Where To Go Spring Skiing in North America

For many skiers and snowboarders, hitting the slopes in winter is a given. You bundle up, power through long lift lines, and push past freezing toes and red noses to enjoy the snow. It’s all part of the wonderful winter sports experience.

But what many don’t realize is the unique thrill of spring skiing. While most ski resorts wrap up their seasons by March, a few fight for the bragging rights of offering the longest ski season in North America. These resorts challenge the norm, keeping snow sports alive well into spring.

What makes spring skiing so appealing? A combination of factors creates the perfect conditions between March and May, offering sun, soft snow, and fewer crowds.

Want to make the most of this special season? Our spring skiing guide will provide a little direction on where to ski in spring.

Benefits of Spring Skiing

Here's what you have to look forward to as February fades into the rearview mirror.

Weather: The sun tracks higher in the sky which means steeper slopes get more light. Bluebird days are more plentiful and overall, there’s more sun. Ski resorts also often extend the last lift by an hour meaning more time to enjoy the mountain.

April and May temperatures regularly hover above zero. You can ditch the layers and bring out your best spring skiing retro attire.

Snow Conditions: Snowpack is at a seasonal high, and March can be the snowiest month of the season at some resorts. This translates to the best chance at fully open ski resorts at this time.

Moving into April and May, crowds diminish, temperatures warm up and spring skiing conditions are in full swing.

Corn snow skiing provides beginners with softer and more forgiving conditions. For advanced skiers, this corn snow provides incredibly supportive conditions to rail deep and fast carves.

Events and Festivals: Finally, spring season events, festivals and aprés are a real vibe. Mid-mountain chalet patios, afternoon alpine picnics and tons of seasonal events take place across North America. Bask in the sun, enjoy outdoor live music and DJ’s, games and other activities.

Many resorts host legendary season-closing slush cups and the most wacky spring skiing costumes imaginable.

End of Season Deals: You’ll also find fantastic deals and promotions such as lift tickets and accommodations at ski resorts drop in price. Spring is also the best time of the year to buy new gear and ex-demos.

Criteria for Choosing Spring Skiing Resorts

Winter conditions have been unpredictable in recent years, but there are dependable factors you can use to find a resort that offers the late-season ski experience you're after.

High-altitude ski resorts will have much better snow retention, and provide skiers a better chance at reliable spring skiing conditions later into the season. The same can be said about resorts with glaciers. Glacier skiing can not only extend into June, but in some ski resorts provide you with turns even into August!

Now that you’re enticed by the idea of late-season skiing, where to ski in spring is your next decision to consider. Several ski resorts in North America have built a solid reputation in warm weather skiing, with strong track records for quality spring skiing conditions. This list of ski locations usually stays open well into May and sometimes longer.

The Best North American Ski Resorts For Spring Skiing

Whistler Blackcomb Resort

A mix of heavy snowfall and a few glaciers help push the closing date of North America’s largest resort to mid-May. Closing week in Whistler offers guests a slush cup, mid-mountain DJs and BBQs. The resort also offers glacier skiing but only to developing athletes and kids camps in June.

Photo Credit: Blake Jorgenson

Banff Sunshine Resort

One of Alberta's "Big 3" mountain resorts, Banff Sunshine boasts the longest ski season in Canada due to its high alpine elevation. You’ll also find one of the best slush cups in North America here for the closing weekend! Actually, the closing weekend vibes at Banff Sunshine are arguably the best in North America.

Photo Credit: Jill Tester |Ski Big 3

Mammoth Mountain

High altitudes, north-facing slopes, and massive snow accumulation have consistently pushed Mammoth Mountain Resort's closing to the end of May. However, if the spring skiing conditions hold up, late-season skiing can extend into August!

Photo Credit: Mammoth Mountain

Palisades Tahoe

Another monster resort from California, Palisades Tahoe pushes its ski season limits by closing at the end of May due to high elevation, consistent snowfall, and favourable conditions

Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe

Solitude Mountain Resort

Utah's Solitude Mountain Ski Resort carves out a solid season thanks to high snowfall and snow-making capabilities. They host a closing-day retro party with cheap beer, karaoke, free parking, and a final group run from the peak to the base.

Photo Credit: Solitude Mountain Resort

Tips for Making the Most of Spring Skiing

Get out Early: Even though the snow can be very hard in the mornings of April and May, a long leisurely day on the slopes allows you ample time to recreate, relax, hydrate and embrace the festivities. Wherever you end up, check the weekly calendar to explore all the events and festivals during your stay.

Variable Conditions: Powder, hardpack, softpack, ice, dirty snow, exposed rocks and grass are all possible during this time. Bring some temperature specific wax along to protect and enhance your ride, especially in May.

Dress in Layers: Morning and afternoon temperatures on the slopes can vary by 10-15C (20-30F) meaning you’ll want to have some layers to ditch as it warms up. A light shell or windbreaker is excellent for those warmer spring days with a good base and or mid-layer.

Gloves: There are spring specific gloves you can purchase which still provides ample protection and mild warmth. On a budget? Gardening or mountain bike gloves does the trick. Just get creative.

Goggles and Sunglasses: Once temperatures get above 5C, you’ll notice how warm goggles become. Bring a pair of well-fitting polarized sunglasses for just this reason.

Sunscreen: Nothing will ruin your ski trip faster than a sunburn to the face. Opt for a high-quality face-specific sunscreen with only zinc oxide. Additionally, chapstick with SPF is also advised to avoid burnt and chapped lips.

Stay Hydrated: Spring skiing will make you sweat a bit more so it’s very important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Bring a collapsible water bottle or a backpack with water and snacks.

Ready, Set, Spring

After a long, cold winter in the mountains braving the elements, spring is a welcomed transition. As the sun tracks higher in the sky, feelings of longer days, warmer temperatures, and forgiving yet supportive snow make people vibrate with excitement as spring skiing takes flight.

If the conditions don’t lure you to the mountains, let the smaller crowds, fantastic ski vacation deals, and spring festivals tempt you until you do. There is no better way to finish your season off than cruising down one last time with the friends that made your season memorable.

Reach out to The Lodging Company to plan your spring ski vacation today!

Originally from Northern Ontario, Anthony now calls Whistler, Canada home. As an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for science and tourism writing, he chases excitement and communicates his experiences through his work. Anthony holds CASI 2 and CSIA 1 certifications. He has over eight years of teaching and coaching experience as a snowsports instructor and 20+ seasons of skiing and snowboarding under his belt.

When away from the office, Anthony spends much of his free time immersed in mountain culture. Skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking take up his free time, often complimented by sailing and the occasional backpacking adventure.