When planning a mountain holiday, there are several criteria to consider, starting with the time of year you want to stay. Today, we're talking about spring departures, and sorting out the myths and misconceptions.

One of the first questions we ask ourselves when considering a trip to the mountains at the end of the winter season is snow cover. Will there be enough snow for skiing?

What quality of snow will there be, if any? There are two answers to this perfectly legitimate question. In reality, it all depends on the resort you're planning to visit.

In France, there are 352 ski resorts, situated between 318 m and 3230 m altitude. While the lower resorts have more limited snow cover, which doesn't last until spring, the higher resorts, such as those in the Alps, can offer you the best playground until April.

Your budget is also an important factor when organising your holiday. We often hear that out of season, prices are more affordable, but is this true? The answer is yes.

In fact, in some resorts, you can benefit from lower costs for your ski pass, accommodation or equipment hire.

The savings you make by staying in the spring will allow you to round off your holiday with activities such as a spa session or a delicious meal in one of the resort's Michelin-starred restaurants.

In addition to lower prices, you'll also enjoy a calmer holiday, thanks to fewer crowds. A monopoly on the slopes, space on restaurant terraces, pleasant sunshine... There are so many advantages.

Many people wonder about the quality of the powder at the end of the winter season, and rightly so. However, we'd like to point out that, contrary to what you might think, it is possible to enjoy some very pleasant snow.

In particular, it's worth noting that, in the majority of cases, this is the ideal time to take up skiing or snowboarding. And why is that? Because the snow is slightly softer and gentler, so it's easier to perfect your first techniques and quickly become more independent.

So, whether you're in the middle of winter or in spring, you'll have the opportunity to book a ski lesson in one of the open resorts, and take advantage of the instructors' expertise to perfect your level in Nordic activities.