December through April for the Alps, March to May for Skandinavia, and each month has its own advantages. Prices are good and the slopes are empty before Christmas. January tends to have a lot of snow and sun when we northern Europeans need some extra sunshine. February before the school holidays is good. The latter half of March is great and April is ideal for those that enjoy a spring feel in the valley while the mountain tops are still white.

The hiking season stretches from May to November. The highest hikes that require overnight stays in mountain huts are possible between the 15th of June and the 15th of September, give or take. Lower altitude options (below 2,500 m.a.s.l.) are in abundance throughout the hiking season.