Best places to ski in april: The Best Ski Resorts In April

The Best Ski Resorts In April

Some ski resorts are better bets for April. These are the ones with lots of north-facing terrain, protecting snow from the acute rays of a sun whose influence on weather, and capacity to turn everything to hot mush, has greatly strenthened since the depths of winter. High elevation is also key here, which is the reason Taos, New Mexico appears on this list. Its southerly latitude counts against it, but its north-facing terrain and greater-than 12,000-foot elevations buy it a lot of points.

Some of the best ski days ever had are those in early December and in April, the shoulder seasons when ski resorts are usually open, but when tourists are thin and locals aren’t yet into ski mode, or they’ve already moved on from the ski season. A snowstorm in April, and plenty of big ones take place every year, can be a magical thing.

We’ll allow ourselves one gushy personal anecdote here. The latter end of April 2002 brought a prolific chain of storms to Utah’s Wasatch front. The ski resorts, however, had closed for the year. Day after day the snow came, sending backcountry skiers up slopes on their skins and leaving others cursing, “Where was this in March!?”

On Wednesday, April 24, Alta announced it would re-open on Friday, April 26. By Friday morning, it had snowed more than five feet since the last skis ran through the woods off of Wildcat lift. It was, unequivocally, one of the three best skiing days for two of the ZRankings’ crew. Lap after lap, fresh line after fresh line, bottomless snow. Just as important, and even rarer at Alta, there was zero competition. No racing other skiers, no lift lines. True bliss.

That kind of experience is hard to duplicate, but that’s the kind of singular day that keeps skiers prowling for that perfect shoulder-season day, which, in many cases, can be far superior to any day had in January, February or March.

With that in mind, we know that many people choose to ski in April for all kinds of reasons:

• April is warmer, and popular for those who are cold-averse
• Lodging is cheaper
• It’s spring break for many
• The Easter holiday often falls here
• Few crowds
• Discounted lift tickets – for planners, sometimes buying next year’s season pass early will offer a bonus that includes full skiing privileges for this season’s April

For the best snow conditions in April, here’s the things that matter most:

• The higher the elevation, the better, which is why Colorado can be a great April play
• North-facing terrain: this preserves snow and keeps it cold, avoiding the freeze-thaw cycle
• Low amounts of east-facing and west-facing terrain. Mountains such as Jackson Hole that are primarily east facing can get into tough freeze-thaw cycles. But elevation can mitigate this: Breckenridge’s higher east-facing terrain is at such an elevation—11,000 and up, that it can stay nice and chalky into April

With those things in mind, strong options for ski trips in April include:

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado – 60% North-Facing, Elevations Up to 12,510
See Details: Snow Patterns, Lodging

Winter Park, Colorado – 50% North-Facing, Elevations Up to 12,060
See Details: Snow Patterns, Lodging

Copper Mountain, Colorado – 55% North-Facing, Elevations Up to 12,313
See Details: Snow Patterns, Lodging

Note: Most major ski resorts are open through the first week in April, but schedules change year to year, Some resorts, such as Snowbird and Mammoth, typically stay open deeper into the year, often well into May or June.

Ski Resorts with Best Snow for April

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspResort	True Snow*	Base & Top Elev.	Days w/ more than 6 inches	Months w/ more than 90 inches	Months w/ less than 30 inches	North-facing Terrain	East-facing Terrain	West-facing Terrain	South-facing Terrain	April Snow Score
Alta Ski Area UT	517″	8530′ to 10550′	20.2%	49.3%	1.3%	53%	17%	29%	1%	100	more
Snowbird UT	497″	7760′ to 11000′	18.0%	37.0%	3.4%	50%	16%	21%	13%	98	more
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area CO	314″	10780′ to 12472′	10. 4%	6.4%	23.2%	55%	25%	15%	5%	93	more
Wolf Creek Ski Resort CO	387″	10300′ to 11904′	14.9%	27.1%	18.6%	65%	35%	0%	0%	92	more
Winter Park Ski Resort CO	347″	9000′ to 12060′	13.4%	10.4%	9.3%	50%	10%	38%	2%	83	more
Grand Targhee WY	466″	7408′ to 10000′	18. 9%	40.4%	3.5%	20%	0%	60%	20%	83	more
Kirkwood CA	459″	7800′ to 9800′	20.1%	44.3%	18.1%	65%	25%	10%	0%	82	more
Brighton Ski Resort UT	504″	8750′ to 10500′	19.3%	44.2%	4.3%	43%	15%	32%	10%	79	more
Aspen Snowmass CO	295″	8104′ to 12510′	10.7%	4. 4%	19.6%	60%	25%	13%	2%	78	more
Solitude Mountain Resort UT	437″	7988′ to 10035′	17.1%	34.0%	7.5%	55%	27%	15%	3%	78	more
Loveland Ski Area CO	344″	10800′ to 12700′	12.6%	11.6%	11.0%	40%	30%	0%	30%	78	more
Copper Mountain CO	278″	9712′ to 12313′	10.5%	3. 8%	21.1%	55%	25%	15%	5%	76	more
Taos Ski Resort NM	254″	9207′ to 12450′	9.5%	4.7%	31.9%	60%	25%	15%	0%	74	more
Beaver Creek Resort CO	325″	8100′ to 11440′	12.1%	8.3%	13.1%	55%	25%	20%	0%	73	more
Telluride Ski Resort CO	276″	8725′ to 12570′	10.8%	4. 8%	23.1%	50%	10%	33%	7%	71	more

