Winter sports in March? Great idea!

Winter sports in March combine tranquillity, sunshine and surprisingly good snow. Discover why this is a smart choice for your skiing holiday in Austria.
This blog was written by René Schwarte, founder and owner of Ferienhaus Tirol.

• how snow-sure March really is
  
• who March is ideal for
  
• what to look out for when making your choice

Why winter sports in March are so appealing

1. Quieter slopes and a relaxed atmosphere

• shorter waiting times at the lifts
  
• more space on the slopes
  
• a less hurried atmosphere in restaurants and mountain huts

For example, in the Zillertal Arena or in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental (Westendorf, Ellmau, Hopfgarten) you can really notice the difference. For many skiers and snowboarders, that alone is reason enough to plan their next trip in March.

2. More sun and longer days

• you have more skiing days with good visibility
  
• the temperature is often more pleasant than in the middle of winter
  
• breaks on the terrace become a regular part of your day

Many sources cite March as the month when the mix of sun and snow in Austria is particularly appealing: the snow remains good at altitude, while you can already feel a taste of spring.
Terrace destinations that are particularly popular in March:  Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (many terraces), Kitzbühel-Kirchberg  and Ski Juwel Alpbachtal-Wildschönau 

3. Snow guaranteed – especially at altitude

Most natural snow falls between December and March, with January and February being the peak months. But even in March, there is still a lot of snow in the Alps on average, especially above 1,500–1,800 metres.

In addition, snow statistics for large areas show that fresh snow still falls regularly in March and the total snow depth is often still more than sufficient. In Stuben am Arlberg, for example, there is on average almost as much snow in March as in December, with even slightly more snow days per week.
Read our blog ‘Top 10 snow-sure ski destinations in Austria for winter sports enthusiasts’.

How snow-sure is skiing in March really?

Altitude makes the difference

For snow-sure skiing in March, the altitude of the ski resort is crucial. As a guideline, you can adhere to the following:

• optimal snow reliability: many slopes above approx. 2000 m
  
• valley stations preferably not too low (ideally ≥ 800–1000 m)
  
• modern snow-making facilities for valley runs and connecting slopes

Specialised ski websites, among others, indicate that for March you should mainly look at higher altitude areas, with 2000+ metres in Austria being mentioned as a safe guideline.
Think of ski areas such as the Ötztal Arena/Sölden (with two glaciers: Rettenbach & Tiefenbach) and Ski Arlberg.

North-facing slopes versus south-facing slopes

In March, the position of the sun plays a major role:

• north-facing slopes receive less direct sunlight and remain hard and cold for longer
  
• south-facing slopes warm up faster, which can cause the snow to become softer and slushier in the afternoon

Good choices are Mountopolis Mayrhofen (Penken & Ahorn) and Kaprun.

High and glacier areas

To be able to ski well into spring, consider:

• ski areas with many slopes above 2000–2300 m
  
• glacier areas where you can often ski until the end of April or even May

Official Austrian information (Austria.info) emphasises that the higher and/or glacier areas in particular are very snow-sure, with a long season that lasts well into March and April.
Read all about skiing on the glacier in the blog ‘Skiing on the Glacier in Austria: Snow-Sure Fun All Year Round!’

Who is winter sports in March ideal for?

Families with (young) children

March is an excellent month for families. The slopes are noticeably quieter, giving children more space and allowing you, as a parent, to enjoy a more relaxed time on the mountain. The chance of extreme cold is lower than in the middle of winter, which is especially pleasant for young children.
Child-friendly ski resorts usually still offer plenty of lessons in March, without the crowds of the high season weeks. Many family-oriented platforms – such as Kidpassage – emphasise that this period is particularly suitable because the weather is milder and the atmosphere feels more relaxed everywhere.

Beginners and slightly advanced skiers

If you are just starting out or are still a little unsure, March may be the ideal month to hit the slopes. You can take advantage of clear slopes without crowds, allowing you to practise at your own pace. The longer days provide better visibility, which in turn benefits your technique and confidence.
There is also much less stress at the lifts and in ski classes, as the season is quieter outside the peak weeks. If you choose an area where the blue and light red slopes are at altitude, the snow quality will remain excellent even later in March, allowing you to continue practising safely and comfortably.

Experienced skiers and sun worshippers

For advanced skiers, March offers the perfect combination of sporty skiing and relaxed enjoyment on the mountain. In the morning, the slopes are often smooth and hard, ideal for skiing at speed or further refining your technique. Later in the day, that typical spring snow—firn—appears, a soft, predictable layer on a firm surface.
This makes every descent playful and smooth. And because March has many hours of sunshine, you can almost automatically end the day on a terrace with a view of the snow-covered mountains. For many experienced winter sports enthusiasts, March is therefore the month in which good snow, tranquillity and sunshine come together in perfect harmony.

When is the best time to go on a winter sports holiday in March?

Early March

• Snow conditions are often very similar to February.
  
• Chance of winter-like slopes.

Mid-March

• Mix of winter and spring.
  
• Often an ideal balance between quality and sunshine.

Late March

• Lower slopes soften more quickly.
  
• High-altitude areas and glaciers still offer excellent slopes.

Keep an eye on the Easter holidays

When Easter falls in March, you will notice it immediately in the ski resorts. In the weeks around Easter, the slopes become busier, accommodation and ski pass prices are higher and popular areas are booked up more quickly. Many experienced winter sports enthusiasts therefore recommend avoiding this period if you are looking for peace and quiet and a relaxing winter sports holiday.

Practical tips for skiing in March

• Start early: the best slope conditions are in the morning.
  
• In the afternoon, choose higher or shaded slopes.
  
• Dress in layers.
  
• Use sunscreen every day (minimum SPF 30).
  
• Check snow and weather reports before you leave.

Specialist snow websites like Snow.Forecast.com show that even late in the season, heavy snowfalls regularly occur, even around late March and early April.