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When winter begins to morph into spring, skiers turn their travel plans west. Although bluebird days abound across North America, the season is even more special across the Intermountain West, as ski resorts in the region often see some of the highest snowfall totals on the continent, extending the season into May or even early June.
It should be noted that the western United States has been experiencing an unusually small snowpack this year, and low totals may lead to earlier-than-usual closing dates in Spring 2026. Head to our Snow Before You Go page for twice-weekly regional snow forecasts.
Here are some of the best spring ski destinations in the Rockies. For our broader list of the best resorts for spring skiing across North America, head to this article.
Note: It’s been an unusually mild and dry ski season for most of the winter at ski resorts across the West, which may impact spring operations and closing dates. Use the snow reporting section of our website as a resource and double-check ski resort websites for the latest updates and operating schedule.
Where to Find the Best Spring Skiing in the Rockies
Colorado
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin, aka A-Basin, enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often opening by early November and not closing until June most seasons. A-Basin is Rocky Mountain high skiing at its best, with its top lifts reaching elevations as high as 12,472 feet. Additionally, you can hike up to higher points before pointing downhill, as we discussed in our round-up of Colorado ski resorts with hike-to ski terrain. Hike or not, A-Basin supplies some of Colorado’s best late-season skiing. Bring some chairs and a cooler of snacks to the Early Riser parking lot to soak up the sun and revel in a great day of spring skiing. Advance reservations are required on weekends.
» Check out spring lodging options at Arapahoe.
Breckenridge
Similar to A-Basin, Breckenridge has one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, making it a fitting destination on our list of the best resorts in the Rockies for spring skiing. Its 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, a base elevation of 9,600 feet, and 300-plus days of sunshine make it one of the headlining ski resorts in the Rockies for spring. All five peaks are typically open for skiing until April, when the resort then moves to its late spring operation plans. Note that late spring at Breckenridge is for intermediate-and-above skiers and riders only. Plus, the town of Breckenridge boasts an amazing aprés-ski scene. After a day of shredding on soft snow, head to Breckenridge Distillery, which is the world’s highest-elevation spirits distiller and also serves up delicious aprés-ski cocktails and food. The braised lamb and Obi-Wan Old Fashioned are among the menu’s many must-try options.
» Check out lodging options at Breckenridge.
Winter Park
Many skiers may have seen the epic Winter Park Spring Bash and Splash events in Warren Miller movies. Experience it firsthand over the course of four action-packed weekends in April with live music, special events, and sunny skiing. Winter Park’s ski season often continues at least a couple of weeks into May (and sometimes longer), which means it typically has one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado. The resort operates on a ‘As Late As Possible’ policy at the Mary Jane and Parsenn Bowl areas of the mountain, while the Winter Park side is anticipated to close in late April. Winter Park is just under a two hour drive from Denver, making it an easy day trip, while there are plenty of lodging deals available in the spring.
» Check out lodging options at Winter Park.
Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain, located atop Monarch Pass about 20 miles from Salida, is a fantastic under-the-radar ski resort. The majority of terrain is on the mountain’s Northeast aspect, which often hold snow best and provide fantastic carving conditions. Although Monarch doesn’t have slopeside lodging like many of Colorado’s destination ski resorts, Salida is nearby with accommodations, restaurants, and more. Monarch is about a three-hour drive from Denver and is one mountain where a car is recommended.
» Check out lodging options at Monarch Mountain.
Vail
Everything seems to relax at Vail, and that becomes even more true as warm weather arrives. Vail has an upbeat but laid-back spring skiing vibe, where you can ski or ride as long as you wish before enjoying the upscale shopping and après-ski fun in its village, contrasting the mid-winter rush to catch that coveted powder. Vail typically stays open for skiing and riding until about the third week of April. The area is especially fun during the annual Taste of Vail event, which we named one of the best spring events in North America. Ticket prices vary, and tickets sell out quickly, so register early.
» Check out lodging options at Vail.
Ski Cooper
Colorado is loaded with major ski destinations, but some, like Cooper, are more off the beaten path. Cooper is located high atop Tennessee Pass and about a 15-minute drive from the old mining town of Leadville on U.S. 24. Beginners looking to get a head start on the next season should consider a spring getaway to Cooper as the soft snow by mid-morning is ideal for learning. Plus, the beginner terrain here is superb. Nearby lodging is available in Leadville, which makes for a very affordable ski trip for families, couples, and solo travelers. Cooper typically closes around early-to mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Ski Cooper.
Utah
Snowbasin
Snowbasin, located 42 miles north of Salt Lake City Airport and just over 20 minutes from Ogden, has plenty of spring skiing in 3 different beautiful areas. The not-so-well-kept secret here is enjoying outdoor après-ski on the gigantic patio on the backside of Earl’s Lodge, where the sun lingers into the afternoon and live music brings a party vibe to the base, while locally-brewed craft beers and signature cocktails flow. Snowbasin typically closes around mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Snowbasin.
Brighton
You really can’t go wrong with any of the ski resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons, and Brighton, located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, is no exception. The season often runs into late April, but the true bonus is Brighton’s offering of night skiing, which often continues until late March, conditions permitting. That means you get the opportunity for up to 12 hours of late-season skiing.