As recounted with mawkish anecdotal clarity above, April powder days are especially rewarding. Here are the places skiers and riders stand the best chance of finding good snow underfoot during the fourth month of the year:

Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah – April Snow Score: 100

Alta must always be given its due is the stalwart snow magnet and preserver that it is. There are ski areas that may have better winters here and there, but there is no place in North America with more consistent, prolific and high-quality snowfall. As the season stretches into April, and the days grow warm, Alta remains a premium location for skiers planning ahead of time and hoping to score good conditions. Not only does the ski resort receive copious amounts of snow on average, but it’s also well suited to preserve the snow what has from the onslaught of the warm spring sun. A full 53% of Alta’s terrain faces north, keeping it sheltered from the harshest warmth of the season, and allowing Alta to keep most of its slopes open as late as it pleases.

Alta can offer big rewards in the late spring to persistent skiers who show up in April.

Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah – April Snow Score: 98

Being situated right next door to Alta, Snowbird is going to show up on most of the same lists. We actually prefer Snowbird in the spring as its tram allows skiers to access the good, high elevation stuff quickly, while the lines, due to the time of season, tend to be small. April is a fantastic time to ski Snowbird, which preserves snow well, as 50% of its terrain faces north. April also offers skiers opportunities on the lodging front. Spring can be a great time to pick up lodging bargains, especially at vanguard properties such as Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge, the quintessential ski-in, ski-out, full service hotel.

A-Basin, Summit County, Colorado – April Snow Score: 93

There is no ski resort whose conditions relative to the rest of the continent improve at such a pace as the season wears as those of A-Basin. The ski resort is perfectly suited to preserve snow, with high elevations, topping 12,000 feet, and a high ratio north facing terrain, a full 55%. The early season at A-Basin isn’t as dependable because it can sometimes be short of snow, but that it is rarely a problem come April; most of the snow it has received during the last three months remains on its slopes. So even in a mediocre snow year, A-Basin remains a dependable choice for a late spring ski vacation. It’s a great resort to pair with trips to Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek, as they’re all on the [Epic Pass].

Snow quality of Telluride Ski Resort compared
w/ rest of North American resorts

Wolf Creek, Southwest Colorado – April Snow Score: 92

Of mainline destination ski resorts in Colorado, Wolf Creek is one of the sleepier spots, but it is often the snowiest spot among all Colorado ski resorts. It sits in a unique basin that funnel storms toward its peaks, giving it a more prolific snowfall profile than anywhere else in Colorado. This prowess for snow collection continues into spring, where Wolf Creek’s slopes preserve well the bounty bestowed upon them, with 65% of terrain facing north. Getting to Wolf Creek can be a bit harder for destination skiers, as it is a long drive from Denver, about five hours. The best bet is to fly to Durango and drive the 84 miles east from there. It’s unique spot, as it remains independent, and in many ways a smaller operation. But it has stretches of big time terrain, and history of snowfall that almost any resort would trade for.

Grand Targhee, Tetons of Wyoming, via Idaho – April Snow Score: 83

Grand Targhee gathers up snow at a rate only matched by Alta. As the leading edge of the Tetons, facing west, Targhee draws in a phenomenal amount of snow throughout the year, usually greater than 500 inches. This offers skiers a prime opportunity to find a deep snow base in April and the late spring. The freeze-thaw cycle can be intense at Targhee, so skiers are advised to search out corn at mid-day, and ski with the sun, which is always an enjoyable way to spend the day. Skiers can pair days at Targhee in April with a few days spent at Jackson Hole as well, and the Jackson airport offers one of the best local ski airport options available in North America.

Kirkwood, Southern Tahoe Region, California – April Snow Score: 82

Kirkwood is the unrivaled snow champion in the Tahoe region. Not only does the ski resort receive more snow than others in the area on average, but it also predominately faces north, with 65% of its terrain staying shadowy and cold throughout the midwinter into spring, preserving those prolific dumps of the California Sierra. For those seeking out a California ski vacation in the late spring, it’s often worth the trip down to Kirkwood at some point to sample its superiorly preserved snow. And because Kirkwood is a Vail Resorts property, and is part of the Epic Pass, it pairs well with a trip that includes days at Heavenly and Northstar.

