What is skiing like in spring?
With the end of winter marked by the first day of spring this month, many people’s attention turns toward beach vacations, but for die-hard skiers – the party is just getting started! A spring ski vacation can be the perfect time of year for another trip to the mountains, especially the way this season is shaping up.
Those in the know understand there’s often plenty of snow to be found in the spring across large swaths of ski country. In fact, spring snowstorms are typically more regular than mid-winter and in some regions, March can be the snowiest month of the year. Plus, the days are warm, sunny, and long, and spring is when bargain hunters can find more deals. Lift ticket sales and spring passes are common and lodging is cheaper than in peak season. Combined with lots of fun outdoor events, spring months are a great time to book a ski trip.
Because of the generous amounts of snow U.S. resorts have seen this season, we’re on the edge of our seats to see how this turns into a longer even more awesome ski season, likely deep into the month of May and beyond.
State percentages of average snowpack:
- Wyoming 112% as of Feb. 27
- California 189% as of March 1
- Mammoth Mountain 221% as of March 1
- Colorado 123% as of March 1
- Utah 159% as of March 1
These numbers are so good, we’re also guessing there will be resorts that reopen on the fourth of July this summer for a patriotic, season-swap of a ski day, similar to when Palisades, Arapahoe Basin, Mt. Bachelor and Copper Mountain have done so in the past.
So, where can I go skiing this spring?
Best Places to Ski in Spring and Beyond in the U.S.A
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – 10,459′
The Tetons are calling this spring thanks to all the snow they’ve gotten, specifically, 109% of their average snowpack as of March 1. The resort’s spring agenda is also jampacked with events, from free music every Saturday in March to the Rendezvous Music Festival during the last weekend of March. With conditions being some of the best of all time, you’ll want to book sooner rather than later, but especially because Jackson Hole’s current projected closing date is April 9.
Where to stay: The Snake River Lodge & Spa is our choice for lodging while skiing Jackson Hole this spring. Take a trip to the spa in between long days on the mountain, store your gear easily with their ski valet and choose the accommodations that are right for you, from regular rooms to penthouse options. See photos →
Vail, Colorado – 11,571′
This well-known Colorado resort averages 244” of snow every season and is already surpassing that by 20” as of the beginning of March. Après and strolling through the iconic cobblestone villages are made even better by the Colorado spring weather, making for a fantastic way to end a day on the slopes.
Where to stay: Landmark provides guests with the choice between one- to four-bedroom condominiums for a luxury stay where you’ll be less than 250 yards from the lifts. See photos →
Mammoth Mountain, California – 11,030’
This resort is almost always California’s last to close. Mammoth’s closing day typically falls somewhere between late May and early July but April is when the resort sees some of its best spring skiing conditions.
Where to stay: Juniper Springs Lodge is your perfect Mammoth basecamp, offering the comforts of home with ski-in, ski-out convenience. The Eagle base lodge next door delivers all your ski resort needs. See photos →
Palisades Tahoe, California – 9,006’
Cali sun and bumps combined with a yearly average of 400” of fun, slushy snow makes it easy to understand why Palisades Tahoe is dubbed the “Spring Skiing Capital.” Enjoying many of the same March snowstorms as Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe normally stays open until late May.
Where to stay: For convenient access to lively base village shops, bars, and restaurants, the 3.5-star Village at Squaw Valley is an easy choice. Guests enjoy condominium-style lodging and a 50- to 300-yard walk to the cable car. See photos →
Snowmass, Colorado – 12,509′
Currently, at 131% of their average snowpack for the season, Snowmass is another Colorado resort that’s going full-speed ahead into spring mode. Highlights for the resort’s spring events include their Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert series and hosting the Aspen Ski World Cup from March 3-5.
Where to stay: Limelight Hotel Snowmass is a 4-star property nestled in the Snowmass Base Village only steps away from the gondola, perfect for those who want to prioritize access to the slopes. See photos →
Snowbird, Utah – 11,000’
Snowbird’s ski season is just beginning in April. It’s during this month that skiers can be treated to powder skiing in the morning and corn skiing in the afternoon.
Where to stay: Enjoy several top-notch onsite restaurants and ski-in, ski-out access when staying at Snowbird’s flagship accommodations, the Cliff Lodge and Spa. See photos →
Breckenridge, Colorado – 12,998’
During spring, Breckenridge is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking warm sunshine, great late-season snow conditions and a laundry list of outdoor concerts, parties and festivals. Right on track for its average snow total of 355” each year, the resort currently has 214” for the 2022-23 season.
