Top 7 Spring Skiing Destinations in North America
The spring skiing conditions were nothing short of amazing at Solitude last season. | Image: Solitude
After a winter of cold, dark days with a lot of shovelling, the sun and warmer spring temperatures can be a nice refresher, especially on the slopes. Although powder days are hard to beat, ripping groomers and doing park laps can be just as fun. Here is our list of the top five ski resorts you should visit this spring.
#7 Mt. Bachelor, OR
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, is the eigth largest ski resort in North America and has over 4300 acres of skiable terrain. Mt. Bachelor stays open until Memorial Day weekend for skiing and snowboarding. Mt. Bachelor offers a spring pass, which provides holders 2 months of unrestricted skiing and riding for only $349. The pass is valid from April 1st to closing day.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon Spring Skiing | Image: Mt. Bachelor
#6 Snowbird, UT
Nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird gets a lot of snowfall, and its base stays strong late into the spring. Last season, Woodward teamed up with Snowbird to open a huge terrain park in Snowbird’s mineral basin, and they plan to partner up again for Spring 2024. The park was the first of its kind in Mineral Basin and featured rails, kickers, and other features.
Snowbird Ski Resort | Image: Snowbird
#5 Arapahoe Basin, CO
Arapahoe Basin has some of the best spring skiing in North America. Its base elevation of 10,780 ft, combined with north-facing slopes, allows the average snowfall of 278 inches to stay long into the springtime. Arapahoe is known in Colorado for opening first and closing last.
Arapahoe Basin Fourth Of July Celebration | Image: Katherine Fuller, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
#4 Killington Ski Resort, VT
Killington Ski Resort takes the crown for the best spring skiing on the east coast. Located in Vermont, the resort averages over 250 inches of snowfall a year and has nearly 2000 skiable acres. Killington has the longest season on the east coast, and will typically stay open until late May, early June.
Killington Ski Resort, Vermont | Image: NYSkiBlog
#3 Palisades Tahoe, CA
Coined the ‘Spring Skiing Capital,’ Palisades Tahoe offers a spring season that is one of the most fun times of the year. The resort hosts a bevy of events, such as the Cushing Crossing, its annual pond skim event, and Snow Golf at Alpine. From KT Jib Laps off KT-22 and Wiggles off of Shirley to the Goldcoast Park, Palisades Tahoe has much to offer under the spring sun.
Cushing Crossing At Palisades Tahoe | Image: Palisades Tahoe
#2 Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Located just 2 hours outside Vancouver, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb boasts over 7,500 skiable acres and is one of the best destinations for spring skiing. Typically, the season will go into late April or early May. Springtime is a great time to find cheap and affordable lodging, which can be expensive during peak season.
Whistler Blackcomb | Image: Tourism Whistler
#1 Mammoth Mountain, CA
Out of all the places I have skied in the Spring, Mammoth Mountain takes the top spot. Last season, its spring ski season was super long—so long that the mountain was open until August 6th. Mammoth is huge, with over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, and most of it stays open late into the season.
Other notable mentions go to Mt. Bachelor, Copper Mountain, Mt. Hood, Stowe Mountain, Alta, and Solitude.
Mammoth Mountain Pond Skim | Image: Dakota Snider