Brighton, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah – April Snow Score: 79

Just north of the more famous Little Cottonwood Canyon sits a snow trap almost as effective. The funnel of Big Cottonwood Canyon delivers deep snowfalls to Brighton and Solitude every winter. Brighton, being at the end of the canyon, just as Alta is to the south, is best positioned to take advantage of this geographic oddity that turns run-of-the-mill systems into major snow events. Combine this with Brighton’s terrain, 43% of which faces north, and skiers have a perfect vessel for snow preservation well into the spring.

Beaver Creek can go off in the spring.

Aspen Snowmass, Central Colorado – April Snow Score: 78

In addition to being near where the best towns in skiing, Snowmass possesses qualities that should pique the interest of any skier looking for April skiing action. The first of those qualities is elevation; Snowmass tops out more than 12,000 feet, among the highest mainline resorts in North America. In addition, Snowmass it built upon an overwhelming majority of north-facing terrain, with a full 60% of slopes positioned away from the sun, and out of harmful spring rays. A spring trip to Snowmass, paired with a day or two at Aspen Mountain and the revelry of being in the quintessential American ski town, makes for one of the best spring ski trips that can be had.

Solitude, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah – April Snow Score: 78

When Brighton ends up on a list, it’s likely that Solitude, which is parked right next door, will be there, too. Spring skiing is not the exception, as both ski resorts good bets for skiers looking for action during those first weeks of April. Solitude benefits from the same uncanny effects of the Big Cottonwood Canyon snow vacuum. The steepest terrain at Solitude is a bit more challenging than that of Brighton, but the very best skiing is reserved for those who put in a little work and bootpack their way to spots where fresh snow can often be found. Brighton and Solitude are great spots on Saturdays, when the ski resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon and on the other side in Park City are packed.

Loveland, straddling the Johnson and Eisenhower Tunnels on I-70, Colorado – April Snow Score: 78

Loveland is largely the province of Denver area locals looking to get some quality turns without making the full and sometimes painful drive to Summit County or Vail/Beaver Creek. But people visiting from elsewhere shouldn’t ignore this unique ski area that sits on the continental divide just off of I-70. Loveland is one of the highest ski areas in North America, topping out at 12,700 feet, with a full 40% of its terrain facing north. Add in one of the better average snowfalls in Colorado, with 347 inches per year, and you have a custom-built setup for spring skiing. Skiers traveling further west to Breckenridge, Vail or elsewhere would be well advised to stop and get some turns in at this gem that sits perched above perhaps the most famous tunnel in America. It should also be mentioned that Loveland’s terrain offers legitimate sustained and steep fall lines. It’s a place that even experts will enjoy.

Telluride offers a prime town-skiing combination for April skiing seekers.

Copper Mountain, Summit County, Colorado – April Snow Score: 76

Copper Mountain possesses a sharp proclivity for preserving snow. This characteristic is handy all winter, but especially useful at the end of the season. When other resorts may be showing stress and dirt in weaker spots, Copper powers on, its natural traits a vertiable deep freezer for the snow that has fallen during the last four months. Those strenghts start with Copper’s elevation, which touches 12,300 feet, making it one of the highest ski resorts in Colorado. Perhaps more important, however, is Copper’s terrain, 55% of which faces north, keeping the sun angles oblique and away from its snow.

Taos, New Mexico – April Snow Score: 74

The stalwart of New Mexico has usually received enough snow by late March to offer skiers superior destination in the southwest. The mountain preserves snow well because of its two prime characteristics, elevation and terrain. The resort tops out at 12,450 feet and 60% of the resort’s terrain faces north, an absolute necessity for quality skiing in the spring at a latitude as far south as New Mexico. Skiers seeking out a unique spring experience should consider going to the Southwest.

Beaver Creek, Central Colorado – April Snow Score: 73

This bastion of service and chocolate chip cookies also offers skiers a great target for April skiing. Beaver Creek has one of the better snowfall profiles in Colorado, receiving an average of 328 inches during the course of the winter. That snow is well-preserved by the Beav’s slopes, 55% of which face north. Hitting up Beaver Creek in the spring offers families a great opportunity to enjoy mild temperatures, sunny slopes and outdoor pools where the outside temperature can be 60 degrees at the end of the day. All while enjoying steep shots off of Birds of Prey and the ski resorts’ other prime lifts.

