The Best Late-Season Ski Spots (and Deals!) This Spring

by  Evelyn Kanter | Mar 17, 2015
Ski lift
Ski lift / dilutett72/iStock

The most intense snowfall of the year is (hopefully) just about over, but there are plenty of reasons to hit the slopes in spring. Skiers and snowboarders will find soft powder, endless sunshine, and temperatures warm enough for lingering outdoors après ski, and fun events like slush slaloms and pond skimming. Best of all, spring ushers in a bunch of money-saving lift and lodging deals that'll help you end the season in a flurry of happy turns.

Crested Butte, Colorado
The deal: Through April 16, book a roundtrip flight to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport through the resort's Crested Butte Vacations and get up to $400 off  a companion fare.
The tip: The best late season snow here is in Teocalli Bowl, but if your ability is less than Olympic, there are plenty of trails off the Paradise Express high-speed lift (including a special family ski area).

Stratton, Vermont
The deal: Get 15 percent off two-night stays and 30 percent off three-night stays (or longer) at Stratton. The discount is valid through April 12 and includes Marchdi Gras -- with New Orleans-style music, food, drink, and dancing -- on the last weekend of March. Kids 12 and younger ski and stay free with parents, too.
The tip: Head to the mid-mountain Ursa Express for the best late season powder.

Mammoth Mountain, California
The deal: In April, lift tickets and fourth night accommodations are free. Plus, kids 12 and under ski, ride, and stay free now through closing day.
The tip: In late season, opt for Scotty's Bowl on the right, just off Chair 23 at the top of the mountain, rather than the aptly named Wipeout Chute on the left.

Deer Valley, Utah
The deal: Choose from a host of spring value promotions for those who stay three nights or longer. For the best savings, visit between April 4 and closing day on April 12 to get 25 percent off lift and lodging. From March 29 to April 4, you'll save 20 percent. Or, if you're traveling with family, kids stay free between March 29 and April 12 -- and that 20 percent discount applies to kids' ski rentals, too.
The tip: Deer Valley is one of the world’s last outposts for skiing only, so it's not the place for avid snowboarders. In late season, try Empire Canyon, with trails tame enough for novice skiers.

Snowbird, Utah
The deal: Now through April 11, season passholders from any mountain in the world can ski and stay from $115 per night. No pass? No worries! Anyone can book a stay for two nights or more and get daily lift tickets from $99 per adult. This deal is valid through May 3 -- Snowbird has one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S. -- and covers free skiing for kids 12 and under, too.
The tip: The best late season snow here is in Mineral Basin. Take the tram to the top and drop into the backside of the mountain.

Heavenly, Lake Tahoe
The deal: Three nights of lodging are going for as low as $312 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes three days of lift tickets.
The tip: Canyon Express on the upper mountain, as well as the the tree-dotted trails that hold the snow off Dipper Express, are great for late season runs.

Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe
The deal: Stay slopeside for three nights and get the fourth free. Or, if you bring kids, the youngsters can stay and ski free over a three-night stay (but you won't get the fourth free). Another good deal is the new partnership between Squaw and Alpine Meadow, which means you can ski either mountain with one lift ticket.
The tip: The best late season snow here is K-22, named for the number of turns a resort founder made on a first descent.

Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia
The deal: Over Easter weekend, lodging rates are as low as $128 CAD ($102) per person per night. It's a great time to visit, considering the free outdoor concerts and film screenings at the four-day World Ski & Snowboard Festival on the same weekend. Otherwise, from April 6-19, two nights of lodging with lift tickets are $142 CAD.
The tip: Blackcomb Glacier is open through mid-July, great for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. During this season, keep an eye out for freestyle camps for certifiable downhill diehards, too.

Up next...

Cruise Tracker: Viking Star's Infinity Pool, A Royal Christening, and More

Main pool promenade
Find The Best Cruises
Find a cruise

Find the best deals!

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices