Ski holiday in April: Why Scandinavia is becoming the best choice in a changing climate

Summer is coming and spring is heralding its arrival, but for skiers and snowboarders, that also means it's time to start thinking about their next winter holiday. An April ski holiday remains an attractive option for many. The sun is shining longer, the days are getting warmer, and the sunsets are spectacular. But the reality of climate change casts a shadow over the future of alpine ski seasons.

Why the Alps are no longer so reliable in April

In the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly apparent. For skiers, this means shorter ski seasons, less snow at lower altitudes, and greater unpredictability. The evidence is clear: in recent years, we've seen that snowfall in the Alps is no longer a given in late spring.

While skiing in April is still possible in the Alps, it's usually reserved for the highest areas, such as glacier resorts in Switzerland, Austria, and France. These areas are located above 2,500 meters and, thanks to glaciers, can still offer some snow security. But even there, the conditions are no longer taken for granted. Glaciers are melting faster than expected, and the size of the ice masses is shrinking.

The problem of climate change for the Alps

The consequences of climate change for the Alps are well known. At lower altitudes, snowfall is decreasing, and rainy periods are becoming longer and more frequent. This leads to shorter ski seasons and the frustration that the beloved snow is always dependent on the weather at that moment. The snow that does fall is becoming unpredictable, with periods of intense cold alternating with warm, rainy spells. All of this makes planning a ski holiday in April more difficult than ever before.

Melting glaciers in the Alps pose a threat not only to the region's natural beauty but also to the ski resorts that rely on them for their very existence. Glaciers provide snow reserves during the spring, but the accelerated melting makes reliable skiing more difficult, especially in the later months of the season.

What does this mean for skiers in April?

For skiers who want to enjoy winter sports in April, this means that choosing a ski resort becomes even more important. Only high-altitude, well-insulated areas, with glaciers and modern snow cannons, can still guarantee truly good conditions. But even then, there's still a certain risk, and skiers must anticipate variable weather conditions.

In short: snowfall is becoming less predictable, and the ski season will gradually recede. This makes April no longer the ideal month for an extended ski holiday in the Alps, unless you choose the absolute peak in the high mountains with its extensive glaciers.