When spring begins to approach, and the chill slowly starts to leave the air, there are undoubtedly some excited people. But those who love to spend their days in a winter wonderland, kicking up powder, will feel a great sense of sadness. Luckily, that sadness doesn’t have to last for long, as there are some ski resorts in the United States, and around the world that have seasons that can merge all the way into the summer. We’ve gathered the very best ski resorts with maximized seasons.
Hintertux Glacier Ski Resort - Austria
Yes, it is possible to ski year-round. In Austria, folks hit the slopes amongst an icy glacier. Even if you’re a beginner, there is terrain to take on. During the winter months, there will be more mountain routes covered in powder. But in the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to keep your skills in tune. Enthusiasts truly love the spring, where there is that warm sunshine contrasting against the cold surface. Be sure to enjoy a gondola breakfast if ever making your way out here.
Whistler Blackcomb - Canada
The ski season can start even earlier than November at Whistler Blackcomb. It’s even likely that there will be great rates, and up to 8 feet of snow when opting to visit before Thanksgiving. On average, the traditional slopes are open about 200 days a year. One unique attribute of this particular resort is the peak-to-peak gondola that transports riders from one mountaintop to another. Guests can also book a helicopter to take them to more remote terrain. At the mountaintop, there is a little hut that serves incredible fondue and wine, along with fruit pie serviced straight out of a wood-fired oven.
Squaw Valley - California
Squaw Valley is preparing to change its name out of respect to the Native American community, so keep an eye out for that. The new name will drop in 2021. But the glorious ski terrain, which is comprised of thousands of acres, will remain consistent as always. The 29 lifts make accessing various parts of the mountain a breeze—about 25% of that terrain is suitable for beginners. Up to 400 inches of the white stuff falls from the sky each year, extending the ski season from November to May.
Timberline Lodge - Oregon
Timberline Lodge is located in the Government Camp area of the beautiful state of Oregon. Overall, the lodge prides itself on its authentic rustic feel. While owned by the US Forest Service, for 80 years Timberline has been operated by family. So much history and memories lie on those slopes. Being located on Mount Hood, the weather permits a much longer skiing season. Technically, the slopes are open all year, but snowfalls more frequently on the volcanic mountain from November to Memorial Day. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they bring ski-in-ski-out tacos to the game.
Mammoth Mountain - California
Mammoth Mountain’s ski season kickstarts in November and extends all the way to the beginning of summer. Can you imagine skiing on Easter? Pretty cool stuff. The mountain is also well known for being highly family-friendly, offering multitudes of activities such as snow tubing, gondola rides, and cross-country skiing.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Ski Resort - Austria
At this Austrian ski hotspot, the adventurous can hit the slopes anywhere from October to June, on average. While friendlier runs can accommodate people who haven’t had much time on the slopes, there is, however, the dreaded yet thrilling black mamba run, which has a 63% drop. Yikes. When guests are not snowboarding or skiing, they can enjoy the restaurants and bars.
Zermatt - Switzerland
Situated on an icy glacier, folks travel from all around the world to participate in summer skiing on Zermatt. Experienced sportspeople can pick up some serious speed on the black runs, but beginners shouldn’t be super worried, as there are easier portions to take on. Other fun activities include a form of sledding, cross country skiing, and various ice sports. The resort is also home to what is thought to be one of the best snowboarding terrain parks in Europe.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area - Colorado
The ski season at this Dillon, Colorado located resort can extend into the summer. Starting modestly in the 1940s, the resort has steadily grown over the past decades and has gone from one rope tow to 29 modern lifts. Some of the terrains is quite extreme here, so if you’re looking for that adrenaline kick, you’ll get it. Take advantage of the ski bus, for your transportation needs. And be sure to dine at the mountaintop European bistro.
Snowbird Ski Area - Utah
Snowbird prides itself on having the longest ski season out of all the resorts in Utah. While it can vary, this season can extend as far as May or June. Visitors can learn new skills, or brush up on old ones with lessons through the on-site Mountain School, while also educating themselves about avalanches and other important mountain information. Those looking for more extreme terrain can access that via snowcat or helicopter tour. Come experience what is touted as the best snow on earth.
Cervinia - Italy
Technically connecting to Zermatt, Cervinia offers the same lengthy season benefits. However, the more extreme terrain resides in Switzerland. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your level of experience. The town below is full of cafés, restaurants, and cute hotels.
Killington Ski Resort - Vermont
Yes, there is an East Coast option on our list! Naturally, around 250 inches of snow falls at Killington each year. But then that’s when the snow machines come in, to push out 600 more additional inches of powder for skiers to enjoy. With nearly 2,000 acres of ski terrain, it’s an impressive destination for anyone on the other side of the United States. Even more astonishingly, the ski season has been known to regularly extend into April or May, and sometimes even June.
Breckenridge Ski Resort - Colorado
Breckenridge is just one of those dreamy resorts that will make you want to pick up and move out West. With loads of sunshine, 300+ days to be exact, spring skiing in Breckenridge is downright heavenly. Regularly, this season can extend into May.
Heavenly Mountain Resort - California
Speaking of heavenly, Heavenly Mountain Resort is located in South Lake Tahoe. So if you were hoping to have some serious Instagram-worthy moments, you will, because the terrain overlooks the sparkling waters of the lake. Part of the resort extends into Nevada as well, and the season can last into May.
