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.
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 of early- to mid-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 Chalet Deck or Mountain Top Terrace. Snow Valley is also conveniently on the Ikon Pass along with other Southern California favorites, Big Bear Resort and Snow Summit. Make it a long weekend and ski all three Southern California ski resorts.
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Mountain High
Mountain High is another Southern California ski resort to add to your spring skiing to-do list — especially since it is only an hour and a half from L.A. While Mountain High typically closes by mid-April, a good snow year can extend its season into late April. In 2023, it stayed open until May 1. Mountain High attracts a youthful crowd, especially at the West Resort, with many on-hill events honoring the freestyle culture of skiing and snowboarding. It takes less than four minutes on the Blue Ridge Express to reach the West Resort, which is well worth it for those who like more technical trails and a fun terrain park.
Dodge Ridge
Dodge Ridge is located on the western side of the Sierra Nevada range and is the closest serious skiing 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. You can ski until mid-April at Heavenly on one of the nation’s biggest mountains overlooking the magnificent blue Lake Tahoe. 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 is still good to ski on but can be hard to move through. After a thigh-burning day, enjoy the sun and cold brews at the Lakeview Lodge or grab a beer and brats at Stein’s Biergarten.
Check out Lodging options at Heavenly
Mt. Shasta Ski Park
Corn snow is in plentiful supply 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 14,163-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
Timberline, located about 60 miles from Portland, is the only ski area in the U.S. open 10 months out of the year. The ski area sits near the top of an 11,245-foot volcano, Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon. 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. 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, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor, which is typically open until late May, is synonymous with spring skiing. Not only does Mt. Bachelor have one of the longest ski seasons, but it’s also one of North America’s largest ski resorts. That means there’s lots of terrain to enjoy late into the season. Spring also brings some of the resort’s best events of the year, including Subaru Winterfest and RendezVan. Mt. Bachelor has some great patio après spots, 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 vibes, head into the town of Bend, which is dotted with great breweries, waterfront patios, and more. While you’re here, hit some of the region’s incredible mountain biking trails. We named Bend one of the best mountain biking destinations in North America.
Check out Lodging options at Mt. Bachelor
Washington
Crystal Mountain
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. Keep an eye on their social media channels for announcements about bonus weekends late in the season. 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.
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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. The average annual snowfall at Mt. Baker registers 688 inches, which makes for a great spring base. Once spring arrives, you can still often count on snow dumps that make for bonus spring powder days. End your day with a microbrew on the sundeck. Mt. Baker 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
March 17, 2025
