4 Reasons Spring is the Best Time to Ski

1. Peak snowpack

If the ski gods had a currency, it would be fresh powder. Still, in order to have a really good run, you’ll need a solid foundation of snowpack. In fact, the more feet, the merrier. According to CIRC (the Climate Impacts Research Consortium), April 1 marks the point of maximum snowpack in the west. In the northeast, snowpack is often deepest in late March and early April too.

Pro tip: For the deepest snowpack, book the Powder & Pour Ski Adventure at Riverhouse Lodge and head to Mt. Bachelor. This dormant stratovolcano in Oregon's Cascade Mountains has this season’s deepest snowpack (so far). While most ski resorts close in April, if the snow keeps falling at its current rate, Mt. Bachelor is planning on staying open until Memorial Day!

2. Steals and deals

Historically, snow sports equipment goes on sale after President’s Day. This is when most retailers are looking to offload inventory, so they can make room for summer toys. Always investing in new demos, rental shops like to offer steep discounts on last year’s gear at this time, too. Of course, you’ll also find dirt cheap deals on lift tickets later in the season. For example,Thursday lift tickets at Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort start at $79 in March. Meanwhile Thursday lift tickets in January start at $138.

Pro tip: To save even more money, ask the hotel or resort you’re staying at if they have a relationship with their local mountain or retailers. For example, guests at Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester, Vermont receive a promo code at check-in and enjoy an exclusive discount on lift tickets at nearby Bromley Mountain. Equinox guests can also get a special discount on rentals booked in advance with Ski Butlers.

3. Better weather

According to Merriam-Webster, “blue bird days” have been a part of our lexicon since at least 1860. America’s favorite dictionary defines the term—beloved by ski bums—as “a day marked by cloudless blue skies.” To maximize your chances of getting to ride the ‘pow on these perfect days, aim for spring. For example, February is the cloudiest month in Park City, Utah. March sees almost two more hours of daylight and sunshine, plus it’s about 10 degrees warmer. By the time Park City and nearby Deer Valley close for the season in mid-April, you might even find yourself getting a tan in the terrain park.

Pro tip: After skiing, soak away some of that muscle soreness. Black Rock Mountain Resort—which offers a complimentary shuttle to Park City Mountain and the new Keetly Express lift-accessed terrain at Deer Valley—boasts several soothing options. Choose from the outdoor heated pool and the outdoor hot tubs. If you’re willing to give up the mountain views, relax in the indoor sauna or steam room.

4. Fewer people on the runs

Even with new high speed chair technology, lift lines can be as long as some runs if you ski at peak times. At many resorts, March and April are less crowded, especially on weekdays. Why? For starters, with better weather more activities start up. Kids who spent January laying tracks are now at little league practice with their parents who are waiting in the parking lot. Second, many families and couples who travel to ski during the winter spend their spring break at the beach. According to the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, March 2024 saw just 60 percent of the tourist traffic that February experienced.

Pro tip: If you want to ski in Jackson, but don’t want to worry about the drive from downtown Jackson to Teton Village, book a room or condo at Snow King Resort. Located within walking distance of the world-famous antler arches, Snow King Resort’s backyard is Snow King Mountain where you’ll find more than 40 runs serviced by three lifts, three magic carpets, and a new 8-passenger gondola.

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