As spring approaches, some of us aren’t quite ready to bid winter farewell. While the holiday season is long gone, the best way to savor the cooler days is in the snow-covered mountains. The good news? Spring ski season—spanning mid-March to late April—is just around the corner, offering sun-drenched slopes without the need for hand warmers and double-layered wool socks. Instead, we trade heavy gear for lighter layers and swap snow-filled skies for bluebird days. Plus, Epic Pass holders can seamlessly access these select Vail Resorts mountains sans spending a fortune on single-day passes.
Read on for the ultimate guide to spring skiing this year—naturally paired with an alpine-chic boutique resort to complete your getaway.
Vail, Colorado
With temperatures hovering in the mid-40s to low 50s, it’s time to ditch the extra base layers and embrace lighter spring skiing gear. Think bluebird skies, fresh powder, and all the sunshine. After a few runs, head to The 10th at the top of the gondola for some seriously good aprés eats. Whether it’s elk chili, pot pie, veal & pork meatballs, or a warm pretzel, you’ll be set. Pair it with a hot toddy, signature bloody mary, or an Aperol spritz, and you’re officially aprés ski-ready.
Stay here: The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, embodies elevated alpine culture with its warm, welcoming lobby, plush rooms, and thoughtful touches like its Adventure Locker, stocked with ski essentials. After hitting the slopes, guests can enjoy après ski at Revel Lounge, an ideal retreat for spring skiers looking to embrace Vail’s legacy.
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Stowe, Vermont
In the Northeast, few ski towns capture the cozy-chic vibe quite like Stowe. This Vermont gem pairs top-tier spring skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort with après-ski delights—think world-class craft beer from Alchemist (hello, Heady Topper IPA) and a village packed with European-inspired restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
Stay here: A minimalist mountain retreat, Lark’s AWOL Stowe is the perfect stylish escape in Vermont’s alpine haven. Its 35 guest rooms blend distressed wall finishes with abstract art in earthy, neutral tones, while sleek A-frame cabins offer a more secluded stay.
South Lake Tahoe, California
With its striking blue lake, Sierra Nevada trails, and world-renowned ski resorts, South Lake Tahoe shines year-round—but spring skiing is where it truly excels. Warmer days mean softer snow, après by the water at South of North Brewing, and easy access to South Shore’s lively dining, bars, and even a few casinos in nearby Stateline.
Stay here: Perched on Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is an iconic Tahoe stay. Its Great Room stuns with soaring ceilings and grand windows, while the new Villa Suites—spacious, Craftsman-style lodges—elevate group stays.
Park City, Utah
Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City Mountain offers easy access to spring skiing with fewer crowds. Beyond its 7,300 acres of ski-worthy terrain, the mountain town provides hiking, biking, and après hotspots like High West Distillery, and high-end storefronts like Overland Sheepskin.
Stay here: Once a silver-mining schoolhouse, Washington School House is now a luxurious boutique retreat blending historic charm with modern comfort. Post-ski days should be spent by the paved stone patio with a heated piscine, sleek seating, and a cauldron from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts, offers milder winter temps and plenty of springtime skiing. After the slopes, unwind at Coast Mountain Brewing with a cold beer, or with some live music and stellar outdoor views at the Garibaldi Lift Company (better known as GLC by the locals).
Stay here: Check in to the Michelin Key-awarded Nita Lake Lodge for drinks with lake views and a relaxing spa—perfect for more adventures ahead. Booking the 75-minute Foot Reflexology treatment at their luxury spa is the ideal way to unwind after a day spent cramming your toes into ski boots.
Hunter, New York
For citygoers itching to get one last (or their first) run of the season in before East Coast summer kicks into full swing, Hunter Mountain is just a 2.5-hour drive from Manhattan, offering prime spring skiing with its varied terrain and consistently good conditions. Unwind at nearby West Kill Brewing’s taproom in the heart of the Catskills to round off your day the right way.
Stay here: Minutes from Hunter Mountain, Hotel Lilien is a restored 1890s estate turned boutique stay, blending Victorian charm with modern comforts—think wood-paneled lounges, a cozy fireplace, and crisp Brooklinen bedding. Après-ski, unwind with craft cocktails at the moody bar, or browse the seasonal gear shop before retreating to your plush guestroom.
Breckenridge, Colorado
At 9,600 feet, Breckenridge boasts a high elevation that ensures consistent snow, long sunny days, and a ski season often extending into May. Beyond its 3,000 acres of slopes, historic Main Street brims with alpine-chic boutiques like Wilder Collective, craft distilleries such as the Breckenridge Distillery, and plenty of après-ski energy at the Gold Pan Saloon.
Stay here: Gravity Haus Breckenridge blends adventure with modern lodge style, offering playful stays like The Crash Pad bunk rooms and family-friendly Trailblazers. Prioritizing sustainability, the 60-room boutique hotel features in-room Steeped Coffee and Unravel, a cozy ground-floor café.
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