Best ski resorts for Spring Break
From Oregon to Vermont, here are 8 spring skiing destinations you can't miss.
Spring may be the most popular time of year to head to the beach, but true-blue ski bums aren’t ready to give up the quest for powder. And though every year is a little different, there are two factors that lead to good spring snow: high elevation and a decent amount of north-facing terrain.
Rather pack your snow pants than your flip-flops? Here are eight late-season ski resorts for the spring powder hounds.
With a base elevation of 5,700 feet and a peak of 9,065 feet, Mt. Bachelor has the highest skiable elevation in Oregon. The area sees about 462 inches of snow a season, creating sweet stashes in February all the way through April. The variety of terrain (including a free beginner’s lift, Carrousel) makes this a great mountain for families.
Like Mt. Bachelor, Mammoth Mountain boasts some of the highest terrain in the Lake Tahoe region: an 8,000-foot base and an 11,000-foot peak. It’s also blessed with 65% north-facing terrain. There are more powder stashes to go around at this late-season ski resort! After last chair, how about night tubing at Wooly’s Tube Park and Play Zone?
If you’d prefer not to rub shoulders with snowboarders, then this skier-only resort is for you. The average seasonal snowfall is some of the highest in the Rockies (about 551 inches a year). About 53% of its terrain faces north, keeping the snow nice and fresh for you. Experienced athletes who like to go where the locals go will be right at home here.
Though Solitude doesn’t get nearly the snowfall that Alta does, it makes up for it with a lot of north-facing terrain: 55%. If you’re traveling with children or prefer quieter slopes, this late-season ski resort is a great choice.
Don’t let the thin air get you down: It’s one of the reasons A-Basin is one of the best late-season ski resorts. With a base elevation of 10,780 feet, it tends to catch the best of the spring storms. Advanced athletes will dig this locals’ resort and find plenty of good powder in March and April.
Like A-Basin, Copper Mountain benefits from its high elevation with a base of 9,712 feet. Copper and A-Basin have about 55% north-facing terrain. And when the March storms roll over Vail Pass, Copper can easily accumulate multiple feet of snow. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers will like the terrain parks and the halfpipe here.
High elevation, cold temperatures, and dry air mean none of that squishy, mashed-potato snow common in the spring. Skiers and snowboarders with expensive tastes will find a premium vacation here.
The Beast of the East has one of the longest-running seasons, sometimes going as late as May or early June if the conditions are good. Due to its high elevation (4,241 feet, which is high for New England) and chilly temperatures, the resort can blow enough snow to keep the people happy. The Beast welcomes all—skiers, snowboarders, kiddos, and old-timers. There’s plenty of terrain (and powder) to go around here.
