This post by “TheHipmunk” originally appeared on the Tailwind Blog by Hipmunk on March 23, 2016.
Spring is in the air, and that means spring skiing! The ultimate combination of winter sport and spring weather, there’s no better time to be on the mountain. Getting your fill of sun and snow can be challenging, since you can never tell what the snow report will look like. Luckily, there are resorts all over the world that cater to those hoping to hit the slopes in springtime. These four destinations are the best for skiers seeking a spring fix thanks to late season snowfall, superior snowmaking, and exciting springtime events.
1. Breckenridge, CO
If you’re looking to stay close to home in the US, it’s time to book a flight to Coloradoand head up to Breckenridge. The groundhog may have predicted an early spring, butBreckenridge has one of the highest peaks among US resorts and is ready for spring skiers. One of America’s best ski resorts during the winter, Breckenridge is also a top destination for spring skiing thanks to it’s annual Spring Fever festival. Featuring live music and mountain competitions, you’ll have plenty to do between hitting the slopes and exploring all the festival has to offer. Breckenridge closes for the season on April 24th, so don’t delay booking your trip.
2. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
It’s rated Ski Magazine’s #1 Resort in North America, but if you missed your chance to visit Whistler/Blackcomb this winter, don’t despair. With an average of three feet of fresh snowfall every April, spring skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb is not to be missed. When the day on the slopes is finished there’s still plenty to do while staying in Whistler Village, which boasts fine dining at over 200 restaurants, great shopping, and the highest rated apres ski scene in North America. Blackcomb stays open until May 23, so you’ll be able to enjoy spring skiing far later than other North American resorts.
3. Olympic Valley, CA
After getting nearly 10 feet of snow so far this March alone, Squaw Valley Resort in Olympic Valley, CA, is a great choice for spring skiing. With an average snowfall of 67 inches in April and eight inches in May, enjoy shredding fresh pow while attending their Spring Music Series or the annual Cushing Classic, the original pond skimming event that spring skiers will not want to miss. The season won’t end until mid-May, so check out their Cinco De Mayo party at High Camp and unwind after a morning on the slopes in their 25-foot hot tub or neighboring pool at 8,200 feet.
4. Val-Thorens, France
What’s better than skiing the French Alps? Skiing them in the spring! Val Thorens is Europe’s highest altitude ski resort, so you can expect snow far into the spring season. In fact, they’re so confident in their spring conditions that they offer a snow guarantee to their visitors through April. At Val Thorens, you can celebrate all that spring skiing has to offer during the last weekend of April at their annual festival, Apotheos Days, that will feature winter sports demos, live music, fireworks and a lively apres scene. An added bonus for skiers who chose to fly in through Paris – spring is also one of the best seasons to visit the City of Light!