Solitude, which is Brighton’s down canyon neighbor, also enjoys a ski season that typically goes until mid-to-late April. During March, make a whole day of skiing in Big Cottonwood Canyon by skiing Solitude in the morning and then enjoying night skiing at Brighton in the evening. Bonus: Both ski resorts are part of the Ikon Pass.
» Check out lodging options at Brighton and Solitude.
Alta
Alta boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Utah, often remaining open into early May. The resort’s high elevation is to thank for that extended ski time, as it often leads to more snow accumulation and less springtime snowmelt. When bluebird days arrive, the resort’s vibe shifts from powder chasing to longer breaks on the patio. For an epic ski adventure, consider visiting on Frank Day, an unofficial holiday created by the community. Typically held on a Sunday in early or mid-April, it features a ski competition, retro-inspired attire and plenty of hot dogs.
Snowbird
As the days get longer and the sun softens the upper‑mountain snow into perfect corn, the plaza fills with classic Snowbird spring traditions: skiers grilling in the parking lot, locals rocking retro onesies, and the annual pond skimming that turns the base area into a full‑blown party. The tram becomes a moving costume parade, the air smells like sunscreen and tailgate burgers, and the whole mountain settles into that unmistakable spring energy—playful, sun‑drenched, and fueled by the kind of snowpack that keeps the season alive long after everyone else moved on to hiking season. Snowbird has one of the longest seasons in Utah, often closing in May, but in exceptional snow years, it’s stayed open until the Fourth of July.
Idaho
Sun Valley
Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort, often gets overlooked since it’s not near a major city like many of the other destinations on this list. And that’s in part what makes it such a great place to visit, especially in spring when you won’t find traffic, lift lines, or crowded slopes. What you will find, however, is soft snow, blue skies, long days, and some of the best views of any ski resort in the spring. Ski or ride in the morning, and then strap on snowshoes to hit some trails in the afternoon. A can’t-miss spring lunch or aprés experience is dining at The Roundhouse, perched at 7,700 feet at Sun Valley Resort.
» Check out lodging options at Sun Valley.
Montana
Big Sky
Spring is considered Big Sky’s secret season, featuring wide-open terrain, the occasional powder day, warm and sunny aprés sessions, and smaller crowds. Like many ski resorts, March and April are also some of Big Sky’s best months for deals on lift tickets and lodging. Big Sky turns things up in late March and early April for its Spring Series, featuring DJs, drink specials, and an all-out aprés-ski party. The Spring Series runs over the last few weekends (Thursday-Sunday) of the year at Mountain Village and Everett’s 8800. Big Sky closes for the season toward the end of April.
» Check out lodging options at Big Sky.
New Mexico
Ski Santa Fe
Head 16 miles up the hill from the historic New Mexico town of Santa Fe and catch the spring snow as it warms and softens at Ski Santa Fe. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe boasts a spring skiing season with lots of snow. March brings live music at Totemoff’s Deck. Later in the afternoon, stroll around the historic plaza, lined with upscale shops and plenty of restaurants for all budgets. Ski Santa Fe typically closes for the season in early April.
» Check out lodging options at Ski Santa Fe.
Arizona
Arizona Snowbowl
A springtime visit to Flagstaff means good conditions at Arizona Snowbowl, conveniently located just 30 minutes from the city. Arizona Snowbowl is high in the San Francisco Peaks with a base elevation of 9,200 feet and boasts a lift service that rolls up to 11,500 feet (higher if you are in the mood to hike). Spring skiing and boarding at Arizona Snowbowl means planning on sugary conditions on the lower mountain and more wintry surfaces the higher you go. After a morning of skiing, soak up the sunshine and people watching on the deck of the Agassiz Restaurant in the base lodge. Arizona Snowbowl typically closes in May.
» Check out lodging options at Arizona Snowbowl.
Wyoming
Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee, on average, receives several hundred inches of snow each winter, giving it a nice snowpack come springtime. Located on the Wyoming-Idaho border, about 45 miles from Jackson Hole, it always has a chill vibe and uncrowded slopes. That couldn’t be more true during the spring months. You may even enjoy a sneaker powder day. Locals and visitors alike look forward to a closing-day pond skim. Grand Targhee typically closes by mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Grand Targhee.
Jackson Hole
Spring at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known as the “Best Spring Break Ever.” It brings some of the resort’s best festivals, deals on skiing and lodging, great snow, short lift lines, uncrowded slopes, and a fun aprés scene that OnTheSnow users have rated as the best in Wyoming. The last few weeks of the season see Jackson Hole’s unique Golden Ticket promotion, in which skiers and riders with a valid winter resort season pass anywhere in the world can enjoy 50% off lift tickets (check Jackson Hole’s website for specific dates). While there are many great spring events at Jackson Hole, the headliner is the Rendezvous Music Festival, a two-day music festival that we named one of the best spring events in North America. Make sure you buy tickets early, as we predict they’ll sell out fast.
» Check out lodging options at Jackson Hole.
More Spring Skiing Reading
- The best of spring skiing in North America
- Where to go spring skiing in the West
- Where to go spring skiing in the Midwest
- Where to go spring skiing in the East
- Where to go spring skiing in Canada
Header credit: Vail Resorts
February 18, 2026