Telluride, The San Juan Mountains, Colorado – April Snow Score: 71

One of the finest and most striking mountain towns in the world also offers skiers hey prime late spring skiing experience. Telluride only tends to be opened the first week of April, but it’s often a glorious time to rip down its high elevation slopes tilted north, cranking into a classic old mining town that only Park City and Aspen can rival. The ski resort’s top lift, Revelation, hits 12,570 feet, and there is a bevy of runs that stay high and cold. In addition, much of the resort’s lower terrain that filters directly into town faces north and is lined by tall stands of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir that help shield the slopes from the harsh spring sun.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

10 BEST Spring Skiing Destinations in the US and Canada to visit in April

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Does the spring equinox officially bring an end to winter? Does that mean your ski and snowboard season is over? The answer to that question is absolutely not! Think we’re crazy? Don’t know what we’re talking about? Let us prove it to you. Put down the bathing suits and grab the snow gear. Put that trip to the Caribbean on hold. This spring, head to the mountains! Why you ask? The days are longer, the crowds have reduced to a trickle, and the winter storms have given way to sunshine and warm temperatures. If you haven’t taken a trip out West this year, now is the time! Here are the 10 best spring skiing locales in North America!

 

Why You Should GO!

• Great deals to stay & ski
• Sunny weather and warm temps
• Non-existent crowds
• The ability to do other stuff like golf, mountain bike, AND ski in the same day
• Chance to get in a sneaker pow day

Before you pick your resort, there are a few things you should know about spring skiing. First, don’t expect to ride a full day. Instead, focus on the full experience. The Après ski is almost as important as the skiing in spring. Is there a cool town to hang in? Do you have a place to grill and a patio to chill? How about a mountain bike park or a golf course? Now you feelin’ it? These are quite different questions to ask than a winter trip, right?

 

Next, don’t expect the resorts to be at full operation, but this is good news. It means you’ll have a ton of terrain all to yourself and can lap those runs until you can’t feel your legs. Lastly, even in April or early May, there’s still a chance for a sneaker pow day. We’ve had quite a few, and they are awesome! If you want to learn the in’s & outs of spring skiing, what gear to bring, & why it’s our favorite time to go on a ski vacation, check out our comprehensive spring skiing guide:

Everything You Need To Know About Spring Skiing

Things To Consider When Picking A Spring Locale

Where should you go? Here are the things to consider when picking a resort:

• Historically open late into the season
• Large amount of terrain above treeline
• Deep snowpack
• Ski resort that’s received lots of snow for the season (at least annual average)

 

#10 Killington

Average April/May Snowfall: 24 inches
Projected Closing Day: Typically May dependent on weather

Skiing over previous Memorial Day Weekend – Image appears courtesy: Killington Ski Resort

We had to at least tip our hat towards the East. Besides Mammoth on our list, Killington also pushes the envelope on extending their season as long as possible. Through mid-April, there’s a good chance the majority of the mountain will be open for you to shred. Killington has even been known to stay open into late May and even into June. With a summit elevation of only 4,241 feet, how can that be? They do this by making snow on one run called Superstar all winter long. The snow on this trail stacks up to nearly three stories tall. Talk about dedication to skiing and snowboarding!

Booking.com

 

#9 Loveland

Average April/May Snowfall: 71 inches
Average Maximum Snow Depth: 70 inches
Terrain Open: 100% open through end of April conditions permitting
Projected Closing Day: Early May

Image appears courtesy: Loveland Ski Area

Most people zoom past as they head to one of the major resorts like Keystone, Copper, or Winter Park. A no frills destination, Loveland is a great example of a mountain still tapped into the soul of skiing and snowboarding. The focus is all about the mountain and not about real estate. Receiving some of the highest snowfall counts in the region and hugging the continental divide, this translates to a season that starts in October and lasts into May or longer. Powder days still happen often in April! By this time of year, the snowpack is deep enough, allowing you to access all of the cool terrain Loveland has to share. This quaint mountain packs quite the punch and is highly recommended. The only reason it’s low on the list is because of its early closing date.

 

#8 Whistler Blackcomb

Average April/May Snowfall: 43 inches
Average Maximum Snow Depth: 106 inches
Terrain Open: As much as possible through April 17th and approximately 1,300 vertical feet of terrain serviced by only the Emerald Chair after April 17th.
Projected Closing Date: May 22

Whistler Peak Image taken by: Jorge Alvarez

Whistler embodies what every ski resort wishes to be. The village is car-less and there’s a plethora of different priced options to eat, drink, and hang out across town. The bad news first is the weather. With close proximity to the coast, there’s a possibility of overcast/rainy weather but this is more likely mid-winter than in the spring. Don’t worry though. Whistler makes up for it in spades with how many things you can do besides skiing.

Towards the end of April, you can ski in the morning in the upper alpine bowls and then mountain bike in the afternoon on the bottom half of the mountain. April is also when the largest winter sports and music festival in North America takes place right next to the gondola.

