10 Excellent Late-Season Ski and Snowboard Destinations

If you’re bummed about the eventual end of ski/snowboard season wherever you live, don’t fret. There are a number of great mountains that stay open past March — and some as far as May! We’ve put together a list of our favorites should you be in the mood for some late-season winter sports.

By: Geoff Nudelman

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Jack Affleck

Photo By: Marc Piscotty

Photo By: Jay Nel-McIntosh

Photo By: Chandler Burgess

Photo By: Mission Ridge Resort

Photo By: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Photo By: Francis Gagnon

Photo By: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Photo By: Visit Idaho

Photo By: Jeff Engerbretson; Model: McKenna Peterson

Vail, Colorado

Vail’s season typically extends well into April and offers a nice respite within driving distance of Denver. As the final chilly days hit, you’ll also get to be the first on some hiking trails that have thawed for spring. The Sonnenalp Hotel has plenty of professionally guided tours available based on your skill level. The property is also nicely situated between the two main mountains in this area: Vail and Lionshead.

Solitude Mountain Resort (Solitude, Utah)

This swath of real estate in the Wasatch Range is only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, but is nestled among the serenity of late-season beauty. Solitude will stay open as late as April 15 and is certainly one of the best options for a mid-week day trip. Two of the best home bases for your visit are within the resort itself: Powderhorn Lodge and The Inn at Solitude.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson’s elevation and proximity to the Tetons offers some excellent late-season runs with Snow King in town and the main resort just minutes away. Should you tire of traditional winter sports, you could head out to Turpin Meadow Ranch for fat biking, snowshoeing and more. Back in town, you could do worse than retreating to one of the Rustic Inn’s hot tubs to rest those weary bones and recharge.

Killington Ski Resort (Killington, Vermont)

This resort in the middle of Vermont offers a nice range of ski trails split among ability levels. While skiing extends well into spring (they closed June 1 last season), Killington also has plenty of do off the mountain, including an 18-hole championship golf course (with the dog-friendly Chalet Killington set right off the links). It’s a great spot for culture too: The resort hosts a variety of concerts, festivals and other events alongside the excellent trails.

Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort (Wenatchee, Washington)

Tucked away in the eastern foot of the Washington Cascades, Mission Ridge is one of those under-the-radar destinations that people seem to pass by (and the locals would prefer to keep it that way). Spread out across a 2,000-acre basin, the resort rarely has lines and trails are often full of light, dry powder. It also is one of the more family-friendly resorts in the area with dedicated child activities and lessons. Several properties offer "Stay & Play" packages, including the Springhill Suites Wenatchee by Marriott.

Whistler Blackcomb (Whistler, British Columbia)

With two mountains and the Canadian wilderness at your doorstep, Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America’s largest ski resorts for good reason. Skiing and snowboarding run well into April, plus the transition "shoulder season" offers a number of other activities from ziplining to backcountry trails. Not to be missed is the main village with tributes to the 2010 Olympics, plenty of solid restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites is just off the center of the village and even has in-house ski and snowboard rentals should you not want to bring your own.

Mont Sainte-Anne (Beaupre, Quebec)

Each weekend in April this resort northeast of Quebec City puts on a show for those that take advantage of its late-season runs. Their "Spring Madness" program includes live bands, free hot tubs at the base of the mountain, inflatable games and more. It’s Apres culture taken up a notch. Retreat from the hustle and bustle at the Chateau Mont-Sainte Anne, which offers a variety of studios and condos suited to your group’s specific needs.

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge (Skwentna, Alaska)

A 40-minute flight from Anchorage gets you to this remote destination/accommodation where skiing (specifically heli-skiing) runs into July. Because of the daily freezing cycles, a specific kind of powder known as "corn snow" forms where the snow crystals are prime for soft, carvable runs as they thaw in the morning and refreeze towards the end of the day. And if you tire of skiing, the King Salmon fishing is worth the trek too.

Silver Mountain (Kellogg, Idaho)

If you’re one to push your luck towards squeezing out one last run, Silver Mountain might be your spot. Twice in the last 10 years, the resort has had ski runs open through Memorial Day weekend. While you’re there, you can take advantage of some of the region’s best mountain biking too — the terrain below should be clear. The main village’s Morning Star Lodge offers a nice respite from the slopes.

Big Sky, Montana

To the northwest of Yellowstone lies this gem, which really captures the essence of the American West with access to a top-tier mountain to boot. With an expansive set of runs and trails, there’s a late-season route available for every ability level. Summit at Big Sky is a luxurious accommodation choice and in the middle of all the village action.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

10 Excellent Late-Season Ski and Snowboard Destinations

Related To:

Shop This Look

Vail, Colorado

Solitude Mountain Resort (Solitude, Utah)

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Killington Ski Resort (Killington, Vermont)

Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort (Wenatchee, Washington)

Whistler Blackcomb (Whistler, British Columbia)

Mont Sainte-Anne (Beaupre, Quebec)

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge (Skwentna, Alaska)

Silver Mountain (Kellogg, Idaho)

Big Sky, Montana

We Recommend

10 Surprising Ski Destinations 10 Photos

The Best Ski Areas in North America, According to Skiers + Snowboarders

10 Best Ski Destinations on the East Coast 10 Photos

10 Dreamy Ski Getaways for Every Type of Traveler 10 Photos

Extreme Winter Sports 12 Photos

10 Incredible All-Inclusive Winter Sports Resorts 10 Photos

More From Travel