The calendar has turned to April, but that doesn't mean it's time to hang up the board(s) quite yet. The days are longer, the temps are warmer and the vibes are changing to be all about concerts, parties, festivals and pond skims. Here are a couple of ski resorts to keep your season going well into April and beyond.
1. Arapahoe Basin
Because of its high elevation, the north-facing slopes of Arapahoe Basin hold snow well into June. The turns on the Pali Chair and East Wall remain sweet, but the real scene is in the front row of the parking lot, known as The Beach. Families, birthday parties and hard core ski bums populate this valued slopeside real estate, complete with grills, tents, coolers, tunes, dogs, Frisbees and a party atmosphere.
A limited number of parking spots (15) can be reserved. The rest are first come, first served. Arrive early for a good spot, then chill until the snow softens up around mid-morning.
View Arapahoe Basin lift tickets.
PHOTO: Arapahoe Basin
2. Killington
The Beast of the East is proud to host the longest season in the East, sometimes extending into June. This year, Killington will continue to offer lift-served skiing through at least May, thanks to extensive snowmaking operations on several key trails, including Superstar (which is rumored to have snow depths of 15+ feet after being buried all winter by snowmaking).
Killington also offers a Nor'Beaster Spring Pass so you can ski to your heart's content all spring. The central Vermont ski area offers killer parties masquerading as events, like the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, May Day Slalom and Killington Triathlon (ski, bike, run). Killington's new Umbrella Bars are a terrific addition to the outdoor après ski scene at the mountain and the perfect place to grab a drink and soak up the scene.
View Killington lift tickets.
PHOTO: Killington Ski Resort
3. Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is one of the furthest north ski areas in the Lower 48. On a good snow year, the highly elevated Snowfields (the only lift-serviced, above treeline skiing in the East) open in the spring. Down in the base area, April is a month for big events, including the long running Reggae Fest. Grab your shades and party shirt and get ready to rip a few runs on the hill before dancing and partying to some of the best live music at a ski resort anywhere.
View Sugarloaf lift tickets.
PHOTO: Sugarloaf
4. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is a massive twin mountain ski resort known for a wide array of superlatives -- biggest resort in Canada, most terrain, longest lift and more. No wonder it's been ranked the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine several times.
It's also known for staying open well into May, with lots of sunshine, groomers and festivals. Check out the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in mid-April, which celebrates all things snowsports - competitions, fashion, music, film, food and culture. Just a ride on the stunning Peak 2 Peak gondola is worth a trip to this resort north of the border.
View Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets.
PHOTO: David McColm, Whistler Blackcomb Resort
5. Mt. Bachelor
Imagine watching the sun start to set at the end of a beautiful spring day as you ski down a massive dormant volcano in the Cascade Range. It's not a dream, because Mt. Bachelor keeps the lifts open until 7:00pm on select spring days.
Mt. Bachelor also has a Springtacular Season Pass for those who never got around to buying their season pass earlier in the year. You can park your RV at the West Village lot and bring your buddies (including your four-legged best friend) for a couple of days of classic spring skiing.
PHOTO: Mt. Bachelor
You only have a couple of weeks left to get a few more days in on the slopes. Don't miss your chance! Make a plan to hit one of these ski areas this spring for a special day that you'll fondly remember come the sweltering heat of August.
By Dave Belin / @Rrcdave