 

Will Whistler Stay Dedicated To Spring Skiing?

Over the past few years, Whistler’s dedication to spring skiing after April continues to dwindle so they’ve moved down the list. Before Vail’s purchase, they used to have AT LEAST 2,500 vertical feet of skiing and thousands of acres of glorious alpine terrain accessed by three lifts. Now, it’s just one. Good news is if you visit in May, you can still ski in the morning and mountain bike in the afternoon.

Booking.com

#7 Snowbird

Average April/May Snowfall: 74 inches
Average Maximum Snow Depth: 109 inches
Terrain Open: 100% open through end of April conditions permitting but typically only Little Cloud and Mineral Basin Express in May to closing
Projected Closing Day: Still to be announced but traditionally at least through Memorial Day

In good years there’s even skiing on July 4th – Image appears courtesy: Snowbird Resort – Photo by: Dave Amirault

If Alta is the powder capital of Utah then Snowbird is the spring skiing locale. Being the highest ski resort in Utah and most of its terrain facing north, these attributes help keep the snow in its best condition possible. In April, they receive on average nearly 64 inches, meaning the base actually gets refreshed. Finally, with it only being 30 minutes outside of Salt Lake City, the gateway to what some consider the richest and most diverse natural surroundings of any major city, you have access to hiking, mountain biking, and even hot springs. Good times for sure!

 

#6 Timberline / Mt. Hood Meadows

Average April/May Snowfall:  37 inches
Maximum Snow Depth: 131 inches
Terrain Open: 100% open through closing at Mt. Hood Meadows and 1,500 vertical feet on the Palmer snowfield (@ Timberline) which is skiable all summer
Projected Closing Day: May 7th (Mt.Hood Meadows) / September (Timberline)

Heather Bowl, from the top of A-Zone Image taken by: Ben McLeod

The actual Mt. Hood contains four major resorts that sit on its flanks each offering different terrain and feel. One of those is Timberline. It stays open all year round except for a few weeks of maintenance in September. It’s THE home for summer skiing and snowboarding in North America. Summer camps such as Windell’s build their own private parks for campers to shred. And the public gains access to groomed corduroy off of the Palmer chair. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, Mt. Hood Meadows just down the road is open through at least the first week of May.

Spring Skiing: Freestyler’s Delight Image taken by: Nathaniel “Ragingterror” Hayden Twitter @Ragingterror

If comparing Oregon for the spring season, Mt. Bachelor offers more extensive terrain with far superior snow conditions to either of the Mt. Hood areas. Think about timing if heading to Oregon so you get the best spring skiing for the time you plan to hit the slopes.

 

#5 Lake Louise / Sunshine Village – SkiBig3

Average April/May Snowfall: 35 inches
Maximum Snow Depth: 81 inches
Projected Closing Date: May 22 (Sunshine Village) & May 7 (Lake Louise)

Riding Goat’s Eye Over Village Image taken by: Doug Zwick

Always one of the first to open and last to close, spring is prime time for Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine Village. The extremely cold weather has retreated and the sun has begun to shine. Don’t fret about the snow conditions though. Even now, mid-winter powder conditions prevail due to its northern latitude. And for those looking for a party scene, Banff is only a few miles down the road. This town is filled with amazing cuisine, great shopping, and awesome watering holes. If that wasn’t enough, the views of Lake Louise from the summit are some of the most amazing in the world. One thing to consider with Alberta is to make sure they’ve had an average to above average winter for maximum coverage. One additional thing to note is that Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are 36 miles apart.

Booking.com

#4 Palisades Tahoe

Average April/May Snowfall: 46 inches
Maximum Snow Depth: 115 inches
Terrain Open: As much as possible
Projected Closing Date: May 29th

Photo by: Emily Tidwell – Image appears courtesy: Palisades Tahoe

Tahoe’s climate of cold freezing nights and warm sunny days plus the ski resort’s topography creates some of the best corn you’ll find anywhere. Since Palisades Tahoe installed the Base to Base Gondola to connect to Alpine, they’ve become one resort. The Palisades side may stay open longer, so we recommend trying to hit the Alpine side before it closes for the season. This big craggy mountain is a “follow the sun” type of mountain, lending itself a bit better for spring skiing. Start off the day hitting the south facing Sherwood. Then head over to the east facing sections of the Summit bowl for a midday corn harvest. Finally, finish off on west facing Scott and Lakeview area in the afternoon. For more about corn snow, check out our spring skiing guide found here.

