Some people reach their limit with winter weather around March and April and jet off to warm beach destinations like Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Others, however, can’t get enough of winter and head to the slopes in search of snow that lingers well into the spring.
Spring skiing doesn’t just mean warmer temperatures and sunshine. It also brings a more casual crowd, cheaper rates, and totally wacky events.
Why People Love Spring Skiing
Spring skiing can last into the summer months in some places. Resorts with later closing dates aren’t just appealing to skiers who can’t get enough. They also offer a more relaxed vibe, lower prices, fewer crowds, and plenty of fun things to do. Some of the reasons people love spring skiing include:
- More sun and warmer temperatures
- Soft snow conditions
- Fewer crowds
- More laid-back vibe
- Epic events like pond skims, live music, skiing in bathing suits, and unique ski challenges
- Perfect weather for après ski
- Better deals on flights, lift tickets, and lodgings
We’ve chosen a list of the top resorts for spring skiing in the U.S. where visitors will not only find good conditions well into the spring but also have plenty of après ski options and fun springtime events.
Here is our list of the top 6 ski resorts in the U.S. where you’ll find great spring skiing conditions this year:
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is known as one of the best spots for spring skiing in Colorado. However, there are a few things to know about visiting later in the season. While the mountain typically remains open well into May, they switch to a spring operating plan once the snow and crowds start to dissipate.
This year, the full mountain will remain open until April 17, at which point they will shift operations to the high alpine areas. The terrain available in the high alpine areas is not suitable for beginners.
Average closing date: Mid-late May
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth has the highest lift-served terrain in all of California, meaning the average 300+ inches of snow typically lasts longer into the year than other resorts in the state. Powder days in April and May are not unheard of, and in past years the resort has stayed open into June and July.
Average closing date: Mid-June, often later
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor in central Oregon is one of the largest ski resorts in North America but is often overlooked for more well-known resorts. The resort, which sits atop a volcano, is particularly suited to spring skiing because of its shape.
With terrain on all sides of the mountain, skiers can follow the sun and the soft snow that comes with it throughout the day. The entire 4,323 acres of terrain typically stay open until mid-April. After that, it is reduced to around 1,500 acres with reduced hours until it closes at the end of May.
Average closing date: late May
Killington, Vermont
Nicknamed “the Beast of the East”, Vermont’s Killington Mountain is the best bet for late-season skiing on the East Coast. The terrain is typically more limited the later it gets into the season, so check before you go, especially if you are a beginner.
Killington hosts plenty of rowdy spring events like the mogul challenge and a pond skim and offers a spring pass with reduced rates.
Average closing date: mid-May
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird, located just outside Salt Lake City, stays open longer than most other resorts in Utah. Unlike some other resorts, Snowbird’s spring terrain is suitable for beginners. The warmer spring temps and soft snow make it a great time to learn to ski or ride.
Additionally, Snowbird is known for late-season powder days well into spring. As the season progresses, certain lifts close as the snow recedes. The majority stay open until at least May 1, at which point the mountain is only open on the weekends.
Average closing date: mid-May
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Conditions at A-Basin are oftentimes the best in Colorado during the spring season. Because a significant portion of the terrain is north-facing and lifts reach over 13,000 feet, snowpack lasts longer.
Additionally, the mountain often gets hit with big spring storms, meaning April is typically the snowiest month.
Average closing date: early June
