Tags: prepaid cards, ski holidays, skiing, travel, travel money

The spring season means warmer weather and brighter sunshine for most people but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy winter sports! A number of ski destinations tend to begin closing their doors around this time of year but what awaits you in those which stay open?

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, ski destinations have plenty to offer. Here we look at the top five destinations to visit in spring – when the slopes are likely to be less crowded but no less exhilarating.

1. Tignes

France’s alpine resort promises plenty of action on the slopes throughout spring thanks to its elevated ski area. This rises to a mammoth 3,450 metres to ensure great late-season snow quality and one of the resort’s most famous features, the Grande Motte Glacier, is so snow-sure that skiing can continue right up until July or August.

Off the glacier, there is still plenty of skiing action for travellers to embrace. The U-shaped basin of the resort offers plenty of variety and allows skiers to track the path of the sun to capitalise on the best snow.

2. Baqueira-Beret

While the Spanish Pyrenees may be famous, the little-known resort of Baqueira-Beret is something of a Spanish secret. With slopes that reach as high as 2,500 metres and a decent covering of snow usually found until April, it’s ideal for spring skiers.

Off-piste you’ll even get the chance to relax with traditional Spanish tapas and sangria.

3. Obergurgl

Austria’s Obergurgl is another great option for late-season skiing with plenty of attractions to entice travellers. The ski area isn’t huge compared to some Austrian resorts but you get plenty of elevation and decent snow coverage with a peak of 3,000 metres.

Obergurgl’s location is another big draw; it’s close to the Italian border, linked by cable-car to Hochgurgl and a neighbour of Solden.

4. Cervinia

Italy’s answer to spring skiing, Cervinia remains open well into April and is ideal for late-season skiers. The resort sits at 2,000 metres with the ski lift taking guests to a peak of 3,500 metres and it also has fantastic views of nearby Zermatt – which you can ski into if the higher lifts are open.

Both on-slope and off-slope attractions are plentiful in Cervinia and for experienced skiers the famous Run 7 which covers five miles and drops 1,430 metres is a must-try.

5. Lake Louise

Whilst most of the USA is watching the mercury rise as spring approaches, the temperatures at Lake Louise in Alberta remain on the cold side. The ski lifts shut at the end of April but up until then you can expect plenty of snow.

The ski area is a little on the small side compared to some European resorts but tuition is exemplary – making it an ideal option for beginners looking to learn the sport away from the crowds.

Financing your ski trip

Financial management is extremely important so keeping spending in check with a prepaid card is a great way of ensuring you don’t spend more than you would like.

A prepaid card limits spending to the amount on the card at any given moment and is not directly linked to a bank account making funds safer.

The cards can easily be topped up or replaced if required while accounts can be checked regularly online if needed.