 

#3 Arapahoe Basin

Average April/May Snowfall: 66 inches

Average Maximum Snow Depth: 81 inches

Terrain Open: 700+ acres through closing (almost all of the terrain)

Projected Closing Date: At least end of May but most likely longer

Spring Shredding Image taken by: Zach Dischner

Arapahoe Basin could be considered the “King of Spring” for the Rockies. Always pushing the envelope to stay open until the snow melts, there have been years that they’ve been skiing until July 4^th. Typically in April, it’s less about the corn and more about skiing and snowboarding their packed powder with the steep Palivaccini terrain facing more north and ranging from 10,800′ to 12,200′. The parking lot is called the “Beach”, and you can watch people skiing down the mountain as you grill right in front of your car. If this isn’t on your bucket list to visit… it should be!

 

#2 Mammoth Mountain

Average April/May Snowfall: 68 inches
Average Maximum Snow Depth: 133 inches
Terrain Open: 100% in April; at least 2,000 acres through May; 500-1,000 acres through June and July
Projected Closing Day: Until the snow melts so could be as late July 4th or even later like last season.

Photo by: Local Freshies

Mammoth is a unique mountain compared to the others on our list. First, due to it close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, they receive snowfall with higher moisture content. Second, it’s elevation is comparable to the resorts in Colorado. What these two facts translate to is a deep snowpack with warm days and freezing nights, helping ensure that the best conditions are possible even into May! Mammoth’s dedication to grooming and having at least 2,000+ acres open makes it a great candidate to hit in late spring.

Booking.com

#1 Mt. Bachelor

Average April/May Snowfall: 68 inches
Average Maximum Snow Depth: 145 inches
Projected Closing Day: May 28th
Terrain Open: 100% in April and at least 2,000 acres with over 3,100 vertical feet through closing

Three sisters in the distance as you descend Mt Bachelor

This place should be on everyone’s bucket list for spring skiing and snowboarding. It could even be argued that it’s better to visit Mt. Bachelor in the spring than in the winter. This is mainly because of the Summit chairlift. Accessing 1,700 vertical feet all above tree line, it’s closed at least 30% of the time during the winter due to storms barreling into Mt. Bachelor. In the spring though, this sometimes elusive terrain is wide open and ready for shredding.

Find Your Basecamp For Spring Fun

Booking.com

With nearly 2,000+ acres available to you, Bachelor has some of the largest terrain footprints open in late season. In between storms when the temperatures rise, you will find plenty of corn ripe for the harvesting. The resort is a giant dormant volcano, allowing you to use it as a sundial finding the perfect conditions based on day & time. When the snow begins to sour in the afternoon, the Après scene heats up. Being next to Bend, OR, an outdoor mecca, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even golfing, you’re sure to find an activity to occupy the rest of your day. After you’ve worked up a good thirst, there are dozens of breweries with relaxed atmospheres to sit back and wind down.

For more about Bend and the breweries, check out our write up here. If you’re looking for a guide to Mt. Bachelor, we got you covered there as well! Read our Ultimate Guide to Bachelor here.

March shouldn’t be the end of your season but rather the time for you to turn up the volume! What will you plan for April, May, and even June? Happy Spring Shredding!

the best ski resorts in the Urals, Russia and the world – BANZAI

Ural and others like it

There are about 50 ski centers in the Urals. The largest elevation differences – more than 300 meters – are at Abzakovo, Zavyalikh, Banny, Adzhigardak, Gubakha, Mratkino, Yezhova.

Abzakovo

Both amateurs and professional athletes come to the Abzakovo ski resort. Every year Bashkortostan hosts the stages of the Russian Cup. The best teams of Russia in biathlon, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing also train here.

Abzakovo is popular with athletes because of the large number of tracks: with a height difference of up to 320 meters, snow groomers prepared 15 tracks with a total length of about 18 km. In addition, the resort has a water park, a zoo, shooting complexes, karting, paintball, health centers and other entertainment. And most importantly, the season ends only in May.

Bannoe

The ski center is called “Metallurg-Magnitogorsk” and is located on the lake Bannoe – 40 kilometers from Magnitogorsk. More than 200 thousand fans of winter extreme sports come here every year. In addition to seven equipped tracks, athletes are attracted by the mild climate, as well as the picturesque mountains and forests of the Southern Urals.

The top of the Yamankaya Ridge can be reached by high-speed gondola lifts with eight-seater cabins. Here you can also ride on a tubing track and in a dog sled with a husky, and dine in a restaurant at an altitude of 942 meters.

Solnechnaya Dolina

Solnechnaya Dolina ski resort is located in the Chelyabinsk region. Urals people come here to ride on two ski slopes with a total length of 7 kilometers. There is a tubing track 200 meters long and a cross-country skiing track.

On Mount Known, you can ride the “understudy” of the Sochi Olympic track in ski-cross, tubing and freestyle skiing – slopestyle. In addition, a Fedor Konyukhov club has been created here for children.

