North America ski resorts push their closing dates into late spring and, some, into summer when snowfall has been bountiful across the country. So make your plans now for those ideal days ahead when the snow is soft and the sun is high in the sky. Don’t be surprised if a few of the resorts renowned for late spring skiing even extend their own forecasts into June and maybe even beyond. While this list focuses on late spring skiing, you can check out this article for where you can ski around North America during the summer months, which includes California resorts like Mammoth and Palisades Tahoe.
If you’re new to spring skiing and snowboarding, make sure you get on the mountain early. The snow may be a bit hard in the morning, as cool overnight temps cool off yesterday’s melt, but that will soon change. Watch for snow cookies, snow snakes and few other snowy obstacles that can be present on a classic spring skiing day. Just take it a little slower, and slather on the sunscreen.
Ski resorts planning on a long spring ski season
All closing dates listed here are projected or tentatively scheduled and subject to change according to ski resort conditions and weather. You’ll get an inkling of what’s going to happen in late spring and early summer by tracking what happens with spring snowstorms. Lots of snow piling up lets resorts stockpile and spread later in the season.
Timberline, Oregon
Timberline boasts the longest ski season in North America, with skiing available throughout the summer. April and even May often bring powder days to Mt. Hood, long after most ski resorts in North America have closed. That makes a spring pass a great option for those who live in the Pacific Northwest. Once June arrives, skiing and snowboarding moves up Mt. Hood with the opening of the Palmer Express, which is closed during the winter and spring months because it’s covered in so much snow. If you want guaranteed late spring and summer skiing, then look no further than Timberline.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
South of Mt. Hood a couple hours, Mt. Bachelor enjoys a long spring skiing season that typically goes until the end of May. Once May arrives, expect operations mainly being on the Pine Marten, Sunrise, and Summit lifts. After a morning of skiing, head into the town of Bend, which is dotted with great restaurants and breweries, or hit any number of great hiking and biking trails.
Killington, Vermont
Killington boasts the longest spring ski season on the east coast. It often stays open until late May, and in a few rare cases, has stayed open a couple days into June. During the late season, Killington is open Fridays through Sundays, and closed during the week. Note that only intermediate and advanced skiing/snowboarding is available.
Snowbird, Utah
It’s fitting that one of North America’s most renowned states for skiing would have skiing that goes late into spring. The 2022-2023 ski season was a record-breaking season in Utah, including Snowbird, which broke its all-time snowfall record. Snowbird historically enjoys one of the longer ski seasons in Utah, and 2023 is no exception. Skiing will be happening until late May. Additionally, Brighton and Solitude is planning on skiing well into May.
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as A-Basin, is often one of the first North America ski resorts to open and one of the last to close. As such, Arapahoe Basin has the longest ski season in Colorado. It’s not unusual for skiing and snowboarding to continue into June and beyond. Arapahoe Basin isn’t called “The Legend” for nothing. Late spring sees some great events, from A-Basin’s spring concert series to Festival of the Brewpubs, and more.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge historically sees skiing go well into May, and a good snow season can see its ski season stretch to the end of May. By mid- to late-April, Breckenridge switches to spring skiing operations, with late-season skiing access happening out of Peak 7. The late spring skiing and riding conditions are for intermediate-and-above level terrain. Even still, there’s a lot of great skiing to be had come spring at Breckenridge.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada
Sunshine is known for its snow farming approach, utilizing miles of fencing to capture large amounts of natural snow to spread out across the resort. This helps make it one of Canada’s longest ski seasons. Historically, Sunshine’s ski season goes late into May, and especially during a good snow season. Sunshine’s spring pass makes for about two months of great spring skiing. Check out the town of Banff after a day of skiing to soak up the sun and enjoy après-ski on any number of restaurant, bar and brewery patios.
This list provides a sampling of late spring ski operations in North America. See more projected closing dates here.
Header photo: ©Scott Markewitz/Snowbird
March 15, 2023
