Are you looking for the best ski resorts for the best spring skiing in North America?
When I’m planning my own spring skiing, I like to choose one of these ski resorts listed below that will provide the best spring ski vacation!
It’s very important to choose the right ski resort for spring conditions, weather, and events when you’re looking to travel in late March, April, or even May. Some resorts are amazing in the spring season while other ski resorts could be closing early.
Here you’ll learn about the very best ski resorts for spring skiing in North America!
The best ski resorts for spring skiing will be those ski resorts that stay cold and have ski terrain at high elevations. As temperatures go up everywhere else in the country, these ski destinations still have a chill in the air and snow on their ski slopes. Especially up high!
This insanely good list of the best ski resorts for spring skiing will help you choose the right destination when planning your end-of-season ski or snowboard trip.
In This Article
Reasons to Ski in the Spring
The reasons I love to go spring skiing are the sunny, warmer weather, the fun high-energy events, and the lower cost. Who doesn’t like to eat lunch outside on a snowy patio overlooking the slopes with sunglasses on and the warmth of the sun on your face with Bob Marley playing?
There are so many amazing reasons to book a spring skiing trip! Here are the top reasons for me and why I highly recommend it:
The days are longer and the weather is milder. If you’re one of those skiers that hates to be freezing (me) then this is a big reason to love spring skiing! There’s more sunlight each day making your Apres ski last a little longer. The average daily temperatures are warmer thus providing a more comfortable ski day.
Savings and special deals. Hotels, lift tickets at the ski resort, restaurants and bars will all have special deals and offers for spring skiers. Since the season is winding down, hotels and ski resorts like to offer incentives to keep skiers coming back late in the year.
Outdoor concerts and special events. Many ski resorts have events and festivities on the calendar in the spring season! This makes it extra fun to be there during those later months. Concerts, mogul competitions, pond skims, wine tastings, and much more!
Fewer crowds because people are getting ready to golf. By the time late March or early April comes around, most people are thinking about their summer vacations. This means less people are skiing and the slopes have more room. There could be days that you feel like you’re the only one out there! Spring skiing is a special time (and best kept secret) to be on the mountain!
Best East Coast Ski Resorts in Spring
Killington, Vermont
Killington Ski Area is located in Vermont and is known as the largest ski resort in the East with 1500+ skiable acres. Every year, Killington does its best to stay open into May by continuing to make snow as long as it can, making it a super fun spring option to end the ski season! Killington has a Spring ski pass that starts mid-March and goes until the lifts stop turning.
You’ll find a calendar of events at Killington Ski Resort during the spring that includes live music, the Brewers Festival, Mogul Challenge, and parties. To stay up on spring ski happenings at Killington, go here.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is the quintessential New England ski town with its charm and cuteness. And, of course, incredible ski terrain. Spring skiing in Stowe is epic, especially when you can combine your perfect ski days with events like the Retro 80’s weekend, and the Stowe Sugar Slalom warm weather.
Since this ski season has seen amazing snowfall, it’s possible that Stowe will stay open longer than the usual mid-April closing!
Visit Stowe in the spring and enjoy an apres-ski drink on the Cliff House patio. Vermont can be really chilly in the winter, so if you can visit on a nice spring weekend and enjoy the nicer temperatures it is a truly special experience. For more details about Stowe Ski Resort, go here.
Best Ski Resorts in the West in Spring
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge Ski Resort is absolutely one of my favorite ski destinations in the spring season. Breckenridge Ski Resort sits high in the Colorado Rockies making it a perfect place to extend the ski season and still have great snow conditions! The base elevation in Breckenridge is 9,600 and the summit is 12,998 feet above sea level and the snow stays around where it’s coldest!
Already a fun and vibrant town, Breckenridge takes it up a notch with celebrations and springtime events! There are live DJs spinning fun music, pond skimming contests, and plenty of apres-ski drinks and Colorado brews flowing while sitting outside catching some sunny rays. Breckenridge has some of the best spring skiing in Colorado. Breckenridge Ski Resort’s event calendar is here.
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird Ski Resort has amazing spring pricing and stays open into May for skiing! In the spring at Snowbird, you will still find fluffy powder days as they continue to receive spring snowstorms in the area.
April has been known for some incredible skiing and snowfall in Snowbird! You’ll (typically) enjoy plenty of sunshine on these days too, so pack your sunscreen and your best sunglasses for the apres-ski.
It’s also time to don your favorite, colorful ski outfits that may include funny costumes! Vintage ski gear, crop tops, and anything else goes at Snowbird in the spring ski season. Depending on the snow conditions, Snowbird will close during the week in May and re-open on weekends, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule, which you can find here.
Palisades, Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe)
Palisades Tahoe in the spring is one of the best experiences for the late ski season! California sunshine is everywhere, sun decks and outdoor dining is popular and the vibe is just incredible.
