For many skiers and snowboarders, the end of February is a celebratory transition into spring skiing. Days grow longer, temperatures get warmer and crowds slowly disappear. These characteristics have earned the month the beloved nickname, Miracle March. Far from being the end of the season, March often brings some of the heaviest snowfalls of the year paired with bluebird skies.
From the deep alpine bowls of British Columbia to the high-altitude glaciers of the Swiss Alps, Ski.com’s team of Mountain Travel Experts knows exactly which resorts thrive later in the season. Having explored over 120 resorts worldwide, our Experts understand that a successful March trip is all about strategy — balancing high elevations with north-facing slopes to keep the snow crisp. Whether you're looking to snag off-peak accommodation deals or soak in a final sun-drenched après-ski, we can help you book your dream ski vacation and experience Miracle March firsthand
Fernie in Canada’s British Columbia is home to the best alpine bowls in Canada, and the good news is they’ll stay snowy through March. The ski resort, with 2,500 skiable acres, 142 runs and five alpine bowls, attracts skiers and snowboarders who range in skill level and vacation style.
As for the snow, the resort experiences an average annual snowfall of 348 inches, with snowstorms happening well into March. These snowstorms mean that historically, March is one of the most reliable months for base depth, often reaching over 260 centimeters. Plus, there’s a mix of sunny and shaded terrain, so skiers and boarders alike can find deep pockets of powder or adventure in slushier parts of the mountain.
At the beginning of March, the town comes alive for the Griz Day winter festival. Local folklore tells the story of a mountain man who shoots his musket into the clouds to make it snow. If you miss the festival, though, you’ll still be able to discover Fernie's relaxed, lively atmosphere. Thanks to spring’s longer days, après can be spent outside, and visitors can hop between local pubs or soak in nearby natural hot springs.
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Read More: Five Days in Fernie
With three ski resorts and plenty of March snow, Canada’s Banff Lake Louise is an ideal winter getaway for March. Known as the SkiBig3, the area is home to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Resort and Mt. Norquay. The snow is usually deep and powdery in March. The Canadian Rockies are known to receive abundant snow thanks to frequent storms. Banff Sunshine, for instance, experiences an average of 4.9 snow days the first week of March — historically the snowiest week of the entire season — with 24 centimeters of snowfall.
While the area experiences most of its crowds around the holidays, March means emptier lift lines, warmer temperatures, more accommodation choices, cheaper rates and soaking in more sun. Each of SkiBig3’s mountains has a different vibe, which means you can find everything from quiet cruisers to steep terrain with striking views. The same goes for the towns. Lake Louise emphasizes serene nature, while Banff is home to a lively après scene and a rich restaurant scene.
March is the perfect time to visit with Banff unveiling its debut AROABORA music festival. The two-night electronic music festival features local and international electronic artists, all set against Banff's striking mountains.
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Read more: Why SkiBig3 is the Perfect Spring Skiing Destination
Thanks to Mammoth’s relatively high elevation in California’s Eastern Sierra mountain range (a base of nearly 8,000 feet and a summit of 11,000), Mammoth is one of the state’s best March destinations. Plus, 65% of the resort’s terrain is north-facing, which means it's preserved longer than resorts with south-facing slopes. Mammoth averages 400 inches of snow, and because of its altitude, the resort often stays open through June, making March feel like peak season without the crowds.
Beyond the snow, there are a lot of perks when it comes to visiting Mammoth in March. Lift lines are shorter, days are warmer and lodging becomes more affordable. You won’t regret heading to Mammoth in March and exploring the resort’s 3,500 acres of terrain.
Throughout March, Mammoth hosts weekend après parties, halfpipe competitions and Elevation Gay Ski Week.
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March means two things for Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It’s cold enough to keep snow frozen, but warm enough that you can finally start shedding layers. Additionally, the area is renowned for its March corn snow, which is created when warm, sunny days melt the snow and cold nights refreeze it. The result is a softer snow that is more forgiving and allows for faster, aggressive skiing and smoother turns. With 458 inches of annual snowfall, the mountain typically maintains a healthy base late into the season.
This softer snow also makes the legendary Corbet’s Couloir, one of the most famous ski runs in the world, slightly more approachable for those brave enough. Off the slopes, March is a great time to visit, thanks to nearby national parks. Both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are within driving distance, and the warmer temperatures also open the doors to more activities and animal sightings. Bison, moose and wolves are more active in these months compared to January and February, plus they’re easily spotted against the white, snowy backdrops.
Every Saturday throughout the month, Jackson Hole Resort hosts a battle of the bands underneath the Aerial Tram, featuring local and national artists. If music isn’t your jam, head to Jackson Hole in March for its food and wine winter fest.
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With one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, Switzerland’s Zermatt resort stands out in March. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy almost 223 miles of skiable terrain, along with unique experiences like glacier skiing and skiing across Switzerland’s border into Italy’s Cervinia. Skiers can still expect snowfall in March.
Off the slopes, days are longer and warmer, which means skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the picturesque village with more daylight. Car-free Zermatt is dotted with cozy cafés, upscale boutiques and centuries-old wooden chalets.
Similar to the other resorts mentioned, Zermatt has fewer crowds and cheaper rates, but what makes Zermatt a great March ski destination is its proximity to Interlaken. Just a two-hour train ride or car drive away, Interlaken in March is a dream getaway. Visitors can leave the high-altitude skiing of Zermatt for the adventure capital of Switzerland, where spring is beginning in the valley. In Interlaken, travelers can enjoy paragliding over lakes, or they can take the scenic train up to the Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe" — all while enjoying the quieter, shoulder-season atmosphere.
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Read More: How to Plan 4 days in Interlaken on a Ski Vacation
As winter crowds dwindle, Les 2 Alpes, high in the southern French Alps, is a great choice for March skiing. Because the resort boasts one of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers, reaching altitudes of nearly 11,800 feet, the snow quality remains strong as other resorts begin to thaw. This high elevation promises powder up top, while the lower slopes offer fun spring carving.
Off the mountain, Les 2 Alpes is famous for its vibrant energy. The long, sunny afternoons in March are perfect for enjoying the resort's legendary après-ski scene on outdoor terraces. For skiers looking for a break from the slopes, the ice cave carved into the glacier and the spectacular "Belvédère des Écrins" skywalk have breathtaking views without needing to strap into skis.
In March, the longer days mean the resort comes alive with music. Throughout the month, DJs from Brussels, Romania and Germany arrive in Les 2 Alpes to party and share tunes.
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Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Laax is a top destination for skiers who want to combine freestyle terrain with reliable March snow. Together with Flims and Falera, the resort has over 140 miles of trails and four snowparks. In March, the softer snow conditions and warmer temperatures create more forgiving terrain, providing the perfect environment for intermediate skiers and riders to level up their skills.
After hitting the world’s largest halfpipe, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy sunny terraces and lively atmospheres. The town is known for a more modern, luxury vibe, and is a great choice for a March Miracle getaway.
The first week of March is known for its Freeride festival, where riders, filmmakers and outdoor enthusiasts come together to celebrate the sport. Later in the month, skiers and snowboarders can watch a thrilling halfpipe competition.
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Read More: Top 6 Reasons Laax Should be on Your Radar for a Family Vacation
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