In many areas of the country, ski season is coming to a close. However, if you’re not ready to let go of the slopes just yet, you’re in luck: many resorts are still offering a late season push. While skiers on the east coast might have to travel a bit further, fresh powder is still possible.
So, before you pack up your skis for the summer, consider planning a late-season trip to one of these resorts.
Timberline Lodge
Located in the Pacific Northwest in Oregon, Timberline Lodge wins the prize for having the longest ski season in all of North America. In fact, Timberline offers skiing all summer long and generally closes down in mid-September. Located on Mt. Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon, the resort uses rock salt to keep summer snow firm and even offers summer snow camps.
Mammoth Mountain
Located in Mammoth Lakes, California, the northern exposure of Mammoth Mountain allows for a longer ski season thanks to less direct sun exposure on the slopes. Mammoth is also known for high snow fall averages — generally getting at least 400 inches every season — and thanks to the high altitude, their slopes are available to skiers up until July every season.
Arapahoe Basin
Not all late season skiing has to happen on the west coast, however. Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is known for big snowfalls in April and May. Plus, the slopes at the resort aren’t known for their steepness, so it doesn’t take as long for the snow to accumulate. With an extensive amount of north facing terrain, the late spring snow tends to stick around, allowing for the resort to typically stay open for skiing until mid-June.
Mt. Bachelor
At 9,000 feet, Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor has some of the highest elevation in the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn’t stay open as late as some of the other resorts on this list, most ski seasons go up until the end of May, giving you plenty of time to get in a few final ski weekends before summer hits.
Killington
East coasters, rejoice! Killington in Vermont — known as “the beast of the east” — has the longest ski season in New England, often offering 180 days of skiing per year. While the elevation isn’t as impressive as some of the west coast mountains, 30 percent of the slopes are north facing, allowing this resort to offering skiing late into May.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
It’s always sunny in Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in California. No, really — the resort boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year, while still managing to regularly stay open well into July. With high elevations and half of their slopes facing northward, they’re able to hold on to their base snow long through the spring and into the summer.
Don’t get boxed into the idea of skiing as a “winter sport.” Instead, embrace the possibility of near-year round skiing and plan a late season trip this spring.
