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Spring skiing means different things in different parts of North America. And on the West Coast, it can mean everything from skiing in shorts in California to deep powder days in the Pacific Northwest. Many West Coast ski resorts see a long spring ski season that can last into May and beyond, especially during a good snow year. It all makes for one of the most fun times of the ski season. Below you’ll find some of the West Coast’s best ski resorts for spring skiing. For more ideas, head to our article here, which rounds up the best resorts in all of North America for spring skiing, including several West Coast ski areas.
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.
The Best Ski Resorts Out West For Spring Skiing
California
Snow Valley
If you’ve skied in Southern California, you may have driven right past Snow Valley Ski Area in Running Springs on your way to Big Bear. But don’t sleep on this spot, which is particularly great in the spring and worth a day trip from L.A. Snow Valley typically has a closing date in the first half of April, which makes for plenty of spring skiing opportunities. It has terrain for all levels, but Snow Valley’s beginner slopes are ideal in spring to set you up for next season. Soak up the sun on the Mountain Top Terrace. Snow Valley is also conveniently on the Ikon Pass along with other Southern California favorites Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit. Make it a long weekend and ski all three Southern California ski resorts.
Check out Lodging options at Snow Valley
Mountain High
Mountain High is another Southern California ski resort to add to your spring skiing to-do list—especially since it’s only an hour and a half drive from L.A. This resort typically closes by mid-April, but while it remains open, it attracts a youthful crowd and hosts many on-hill events that honor freestyle skiing and snowboarding. If you enjoy technical trails and a fun terrain park, it only takes four minutes to reach them on the Blue Ridge Express, located on the west side of the resort.
Dodge Ridge
Dodge Ridge is located on the western side of the Sierra Nevada range and is among the closest resorts for many San Francisco Bay Area residents. Bonus: Driving to Dodge Ridge from the Bay Area doesn’t come with the traffic that skiers traveling to Lake Tahoe often experience. Spring here almost always lasts until mid-April, bringing bluebird days and uncrowded slopes. Dodge Ridge is well known as a family resort with plenty of good beginner and intermediate terrain.
Heavenly
Head to Lake Tahoe’s south shore in spring and enjoy one of the kingpins of Vail Resorts’ ever-expanding portfolio. Oftentimes, you can ski well into May at this resort. Surfaces can be variable during the spring on all the mountains surrounding the lake, but they’re always fun to ski on. And, yes, some days can bring so-called “Sierra Cement,” a heavy wet powder that can be hard to move through. After a thigh-burning day, enjoy the sun and cold brews at the Lakeview Lodge or grab beer and brats at Stein’s Biergarten.
Check out Lodging options at Heavenly
Mt. Shasta Ski Park
Corn snow is plentiful at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, located way up north in California. Skiing and riding typically lasts until mid-April, allowing for plenty of opportunities to find that perfect groomer. The ski area is about 6 miles south of Mount Shasta, California’s 14,179-foot stratovolcano in the Cascade Mountain Range. Lodging is available at reasonable rates during spring in the town of Mt. Shasta, just 11 miles away. It makes for a fun, unique getaway to an offbeat California ski destination.
Oregon
Timberline Lodge
Located 60 miles from Portland, Timberline, is known for having the longest ski season in the U.S. It often remains open for 10 months, typically closing in September and re-opening in November. Timberline’s winter season typically begins around Thanksgiving and continues through the end of May. The Palmer Express high-speed quad operates only during the spring and summer seasons. It usually starts spinning by June 1 and continues through most of the summer, depending on conditions. The ski area sits near the top of an 11,249-foot volcano, Mt. Hood, which is the tallest mountain in Oregon. Step back in time and spend a night or two at the historic Timberline Lodge, which you may recognize as the hotel’s exterior from The Shining.
Check out Lodging options at Timberline Lodge
Mount Hood Meadows
Mt. Hood Meadows, the largest ski resort on Mt. Hood, often stays open through the end of April. Skiers typically have access during the spring to the Buttercup and beginner-friendly Buttercup Fun Zone, as well as Vista Express, Mt. Hood Express, and Cascade Express at an elevation of 7,300 feet. The Vista Park banked slalom course and halfpipes are typically groomed for spring riding. The Double Mountain Pond Skim closes out the spring ski season.
Mt. Bachelor
Typically open until late May, Mt. Bachelor is synonymous with spring skiing in Oregon. Not only does it boast one of the country’s longest seasons, but it’s also among the continent’s largest ski resorts, meaning there’s lots of terrain to enjoy through the later part of the season. Spring also brings some of the resort’s best events of the year, including Subaru Winterfest and RendezVan. When aprés-ski time arrives, Mt. Bachelor has some great patios, including the Clearing Rock Bar, at West Village Lodge, and the Sun Bar, overlooking the Woodward Learning Zone at Sunrise Lodge. After getting your fill of spring skiing, head into the town of Bend, which is dotted with great breweries, waterfront patios, and more.
Check out Lodging options at Mt. Bachelor
Washington
Crystal Mountain
Typically, Pacific Northwest ski resorts often enjoy April snowstorms, and Crystal Mountain is no exception. Snowy spring seasons have seen Crystal Mountain stay open as late as June, although ski operations typically are winding down by mid-to-late April. Don’t miss Crystal’s Treasure Hunt Tuesdays. Continuing through spring, the resort will feature a new partner and hide treasures from them across the mountain.
Check out Lodging options at Crystal Mountain
Mt. Baker
Located way up Washington, Mt. Baker is worth the trek, especially in spring. Mt. Baker has made a name for itself as one of the snowiest ski resorts in America. While the average annual snowfall at Mt. Baker registers 688 inches makes for a great spring base, operations could be impacted, as the resort’s base currently sits at a mere 70 inches. After you’ve gotten your fill of soft snow, end your day with a microbrew on the sundeck. Mt. Baker usually closes by late April.
Check out Lodging options at Mt. Baker
More Spring Skiing Reading
- The best of spring skiing in North America
- Where to go spring skiing in the Midwest
- Where to go spring skiing in the Rockies
- Where to go spring skiing in the East
- Where to go spring skiing in Canada
Header image ©Jeff Engerbretson/ Palisades-Tahoe
February 18, 2026