Another ski resort known for its “dress-up” and costumes worn on the slopes in the spring, Palisades encourages you to grab your favorite fun outfits, cowboy hats, board shorts, and whatever else you want to show off on the slopes, and make sure to pack it for your trip!
Palisades Tahoe also usually has some awesome spring deals and pricing so make sure to check those out here.
This post is all about spring skiing.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Ski Resort is a perfect place for spring skiing! First and foremost, if you head there in March or April you’ll avoid the busier winter months and have so much terrain all to yourself.
Warmer and longer days, sunny skies, and fun apres ski drinks are there for you to look forward to on your spring ski vacation to Big Sky! Big Sky Ski Resort stays open until late April so you have plenty of days to enjoy.
Big Sky’s higher elevation provides great ski conditions in the spring as the cold weather will keep the snow in stellar shape. Stay up on the higher elevation terrain and you’ll be loving life! There are also some spring deals to be had at Big Sky as the season winds down, so be sure to check for those. This is a great time to save some money and still have an incredible ski vacation. Check the Big Sky website here for special packages before you go!
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is known for its late-season skiing in Colorado, going well into May and sometimes longer. Being at a high elevation definitely has its advantages in the spring months.
The temperatures stay low and the snow stays in amazing condition! Snowstorms continue to come through Arapahoe Basin (called “A-Basin” by the locals) keeping the mountain covered and delivering top ski conditions as long as possible.
Lift ticket rates are at their lowest in the springtime at Arapahoe Basin, and the outdoor events ramp up! Special-themed dinners and festivals are on the calendar at the end of the ski season. Check out the calendar for Arapahoe Basin here.
Mammoth, California
Mammoth Lakes in California offers some of the best spring skiing in North America mostly because of its high elevation. With the high elevation comes chilly temperatures that keeps the snow in great shape!
Mammoth Ski Area has been known to stay open for skiing all the way to Memorial Day! You’ll enjoy the mountain to yourself as the late season brings fewer crowds.
Mt Bachelor, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor is another ski resort that is known for its wonderful spring skiing in April and May. Oftentimes, Mt. Bachelor stays open until Memorial Day making it one of the most appealing resorts to visit for impressive spring skiing.
Prepare to start the day with chilly temperatures, even in the spring months. But then as the day goes on, the spring sun will shine and it will become a perfect spring skiing day. High altitudes and north-facing ski terrain make it a perfect place for late-season conditions.
Mt. Bachelor offers a fun spring calendar, which you can read all about on their Sunchaser Spring page, found here.
This post is all about spring skiing.
Best Ski Resorts in Canada in Spring
Spring skiing in Canada, especially in western Canada is a great idea! The Canadian Rockies offer a moderate temperature in the springtime making it a very enjoyable time to be there. Plus, the high elevations and fewer crowds make it a truly great place to be in the spring season.
Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant is located on the east coast of Canada, and is about an hour north of Montreal. During the springtime, the temperatures are moderate, making it a lovely place to be and ski, instead of the icy bitter cold that the Northeast can be. You’ll want to ride the gondola all the way to the top to get the coldest, best snow.
Mont Tremblant ski resort has a plethora of intermediate blue runs to enjoy during the spring located on the north side of the mountain.
Ski village at Mont Tremblant will also delight you with open patios for seating outside, music, and a festive time for everyone! Longer days provide more sunshine for relaxing after your ski day. Spring events like the Spring Musical Atmosphere and the Caribou Cup. Dress up in your favorite fun costume and cheer on pond skimming!
You’ll even find some great deals on lodging and lift tickets in April at Mont Tremblant. Check out everything there is to learn about Mont Tremblant here.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is spectacular in the spring season with sunny days and gorgeous snow. With the high peaks of Whistler Blackcomb still cold in the spring, you could experience fresh snow high up! Then, as you make your way back down to the lower elevations, the snow will get softer as it warms up.
The patios of the on-mountain restaurants are very inviting on Whistler Blackcomb! Wear your sunscreen and take in the fun vibes of music and sunshine on April days. Whistler Village offers a plethora of apres ski options, especially in the spring! From casual bars with live music to more upscale cocktail bars, Whistler has it all. Grab a craft beer after your afternoon on the slopes, sit back and enjoy the vibe! Check Whistler Blackcomb’s website when you’re ready to plan, you might find some spring specials!
Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada
The ski season at Sunshine Village extends into late May, making it one of the longest
ski seasons in North America! Sunshine Village and Lake Louise in Banff are located high on the Continental Divide, making it a place that consistently receives incredible light, and dry snowfall.
In Conclusion
Spring skiing is a very special and unique experience and these ski resorts do it right! They blend the best conditions with sunshine, music, and Apres ski to provide the perfect fun spring getaway.
Hop onto any of those websites noted above to read all about the special deals, featured events and musicians, or anything else that pops up on their spring calendars as we get closer to March. You’re bound to find an amazing spring ski vacation waiting for you. I’ll see you out there!
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