Winter skiing versus spring skiing is a study in contrasts. For many, there’s simply no contest: they’ll ski only in winter when conditions are at their best. Others, however, especially families looking for bargain prices for a ski vacation, opt for spring. What are the differences between the two and where are the best spots to go for each? Consider the following.
Winter Skiing
The advantages are obvious, but bear repeating. Awesome, deep snow, pristine skiing conditions, incredible winter scenery, loads of winter recreational activities beyond skiing, festive atmosphere and, best of all, getting out on the slopes to get your game on.
In the winter, when temperatures plummet and ski conditions are peak, ski aficionados say you get the best skiing possible. Sure, there’s the possibility (and likelihood) of winter storms, but that just brings more deep powder – and there’s lots to do if you’re off the slopes for a day.
Since winter skiing is the best, naturally the ski resorts are going to be more crowded – especially during holiday periods from late November through early January. President’s Day in February marks another holiday ski time when resorts are packed.
All this prime ski condition and crowds means you’ll pay a pretty penny for the privilege - so be warned in advance that winter skiing won’t come cheap. This extends to everything from lift tickets to rentals, non-ski activities, entertainment, dining, shopping and the like.
Still, you can carve out some deals for yourself and your family if you scour the ski resort web sites, snatch up some free or 2 for 1 ski passes at ski shows, buy discounted season passes. Also look for package deals on travel, including air, lodging, car and sometimes ski lift tickets, lessons and more.
You’ll have to pack heavier for winter skiing versus spring skiing. That includes the down parkas, thermal underwear, face masks, goggles, hats, mittens or gloves, and more. Plus, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll cart your own gear or rent it. Renting, especially if you get a discount, may make more sense than paying extra airline charges.
Best winter skiing resorts – actually, best North American skiing resorts as well – include Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada, Crested Butte, Vail and Snowmass, Colorado, Mammoth Mountain and Squaw Valley, California, Sun Valley, Idaho, Taos, New Mexico, Snowbird, Utah, Killington, Vermont, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Spring Skiing
When the temperatures begin to warm in spring, and there’s still plenty of snow on the mountain, savvy and budget-conscious skiers head out to the slopes of their favorite resort – or use the time to check out a mega-resort that was out of the question price-wise during the high season. In fact, price is the major difference between spring and winter skiing. In winter, the ski resorts charge – and get – top dollar.
Other differences – and they’re big advantages, as well – include more sunshine and much less crowded slopes. Families, especially, can find huge discounts available in spring skiing, such as 2 for 1 ski passes, buy early and save season passes, ski equipment rental and lessons and other ski and non-ski deals.
In spring, ski resorts market many other activities targeted to skiers and non-skiers alike, trying to attract families with their smorgasbord of things to do, laid-back atmosphere and entertainment options. In general, the Sierras and the Cascades have deep and dense snow packs into late spring. The Rockies, on the other hand, tend to have light, dry snow packs and those in the East are shallower.
When skiing in spring, be aware of the following:
- Beware of changing snow conditions.
- Warm weather alternates with cold spells, so dress in layers and leave the heavy down parkas at home.
- Check out snow conditions, weather report and ski resort hours at sites such as SnowCountry.com. In spring, weather might be iffy, snow conditions fluctuate, and resorts start to cut back on hours.
- Don’t forget to check out backcountry woods and glades where snow may be still deep and desirable.
- Get out on the slopes early, before the temperatures start to climb.
- Ski east-facing slopes to start and then go south, west and north slopes in succession as the day goes on.
- Powder in late spring (April and May) is good for about a day and then may turn to muck for several days in warmer temperatures. You’ll have to wait for re-freeze and enjoy some non-ski activities.
- Some ski resorts in high-altitude areas such as Beaver Creek, Colorado, have very thin air (base is about 8,000 feet, while the top is about 10,000 feet). The air is also extremely dry. Bring lip gloss, drink lots of fluids and, with all that sunshine, don’t forget the sun block.
Top spring ski resorts include Alta and Snowbird, Utah, Alyeska (near Anchorage), Alaska, Breckenridge and Steamboat, Colorado, Mammoth Mountain in California, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, Banff, Alberta, Canada, Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Well, spring versus winter skiing – choose your favorite resort and make plans now.
