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Across much of North America, the grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and spring sports are in full swing. But dozens of mountain resorts are still open for skiing and riding—some with plans to remain open for months to come, thanks to deep snowpack and a winter that just won’t quit and Spring Skiing continues!
In the Far West, historic snowfall has extended the season for a handful of resorts. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows made news with plans to remain open for skiing and riding through July 4, but more recently there’s been talk of going even longer. “I’m actually considering staying open through the summer and fall so it becomes the ’16-’17-’18 season,” said Squaw Alpine CEO Andy Wirth during a radio interview in mid-April. “We’re taking a hard look at that. Maybe we spin Shirley (chairlift) through the summer. There’s so much snow up there.”
So much snow, indeed. In Alberta, Lake Louise has gotten nearly two feet of snow in the last week and is open daily. Neighboring Sunshine Village is also open daily. Marmot Basin plans to keep lifts spinning for two more weeks. In British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb anticipates a closing day of May 22.
In California, Squaw is reporting a season total so far of 714 inches with a max base depth of 251 inches (nearly 21 feet). The resort currently has about 50 percent of its terrain open to the public.
With 610 inches of snow so far this season, Mammoth Mountain also plans to stay open through July 4, thanks in large part to a 320-inch base at the summit. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is 100 percent open on a max base depth of 216 inches after 761 inches of snow fell from the sky this winter. Mt. Rose plans to operate through May 29. A few other Tahoe resorts are winding down and only open weekends, including Sugar Bowl, which got a whopping 788 inches of snow this season.
The Northwest has also seen a whole lot of snow this winter, and it keeps coming. Mt. Bachelor is reporting two feet in the last week, Timberline has received 22 inches of snow in the last three days, and Mt. Hood Meadows, operating weekends only, is enjoying a bluebird powder day after 14 inches of snow fell in the last 48 hours.
Yes, winter continues in the East, too. Northern New England and Quebec, specifically.
In Quebec, Mont Sainte-Anne will reopen tomorrow for one final weekend after getting 215 inches of snow on the season. Mont Saint Sauveur has more ambitious plans, with a weekend operating schedule set to end on May 14.
In Vermont, Killington is open daily with eight trails including its Superstar trail, which is traditionally the last trail in the East to remain open, thanks to a snowmaking onslaught that lasts most of the winter. No closing date has been announced, but the snow report said, “… the longest season in the East rolls on toward May and June.”
At Sugarbush, guests can ski and tee this weekend. The resort plans to reopen Saturday with a handful of trails for skiing and riding, and Sugarbush Golf Club is also scheduled to open for the season on Saturday. Monday, May 1, will be the resort’s final day of winter operations.
After nearly 500 inches of snow on the season, Jay Peak is operating its State Side terrain on weekends only, with plans to run through Sunday, May 7, and possibly opening up for one more hurrah May 13 and 14.
In Maine, Sugarloaf plans to stay open through Monday, May 1, with more than 120 trails served by two lifts. This will be Sunday River’s final weekend of winter operations, as well.
2017 will be remembered as an epic season, get out and enjoy these remaining days!