Where to stay: Mountain Thunder Lodge offers well-appointed studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom condominiums or two- or three-bedroom townhomes. See photos →
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – 13,050’
Thanks to its high elevation along the Continental Divide, Arapahoe is typically the first to open and the last to close in Colorado. In April, ski patrol begins to open up the bigger lines on the mythic East Wall and steep skiing becomes a big draw at this Summit County standard.
Where to stay: Stay in the Frisco/Lake Dillon area, located just 30 minutes from Arapahoe Basin, and you can enjoy more than just skiing. Historic, downtown Frisco offers an array of charming shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. Book your stay at Cabin in the Woods for a more budget-friendly mountain home experience.
See all Summit County lodging options →
Top Skiing in Europe in April
Zermatt, Switzerland – 10,800’
Boasting the longest ski season in the Alps thanks to its high elevation, glacier skiing, and north-facing slopes, Zermatt offers skiing year-round! Ski across the Italian border to Cervinia through early May, and then schuss while soaking in the views from Glacier Paradise atop the Klein Matterhorn cable car.
Where to stay: Dating back to 1879, the historic Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is less than 250 yards from the lifts and provides a truly elegant, uniquely Alpine guest experience. See photos →
Verbier, Switzerland – 10,925’
This high-Alpine French ski area, which is part of the 4 Vallées, is known for its awesome spring conditions, all despite having a southern orientation. That’s because Verbier has invested heavily in state-of-the-art snow-making, particularly lower down on the resort.
Where to stay: Enjoy your stay at the high-altitude hot spot for ski aficionados at the Experimental Chalet, right in the heart of Verbier, complete with a spa and signature cocktail bar for après. See photos →
St. Anton, Austria – 9,222’
Most seasons, St. Anton is open from late November through early May thanks to its many north-facing slopes. But, if you want to ski on the southerly sunny slopes, you can do that too in St. Anton, as the resort is well-equipped with snowmaking.
Where to stay: Located in the pedestrian zone and only a 5-minute walk to the cable cars, the four-star Sporthotel is known for its authentic Tyrolean hospitality, wonderful onsite restaurants, and amenities. See photos →
Val Thorens, France – 10,597’
With high, snow-sure slopes, Val Thorens is open through May most seasons and the lift-accessed Peclet glacier makes summer skiing possible. Val Thorens is so confident of its snow cover it offers a snow guarantee for those coming for spring turns.
Where to stay: For ski in ski out access, a traditional Alpine atmosphere, and four-star services and amenities, book your stay at Hotel Le Val Thorens. See photos →
Tignes / Val d’Isere, France – 12,293’
Tignes and Val d’Isere make up 300-kilometer Espace Killy—one of the largest ski resorts in Europe—which is typically open until early May. Due to a high-elevation locale and the Grande Motte glacier, spring skiing is some of the best in the French Alps.
Where to stay: Charming only begins to describe the ski-in, ski-out Hotel Village Montana at Tignes. This chalet-style hotel features a rustic modern style with traditional Alpine details and atmosphere. Enjoy three onsite restaurants, bar/lounge and health spa, outdoor heated pool, and much more. See photos →
Engelberg, Switzerland – 10,627’
Enjoy year-round turns on the Titlis glacier at Engelberg, which is convenient to Zurich and Lucerne. As you travel upwards to this year-round playground, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the central Alps on the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first rotating gondola. Once at the top of Klein Titlis, you can access the Glacier Snow Park via the Ice Flyer chairlift.
Where to stay: Hotel Terrace was built in 1903 and is just as lovely today as it was more than 115 years ago. Situated on the south-facing slope in Engelberg, the hotel is just a short lift ride from the village center as well as the bus stop for the free skier shuttle to the cable-car station. See photos →
Top Skiing in Canada in Spring
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia – 7,160’
When Blackcomb Mountain closes, Whistler Mountain typically continues hosting an extended spring ski season before glacier skiing and camps start hosting skiers and riders in July. The snow total for the resort as of early March this season is about 250” and it typically averages 426” each year.
Where to stay: The Westin Resort and Spa provides easy access to the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, plus a host of world-class services and amenities. See photos →
Banff Lake Louise, Alberta – 8,954’ (Sunshine Village)
Lake Louise ski area will normally close near the end of April and offers great skiing throughout the month. If skiing past April is on your bucket list, head over to nearby Sunshine Village, which is always the last of the SkiBig3 resorts to close with the annual Slush Cup.
Where to stay: Offering a perfect blend of seclusion, luxury, and relative convenience to downtown Banff and the three resorts, Fairmont Banff Springs is a top lodging choice. See photos →
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