Shoulder season may be upon us, but don't pout in a corner, there is still some amazing skiing to be had. If you are a snow-obsessed powder hound who just can't let winter go, we've rounded up the best spots (in no particular order) from New England to California to catch those slushy, sunshiny-spring turns. Oh, and maybe grab a beer, too.
↑Aspen Mountain: Aspen is currently having an amazing season (check this out for proof), so it didn't come as much of a surprise when resort officials announced that Ajax would extend their season. While the infamous Highlands Bowl will only be open until April 13 and Snowmass closes April 20, Aspen Mountain will be open for skiing on weekends April 26-27 and May 3-4. Our pro tip? Stay at one of our 38 Essential Ski Hotels (The St. Regis Aspen, the Hotel Jerome, the Limelight, or the Little Nell). With more snow likely, you just might score late-season pow and incredible lodging deals at some of the best hotels in ski country. Now that's how you fight the shoulder season blues.
↑ Mammoth Mountain: Everyone knows that California is in a drought and the early ski season in the Sierra was, let's face it, depressing. But a series of recent storms has pounded the region, with nearly 100 inches of snow in March alone. There's been more snow in April too, just check out the video above. Mammoth Mountain has announced that skiers can expect top to bottom terrain open through Memorial Day weekend. So stop grumbling about the lack of snow at Christmas and get out there and enjoy April's bounty.
↑ Jay Peak Resort: This Northern Vermont resort has picked up close to 25 feet of snow so far this season and plans on running the lifts through Mother's Day (that's May 11, for all of you that needed a reminder). And while there's always a chance that conditions could deteriorate if the dreaded "undeveloped snow" (don't use the four letter "R" word) makes an appearance, there's a full line-up of Spring events that look mighty fun. Hint: don't miss the 5th annual tailgate party on April 19.
↑ Snowbird: Late-season skiing at Snowbird is a rite of passage in Utah and with a current base depth of 127", the snow should be as good as the parties at this local's favorite ski area. Snowbird will stay open through May 26 (weekends-only after May 11) and we can't think of a better way to spend a springtime afternoon than après on a Snowbird patio. Cheers!
↑ Arapahoe Basin: No discussion of late-season skiing can be complete without paying tribute to the legend: Arapahoe Basin. The resort has a current midway snow depth of 87" and tops out at 13,050 feet, an elevation that sometimes allows the lifts to run into July. The ski area presently has June 2 pegged as a closing day this year, which sounds mighty fine to us. Insider's tip: Most everyone know's about A-Basin's infamous, but few realize that almost every year for the past decade Curbed Ski has scored a double-digit powder day in May at the ski area. Combine this with the possibility of early snow in October (Wolf Creek, anyone?) and this means Colorado skiers only have to survive four measly months each year without powder. Deep breaths, you can do it.
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