the world either by boat or from a cable car to 420m above the Artic City. For an unforgettable eight day multi-destination trip called the Ski & Aurora Explorer Ski Safari, we combine this city with five days skiing in the award-winning resort of Trysil.

There’s something for every level of skier across Trysil’s large and varied terrain. Those travelling with children have peace of mind because the resort is renowned for having a family-friendly atmosphere and has designated areas for children and beginners, making the overall skiing experience safer and enjoyable.

Additionally, the non-skiing activities, such as dog sledding and indoor surfing, promise to keep you entertained when taking a break from skiing.

"We had the best holiday ever! Wonderful skiing, snowshoeing, husky sledding and then the Northern Lights to finish it!" - Anna Bell

Spring delivers a spectacular smattering of colour across Switzerland. Because the country's ski resorts are positioned high in the Alps, snow still smothers the landscape throughout March, but lower down lies a beautifully contrasting landscape of blossoming flowers and rolling green hills. This is why March is a spectacular month to visit Switzerland and the best way to take in the scenery is by riding one of the world's most iconic train journeys, the Glacier Express.

The luxury rail adventure called the Glacier Express Ski Safari winds through the Swiss Alps showing you every snowy peak and valley whilst transferring you between Zermatt, St Moritz and Andermatt for world-class skiing across multiple resorts.

Some of the highest skiing in Europe can be found on this epic trip. Zermatt's lofty altitude equates to a solid layer of snow lasting throughout spring and because of this, it's no surprise there are as many runs open in late March as there are in January! The powder on the north-facing side of the mountain has an incredibly long shelf life and it's still possible to ski to the village thanks to Zermatt's modern snow-making facilities filling in any gaps.

As for St Moritz, the shadier Corvatsch mountain maintains a low temperature ensuring the white stuff keeps later in the season while Andermatt’s famously snowy micro-climate and high north-facing bowls promise you a scenic snow-filled ski safari.

"Glacier Express was stunning. Nice to experience another resort by going to St Moritz after Zermatt. Zermatt was a great ski resort and the standard train journey was scenic. Then we had the luxury of the Glacier Express which was a perfect way to relax and see the spectacular views of Switzerland. From first getting on the train with the sheepskin covered seats, to the polite and helpful staff, to the three course meal we'd pre-booked it was all marvellous. We kept hoping there would be a lull in the stunning views but it didn't happen. We went from the Matterhorn, into the Valley with spring blossoms and flowers just appearing, then back up to the snowy Oberalppass while having lunch. It was a long trip but it was definitely worth it." Anne Richardson

When booking a once-in-a-lifetime heli- or cat-skiing trip, you’ll want to be sure that poor conditions don’t ruin your day.

Enhanced by the months of snowfall earlier in the season, the snowpack is usually well settled and at its deepest by March, providing a scintillating balance of fresh powder and compact snow. With exceptional snow beneath you and the weather above reliably stable, the odds of having the day called off are pretty slim.

Cat-skiing is bound to have confident skiers purring their way through the finest waist-deep powder in the world, whilst heli-skiing takes powder addicts whose love for skiing to new heights by offering a similar experience with unrivalled views of mountain ranges en route to the drop-off point.

As previously mentioned, most countries will have longer days allowing extended hours of enjoying light, dry powder flying over your shoulders with every twist and turn made in vast powder playgrounds. There's no doubt March is the perfect time to pounce on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Many of our team have first-hand experience skiing in March and know exactly where the snow-sure destinations are. If any of the resorts listed above have caught your eye or you're looking for personal advice, reach out to our experts by calling us on 01273 224060 or enquire online for a tailor-made price.

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