The Top 15 Ski Resorts For Spring Break
The Top 15 Ski Resorts for Spring Break
End the ski season with a bang and in style by embarking on a snow adventure. You'll get the best of two worlds – long sunny days during which you can enjoy comfortable ski conditions, reliable base snow and breathtaking views of the backcountry.
Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
In addition to an epic 239 inches of snow this season, the mountain is hosting Breck Spring Fever 2017 and you can save up to 40 percent on lodging. From March 18 to April 23, the "Spring Fever" festival is the biggest spring party in the Rocky Mountains. There will be beer festivals and other great events both on the mountain and in town.
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
America's largest ski resort offers a deal that will have you spend a third night there for free. This is valid April 1-16. The après culture and excellent ski school make the resort a good option for having fun. After a day on the slopes, kids and adults alike will love the historical tours, spas, live theater, and concerts. Go bobsledding, reaching 70 mph and five Gs of force. Spring Grüv, from March 25 until April 9, is a highlight. It includes free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest.
Sunday River Ski Resort, Maine
Sunday River has the second largest vertical drop in Maine, after Sugarloaf, and is one of the state's most popular ski resorts. Skiers can choose from 133 trails that run across eight interconnected peaks. The Spring Après Concert Series are coming. The beats will be bumping from 2-6 p.m. on March 18 and 25, and April 8. During the show, enjoy lawn games and activities for the whole family, lots of food, and adult beverages at the outdoor bar or on the Foggy Goggle deck.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
This Wild West mountain town offers college kids one of the best spring break options in the country. Jackson Hole has seen around 300-inches of snow this season, making it a top spring ski spot. As if great conditions weren't enough of a draw, the resort is hosting lots of bands in the 31 days of March—they're calling it March RADness. There will be free live music, deals on everything from airfare to drinks, great skiing, and non-stop excitement.
Mount Snow, Vermont
Winter has returned to the mountain, making the area a great spot for early spring skiing. Mount Snow has accumulated 140 inches of new snow this winter, which has left a base of more than 25 inches and overall great conditions. Beyond the slopes the mountain is hosting tons of events, from competitions like the Carinthia Freeski Open (from March 10-11), concert series at Snow Barn, to free music through the Budlight Concert Series.
Keystone Resort, Colorado
Keystone is offering a chance to ski on the largest mountain in Summit County. Winter is still in full force there. The resort consists of more than 3,000 skiable acres and a night skiing option. Relax at the luxury spa, have fun at the ice-skating rink, and try delicious food at the on-and-off mountain dining venues. You can save up to 50 percent on Spring Break Lodging Specials; rates start from $179/night. When you stay there for two or more nights, kids 12 and under ski and snowboard for free.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
This is a great ski resort especially for beginners. Heavenly is one of the few North American ski areas with more than a 1,000m vertical. Don't let that scare you. There are a lot of easy pistes that are very wide. The resort now offers shorter and lighter beginner-friendly skis and a specially tailored package dubbed "Learn To Ski – Easy as 1-2-3," which includes rentals, tuition and beginners' lift tickets. The SpringLoaded 2017 event is scheduled for March 25- April 8. The annual South Lake Tahoe event offers live music, loud outfits, concerts, and festivities such as the Unbuckle Après Parties.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
This massive ski area set just north of Yellowstone has it all—great snow, more than 5,600 skiable acres open and tons of events. There's a lot going on at Big Sky this spring; with everything from live music to Sam Adams beer tasting on the calendar, the resort has something for everyone. Enjoy a fourth night free in the Huntley Lodge, Shoshone, Summit at Big Sky, Village Center, and Whitewater Inn.
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods is New Hampshire's largest ski area. Well-known for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and guided backcountry tours, there's an activity for everyone at this mountain. High-end lodging at the Omni Mount Washington and top-tier food help make the resort a stand-out destination. Adventurers hoping for something besides snow sports can test their skills on the year-round zip line canopy tour or scale the huge indoor climbing wall in the base lodge.
Vail Mountain Resort, Colorado
Typically considered one of the higher-end resorts out there, Vail is anything but stuffy in the spring. One of the best spring festivals around is here. Spring Back to Vail takes place from April 14-16 this year with free live concerts, the World Pond Skimming Championships, Bud Light Bags Tournament, and some insane après parties. You'll still enjoy stellar skiing conditions, grilling out at various on-mountain decks and lots of giveaways.
Whiteface, New York
Set in New York's Adirondack Mountains, the vast region has always been dedicated to winter fun with many facilities for alpine skiing and other snowy adventures. Ice-skating, bobsledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dogsledding – families can enjoy it all at Whiteface. On top of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, visitors can actually try out Olympic sports like biathlon and skeleton with the help of trained professionals. Pair those sports with great lodging, dining and shopping options and even non-skiers will be happy.
Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont
This Vermont mountain is routinely considered one of the most family-friendly on the East Coast. It has one of the best ski schools in the country and plenty of terrain for skiers and riders of all levels. After you're done skiing, you can enjoy tubing, riding the mountain coaster or ice skating in the Ice House—a regulation-sized hockey rink. If you reserve 3 nights at any of Okemo's lodging properties at the regular rate, you will receive the 4th night free.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
People love Grand Targhee because of its off-piste runs, snow, challenging trails, and no crowds. Most skiers go there to enjoy some of the best intermediate trails and deep snow. The resort is also known for its stunning scenery, backcountry access and cat skiing. Go in time for the annual Spring Break Away event (March 17 – April 23). Enjoy spring celebrations with live music every weekend through closing day, open mic nights, a big air competition, throwback sick trick competition, banked slalom, annual cardboard box derby, the pond skim, and the Crazy Horse Snowmobile Hillclimb.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California
Kirkwood is preferred by many for the snow quality. It's very light and dry because of the resort's location atop the Sierra Crust. Advanced skiers like Kirkwood (and Mammoth) if they are in the Tahoe area. The diverse terrain – plenty of long and narrow hills at the top is what draws them the most. Every Saturday afternoon until April 15 the resort brings talented and entertaining local Live Music Shows to the Après scene. Music will be played in various venues depending on weather but the most common three areas are all within an earshot; The Plaza, Cornice Cocina, and The Wall Bar.
Crested Butte, Colorado
This old school Colorado ski area has much to offer first-time skiers and boarders—the majority of terrain is classified as either beginner or intermediate and the mountain has several very long gradual runs. Kids ski for free if you stay between April 1-9. Those who prefer rugged terrain during their vacations should look no further. The snow is excellent and the town is laid back. With open bowls, secluded tree shots and big alpine peaks, it's no wonder Crested Butte is sometimes called "Colorado's Last Great Ski Town."