Mother Russia

Alina Trofimova, editor-in-chief of the site about skiing “Superski.ru”, highlights the four best places for skiing in Russia – these are the Caucasus, Kirovsk, Sakhalin and Altai. He says that “in these areas it is quite high.” The journalist is also sure that in April you should definitely try heli-skiing in Kamchatka.

Elbrus area

This is one of the most beautiful regions of the Caucasus. It is here that Mount Elbrus is located – the highest point in Europe. At the same time, skiers can ski lower – on the top of Gara-Bashi, which is located at 3780 meters above sea level. At the same time, even beginners can try themselves here, because the Elbrus-Azau zones are more gentle.

There are a large number of steep slopes on Mount Cheget for extreme sportsmen. Some of the slopes are considered the most difficult in the world and can only be reached by helicopter. The elevation difference here is up to 1000 meters, and avalanches depend on the weather forecast, so these wild trails are only for professionals.

One of the most famous and oldest resorts in the Caucasus is Dombay. And for those who are looking for a more modern and advanced resort in the Caucasus, the season in Krasnaya Polyana ends only at the end of April.

Volcanoes of Kamchatka

Heli-skiing is snowboarding or skiing on the untouched slopes of the mountains, which are reached by a helicopter for extreme sportsmen. If you are ready for such an extreme, Kamchatka is the best option: 40 out of 150 volcanoes are active. Anyone can jump on them from a helicopter to go straight down into the crankcase. From the wild mountains you can slide right down to the Pacific Ocean.

The peaks can be reached by a company of 5 riders on a Mi-2 helicopter and a company of 12 people on a Mi-8. And when there is non-flying weather in Kamchatka, you can swim in the outdoor pools with thermal water and enjoy red caviar. At the same time, they ride here until May.

Sheregesh ski resort

Sheregesh is one of the best and most equipped winter recreation centers in Western Siberia. Steady snow cover lasts here until mid-May. The ski area is located between four peaks, and the highest of them is 1270 meters above sea level. In this case, the height difference can reach from 300 to 600 meters.

Professional riders don’t have to worry about their children – in the Sheregesh ski nursery “Tumbler” they will be taught to ride, and even help to overtake their parents. Also, those who wish can fly paragliding, go tubing and relax in the bath.

World slopes

National Geographic Traveler photographer Dmitry Telnov told BANZAI that in April the principle “the higher the better” begins to work. Therefore, only high-mountain resorts remain in service, where, as a rule, there are glaciers. According to the photographer, the best places are Zermatt, Valthorens, Gadauri and the three valleys – Chamonix, Saas-Fee, Verbier. Dmitry Telnov himself will go to Livigno on April 5.

Alina Trofimova, the editor of Superski.ru, is in love with Switzerland “for the quality of the pistes, beauty, and in spring also for good heights, which guarantee excellent snow even in April.” In the spring she travels with her family to St. Moritz. Moreover, despite the status of an expensive resort, as the journalist notes, it is quite possible to find budget accommodation here: “hotels offer a ski pass for 38 francs when booking at least one night.”

Switzerland: Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier

The famous resort of Zermatt is located at an altitude of 1620 meters in the southern part of the Swiss Alps. The mountains here are quite steep, so they are more suitable for advanced professionals. Zermatt is one of the top ten world resorts in terms of pistes quality. And from the highest lift station at 3885 meters Klein Materhorn you can go down to sunny Italy and ride along the slopes above the resort of Cervinia.

Here in Switzerland is the resort of Saas-Fee with the highest subway in the world – a lift in the rock to the top of Mittelallalin (3500 meters), which leads to the famous restaurant and ice grotto. Nearby is the most immense ski resort of Verbier with the legendary black slopes of Mont Fort.

Georgia: Gudauri

The young resort of Gudauri is located 120 km from Tbilisi on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range. The main plus, as noted by photographer Dmitry Telnov, is the proximity of the resort to Russia. Gudauri is located at an altitude of 2196 meters above sea level, and the main occupation here is the descent through the virgin fields – freeride. Backcountry and heli-skiing are also very popular here: in the first case, you climb the mountain on foot, in the second, by helicopter.

France: Valtorens

The highest mountain resort in Europe is Valtorens. It is the highest point of the most extensive ski area in the world with 600 km of ski slopes – the famous Three Valleys.

The resort of Valthorens is located at an altitude of 2300 above sea level in the middle of a large park with six glaciers. This is a real paradise for all lovers of winter extreme sports. And the season here ends only in May.

Author: Anna Shevchenko

where to ski and snowboard in Russia, Turkey, Georgia and Armenia for sanctions. We have found 18 places in Russia and abroad where you can go skiing and snowboarding this winter.

All countries in this material, except Bulgaria and Slovenia, accept Russian tourists without a visa. To enter Slovenia you will need a Schengen visa, and to enter Bulgaria you will need a national visa of the country or any multiple entry Schengen.

RUSSIA

Arkhyz

Resort in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic 208 km from Pyatigorsk

Total length of tracks: 27 km

m above sea level

Season: December — April

Ski pass for the day: 1615—3088 Р

RUSSIA

Bolshoy Vudyavr

002 Total length of runs: 25 km

Altitude: 390-1060 m above sea level

Season: November – May

SIA

GTZ “Gazprom”

Resort 7 km from Krasnaya Polyana and 40 km from Adler. There are two ski areas here: “Laura” and “Alpika”

Total length of tracks: 34 km

Altitude: 540-2256 m above sea level

Season: 90 April 90-120 2 Ski pass for the day: in the 2021/22 season cost 2700-3500 R, this season the price is still unknown

RUSSIA

Dombay

0003

Total length of slopes: 25 km

Altitude: 1630-3168 m above sea level

Season: December – April

19 pass 19 days

120 in season 2021/22 cost 1800— 2000 R, this season the price is still unknown

RUSSIA

Krasnaya Polyana

The second largest resort in the mountains of Sochi, 65 km from the city center

Total length of tracks: 30 km 9002 960— 2200 m above sea level

Season: December – May

Ski pass for the day: 2300-4000 R

RUSSIA

Elbrus

The resort is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, 150 km from Nalchik

Total length of slopes: 31 km

Altitude: 2100—3780 m above sea level

Season: November 200 3

Ski pass per day: 1600—2300 Р

RUSSIA

Rosa Khutor

The largest resort in Russia, 70 km from the center of Sochi

Total length of tracks: 105 km

Altitude: 1179—2500 m above sea level

: December – April

Ski pass for the day: 3950-4750 Р

RUSSIA

Sheregesh

The largest resort in Siberia, 160 km from Novokuznetsk

03

Height: 600-1270 m above sea level

Season: November – May

Ski pass for the day: 1400-2415 R

ARMENIA

Tsaghkadzor genis

Total length of runs: 30 km

Altitude: 1966-2819 m above sea level

Season: December – March

Ski pass for day 9: AM 12 080 0002 BULGARIA

Bansko

Resort on the territory of the Pirin National Park, distance from Sofia — 160 km

Total length of slopes: 70 km

Altitude: 1100-2600 m above sea level

Season: December-April

Ski pass 19 days 19 days

120 in season 2021/22 cost 79 BGN (2608 R), this season the price is still unknown

BULGARIA

Borovets

The oldest ski resort in Bulgaria, 72 km southeast of Sofia

Total length of slopes: 58:9002 km 9002 1300— 2543 m above sea level

Season: December – April

Ski pass for the day: in the season 2021/22 cost 75 BGN (2476 R), this season the price is still unknown

BULGARIA 900 Pamporovo 900 908 09

The southernmost ski resort Europe, located 240 km from Sofia

Total length of tracks: 30 km

Altitude: 1450-1926 m above sea level

Season: December 30-2012 Ski pass for the day: 75 BGN (2476 R)

GEORGIA

Gudauri

Resort in the Kazbek region of Georgia, 120 km from Tbilisi

Season: December – May

Ski pass for the day: 70 GEL (1603 R)

SERBIA

Kopaonik

55 km

Altitude: 1770-2017 m. a.s.l. 0002 SLOVENIA

Kranjska Gora

One of the largest ski resorts in Slovenia, located on the border with Austria and Italy

Total length of slopes: 20 km

Altitude: 810—1295 m above sea level

1 December

– March

Ski pass for the day: 37 € (2404 R)

TURKEY

Kartalkaya

Ski resort in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Trails are located on the territory of hotels, for example Dorukkaya and Kartal Otel

Total length of trails: 20 km

Altitude: 1898-2195 m above sea level

Season:

December 3-

0002 Ski pass for day: usually included in the price of accommodation in hotels

TURKEY

Palandoken

A young resort 4 km from the city of Erzurum in Eastern Turkey

Total length of runs: 43 km

Altitude: – 220 above sea level 0003

Season: December — March

Ski pass for the day: in the season 2021/22 cost 100-110 TRY (328-360 R), this season the price is still unknown

TURKEY

Uludag

km from Bursa and 150 km from Istanbul

Total length of slopes: 35 km

Altitude: 1767-2322 m above sea level

Season: December – April

19 pass 19 days

120 390-450 TRY (1294-1494 Р)

Packing a suitcase⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once a week we send the best articles about how to travel economically in Russia and the world and what places to see

We indicated the price range for one-day tickets for adults for December 2022 – January 2023.