Areas With The Longest Winter Seasons in the US

For the skiers, boarders, and sledders who can relate with our passion for the slopes, the pursuit of powder never ends. Long into the spring and even early summer months in special locations, snow still remains and lifts still ascend the peaks.  

Where are these hidden pockets of winter you may be wondering? Throughout the US, there are several iconic destinations with high elevation and defensive terrain that protects the snowpack from warmer weather conditions. With gondolas still cruising as late as May, take a trip to our local ski shops then book your mountain adventure before the thaw is complete!

First on this list for good reason, the late-running resorts of Aspen, Vail, Arapahoe Basin, and Breckenridge in Colorado are all worth a visit. Due to their strategic geographic location and high altitudes, Colorado resorts usually have lifts running well into April and even early May if the weather holds out. Fortunately, even if most of the lifts have closed due to snowmelt, these resorts offer a diverse mix of spring/summer activities such as climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other must-try activities that are well worth a few plane tickets. 

The spectacular landscapes of scenic Alaska are reason enough to make the trip. If you happen to be searching for great spring skiing and snowboarding destinations, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Alaska is home to two of the Country’s top resorts. Most popularly, Mount Alyeska and Eaglecrest Ski Area are prized for terrain diversity, stunning vistas, and quality amenities that make these destinations wonderful options for extended ski vacations. As long as snowpack remains, these enchanting family resorts usually run from November/December until early/late April. 

Big Sky Resort in Montana has rightfully earned its place among the top skiing and boarding destinations in the US. This spacious and sprawling resort is unlike any other ski area on Earth; as its name suggests, Big Sky hosts wide-open cruisers, an ample variety of fluffy tree runs, and an impressively-large trail map that takes an entire vacation to explore. Thanks to its serene location away from the crowded cities and tourists, this hidden gem should be at the top of your spring skiing bucket list if you love fresh air, fewer lift lines, and miles of breathtaking downhill terrain. 

No spring skiing and snowboarding list would be complete without top-tier resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, and Squaw Valley. While you are more likely to encounter spring-skiing crowds at these memorable hotspots, you are also guaranteed to encounter unforgettable sights, impressive resort amenities, and incredible trail designs that accommodate all ability levels. Like all of the great skiing spots on this list, many of these iconic Californian escapes offer late-season cruising well into March and April. Even if you miss the skiing and snowboarding, summer trips to these areas are filled with impressive summertime opportunities like lake activities, scenic hiking, and local vineyard tours to name a few. 

As the April buds begin to blossom and the snow continues to thaw, this is also one of the best times of year to optimize your ski and board setup. For your last days on the slopes or in preparation for next season, take advantage of our end-of-winter ski gear sale and cut your 

costs across the board. We have direct-from-the-manufacturer discounts on everything from boots and bindings to skis and helmets for kids, adults, and every ability level. 

Looking for a specific apparel brand or have questions about our ski/board gear? Get in touch with us online or visit our shops in person for pro recommendations today!