If the winter is coming to end, there is still snow if you have missed the season. Europe is the best to go to if you are looking for best late deals. Here are some of the locations where you can still find a bargain and plenty of snow. Look here for the best snow and the best deal.
Val Thorens, France
This is Europe's highest resort and therefore a safe bet for good snow. But you need to hurry because the season closes on May 08. There is a nice restaurant Montana Residence for good food where the Chef offers fusion food: home-pressed foie gras with Szechwan pepper. Yum. Stay at the Navotel Val Thorens from April 27. For two adults and two childres sharing a room will cost you £386 for four nights. That is good value for money.
Sainte Foy, France
This resort was accessible only to trekkers as most motorists saw only the road signs from Bourg Saint Maurice to Espace Killy. A new lift this winter has now opened up an area of the mountain. The new terrain has made Sainte Foy a good all-round resort, albeit to grumbles from experts in the know who don't want to share these glorious slopes. You can hire Chalet le Sapins for seven nights from April 13 to accommodate a family of four for only £2,810. The cost includes transfers and lift passes.
Meribel France
Skiers have heard of Meribel and most have been there. It is the world chalet capital and yet it has something interesting. The new La Ferme sleeps 16 and is in the Mussillon area of the resort. It is close to centre and only 100m from Dick's T-Bar. Every room has its own facilities and flatscreen television. There is also a fitness area on the lower ground floor with an exercise bike, rowing machine and treadmill. For seven days chalet board starting April 14, you pay £535.
Pragelato, Italy
This resort was built for the Turin Winter Olympics last year but was not open fully until this winter. This is the best for families as it has an excellent children's club, gentle nursery slopes and several child friendly restaurants. It is a small resort at one end of the extensive Milky Way ski area, most famous for the lively resort of Sauze d'Oulx. Scott Dunn is offering seven nights for the price of six for the remainder of the season. Seven nights half board cost from £1,250pp based on two sharing.
Krasnaya Plyana, Russia
This fledging resort in the Caucasus Mountains has a well-established heli-operation in February and March, plus limited but interesting terrain reached by veteran chairlifts from December to April.
Riksgransen, Sweden
Late-season snow sports far to the north of the Arctic Circel climax with a Midsummer's Day party. In April/May, the lifts open until after midnight and the helicopters fly until 3 AM. There is good-value heli-skiing and boarding.
© 2006 Harish Kohli. Harish Kohli is an avid traveller who likes to share good adventure travel ideas with others. He is also CEO of AwimAway.com where he can help tailor-make an experiential or adventure holiday for you.
