Skiing In Austria: March Conditions And What To Expect

If you're looking to hit the slopes in Austria in March, you're in luck! While the snow starts to disappear in some resorts, there are still plenty of ski resorts that offer suitable conditions for skiing in March. The sunshine starts to arrive more frequently, and the days are longer compared to the previous months. March is generally a quiet time in Austrian ski resorts, and it's the last time snow depths hit heights before the snow starts to melt in spring.

One of the recommended ski resorts for this time of year is Mayrhofen, which offers high-altitude slopes (up to 3,250m) and access to 204km of slopes in the heart of the Zillertal ski area. Other resorts that are known to be open in March include Lech, Ischgl, Obergurgl, and Solden.

So, if you're planning a ski trip to Austria in March, you can look forward to enjoyable weather, quieter slopes, and plenty of snow before the spring melt!

Recommended resorts for skiing in March: Mayrhofen, Ischgl, Obergurgl, Lech, and Hintertux Glacier

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a ski resort in Tyrol, offering 142 kilometres of slopes and 61 cable car and lift systems. The resort is suitable for all levels, with Mount Ahorn catering to beginners and families, and Mount Penken attracting action lovers with its legendary Harakiri slope. Mayrhofen is also known for its lively après-ski scene, with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Ischgl

Ischgl is a fashionable, alpine village located high in the Paznaun valley. It offers extensive snow-sure, high-altitude skiing and a lively village atmosphere. The north-facing slopes and snow-making facilities ensure great snow conditions throughout the season. Ischgl is also renowned for its superb après-ski, with a wide range of bars and nightclubs, as well as special events throughout the season.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl is known for its snow reliability, with the ski area extending from 1800 to 3030 meters above sea level. The resort offers spacious and wide-open ski runs and is surrounded by a unique natural landscape. The longer days in March mean there is plenty of time for activities beyond skiing, such as cross-country skiing and exploring the winter hiking trails.

Lech

Lech is a small village and popular ski resort in the Vorarlberg region of Austria. It offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to family-run establishments. The ski area is convenient, with some accommodation in Oberlech located right on the slopes. Lech has a variety of pistes suitable for all types of skiers, from beginners to experts. The village's relative isolation adds to its charm but can make the journey to the resort difficult in heavy snowfall.

Hintertux Glacier

The Hintertux Glacier is located near Mayrhofen and provides an insurance policy for skiers looking for reliable snow conditions in March. It offers high-altitude skiing and is part of one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in Austria.

Sunshine and bluebird days

Austria in March can offer some of the best bluebird days. While it is true that some Austrian ski resorts are at a lower altitude than those in France, this does not necessarily mean that they will have less snow. In fact, by March, French resorts may see their snow disappear, while Austrian resorts still have decent snowpack. This is partly because Austria is further into the continent than France and is less influenced by the Atlantic.

Austrian resorts that are recommended for bluebird days in March include Lech, Ischgl, St. Anton, Obergurgl, Solden, and Mayrhofen. Lech, in particular, has been voted one of the prettiest villages in the Alps and has excellent snow records. Ischgl and St. Anton are also very good in terms of snow but are known more as party destinations.

So, if you're looking for sunshine and bluebird days in March, consider heading to Austria and checking out some of the resorts mentioned above. With their high-altitude skiing, extensive snow management, and snow-making capabilities, they offer a great chance of enjoying ideal skiing conditions under clear blue skies.

March is quieter in Austrian ski resorts

March is a quieter time in Austrian ski resorts. The slopes are less crowded as it is past the peak season, which is usually February, when families from around the world head to Austrian ski resorts.

March is also the last time snow depths are at their highest before the snow starts to melt in spring. The days are longer, and the weather is sunnier, making it a delightful time to ski before the ski resorts start to wind down.

Mayrhofen is a good choice for skiing in March, with high-altitude slopes up to 3,250m. A full lift pass gives you access to 204km of slopes in the heart of the Zillertal ski area. You can also easily access other ski resorts such as Fügen, Kaltenbach, Zell am Ziller, and the Hintertux Glacier.

Lech is another option, with excellent snow records and picturesque scenery. It has better snow records than Courchevel and mid-March is a perfect time to visit. Lech is also much prettier than Courchevel and offers ski-in/out accommodation.

Ischgl is also recommended for mid-to-late March. While the lower parts of the runs back to the resort may suffer from ice or slush, there is usually plenty of snow up in the ski area. Ischgl's season runs through to the end of April, so March is only really mid-season.

Obergurgl is a non-glacier resort that tends to be one of the last to close for the season. It has excellent snow conditions and a great mix of accommodation near the slopes. The village is easy to get around, and there are 110km of slopes to explore. It is an ideal resort for families, with great ski schools and childcare options.

If you're looking for a quieter experience on the slopes, March is a great time to visit Austrian ski resorts.

Snow starts to melt in spring

In spring, the increasing hours of sunlight play a significant role in the melting process. While bright, untouched snow reflects a large portion of the sun's heat back into the atmosphere, preventing significant warming and melting, the presence of dark-coloured objects can disrupt this process. Dark plant stalks, tree trunks, and foreign materials like ashes or sand absorb the sun's heat and transmit it to the surrounding snow, causing it to melt locally. This creates \"thaw circles\" around tree trunks and plants, where the snow melts earlier and more rapidly.

Additionally, higher air temperatures in spring contribute to snowmelt. Warm air from the sea influences the melting process, and when temperatures rise above freezing, snow is more likely to melt, especially when combined with increased sunlight exposure.

The melting process in spring can vary depending on geographical location and altitude. For example, in northern Alaska, the melt date has advanced by 8 days since the mid-1960s due to decreased snowfall and warmer spring conditions. In contrast, high-altitude ski resorts in Austria, such as Lech, St. Anton, and Ischgl, typically retain snow into March and even April, with some resorts offering snow-sure conditions during this period.

The snowmelt process in spring is a complex interplay between sunlight, air temperature, and the presence of heat-absorbing objects. While snow reflects a significant portion of sunlight, preventing immediate melting, the combination of longer days, warmer air, and dark-coloured objects ultimately contribute to the gradual disappearance of snow as spring progresses.

March is the last time snow depths hit their highest

While some skiers prefer the French Alps for their higher altitude, Austria is a great option for those looking to ski in March. Austrian ski resorts tend to be at a lower altitude than their French counterparts, but this doesn't mean that they are less likely to have good snow coverage. In fact, many Austrian resorts have extensive snow-making capabilities and are well-positioned to receive ample natural snowfall.

One skier notes that they have "never had an issue with too little snow" when visiting Ischgl in mid-to-late March. They go on to say that "March is only really mid-season" in Ischgl, as the resort typically stays open until the end of April. Mayrhofen, Obergurgl, and Hintertux Glacier are also recommended as resorts that tend to have good snow coverage in March. Hintertux Glacier, in particular, is known for its reliable snow conditions due to its high altitude and glacier location.

Lech is another popular choice for late-season skiing, with one skier commenting that they have consistently found excellent snow conditions there during the first week of March over the last 10 years. Lech is also praised for its picturesque village and ample walking trails, making it a good option for groups with non-skiers.

When considering where to ski in Austria in March, it's important to keep in mind that not all resorts are created equal. Some lower-lying resorts may have minimal snow coverage by mid-March, so it's best to opt for resorts with higher starting elevations or those with a reputation for good snow management and snowmaking capabilities. Additionally, resorts with glacier skiing, such as Hintertux, are a safe bet for late-season skiing.

In summary, while it's true that some Austrian ski resorts may struggle with snow coverage by the end of March, there are plenty of options that consistently offer good skiing conditions well into the spring. Ischgl, Mayrhofen, Obergurgl, Hintertux, and Lech are all highly recommended by skiers looking to get in some late-season turns. With their high elevations, extensive snowmaking capabilities, and favourable climate, these resorts often provide enjoyable skiing conditions well into April.

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