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Given last week’s news from Vail Resorts and Aspen Snowmass, you might think that some corporate higher-ups have a crystal ball or an exclusive Open Snow subscription that forecasts way into the future. We’re not sure how they know that the snow will hold into late April and May, but man, we like their optimism.
At Vail, where 212 inches of snow have fallen this season to date, the mountain will stay open until May 1, making it the longest continuous ski season in the resort’s history.
“We are very excited to be offering our community and guests one additional week to ski and snowboard on Vail Mountain,” said the mountain’s vice president and CEO Beth Howard. “This extension is made entirely possible by the dedicated mountain staff who have worked to provide guests with an outstanding winter season. We are truly grateful for everyone’s hard work to open over 5,100 acres of terrain and for our longest season on record.”
The company also extended the seasons at six other resorts: Kirkwood and Heavenly in Calif., Stevens Pass, Wash., Hunter, N.Y., Mount Snow, Vt., and Ohio’s Boston Mills will each remain open one week past their original closing dates, aside from Kirkwood, which will stay open until May 1, nearly three weeks past its planned closing of April 10.
Also Read: The 2022-’23 Ikon Pass Adds Three New Resorts, Including Two Epic Pass Destinations
At Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Mountain will close on April 24 this season instead of the 17th, citing cold temps and consistent snowfall. The resort’s other three mountains will stick to their original dates, listed here.
While you do some quick planning to figure out whether a late-spring ski trip is in the cards, know that there are other ski resorts that always stay open pretty late into the spring, and even early summer, conditions permitting. Factor these into your calculations, too.
14 Ski Resorts Where You Can Ski Into May
Colorado
Vail Mountain
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 1
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: April 23, 2017
The snow in Sun Up Bowl and parts of Blue Sky Basin stay shaded thanks to more tree coverage, so head there when the temps rise.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 30
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 27, 2019
Breck, with its plentiful high alpine terrain, can stay open into late May when there’s a good base.
Arapahoe Basin
- Projected Closing in 2022: June 1
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: June 11, 2017
A high elevation keeps the upper reaches of this mountain skiing well into June.
Loveland Ski Area
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 7
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 9, 2021
With its summit elevation of 12,700 feet (over 13,000 if you hike), Loveland is a good bet, especially if you stay in the bowls off of lifts 4, 8, and 9.
Winter Park Resort
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 6
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 16, 2021
The high-alpine terrain in Parsenn Bowl, at 12,060 feet, stays skiable throughout the spring, and serves up amazing views, too.
Oregon
Mt. Hood Meadows
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 4
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 12, 2018
The legendary banked slalom as well as the terrain parks and a handful of runs off the Vista, Mt. Hood, and Cascade express offer the best conditions later into the spring.
Mt. Bachelor
- Projected Closing in 2022: June 1
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: July 4, 2017
The Summit, Northwest, Skyliner, and Pine Marten chairs stay open the latest and also serves the halfpipe and terrain parks.
Timberline
- Projected Closing Date: May 5
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Seasons: June 3, 2017
The highest lift, the Palmer Chair, offers the best chance for late-season skiing, and even reopens in the summer for ski camps.
Utah
Snowbird Resort
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 1
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: June 11, 2017
Snowbird lays claim to the longest season in Utah. Head to Mineral Basin, which gets the early sun, and capitalize on that before the snow gets too slushy.
California
Palisades Tahoe
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 16
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: July 15, 2017
Experts itching to notch KT-22 will find spring a good time to do it, when the softer snow is a little more forgiving from mid-morning to early afternoon.
Mammoth Mountain
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 30
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: Aug. 6, 2017
Mammoth was made for spring skiing. Drop in the Outpost Glades, especially if it hasn’t snowed in a bit.
Vermont
Killington
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 23
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: June 1, 2017
As the only flag bearer for true spring skiing in Vermont, Killington also typically hosts some of the best events around.
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb, B.C
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 23
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 27, 2019
The Blackcomb side stays open about a month later than the Whistler side, so that’s where you’ll find the goods. The 7th Heaven Express gets good afternoon sun, not to mention the best Black Tusk views on the mountain.
Banff Sunshine, Alb.
- Projected Closing in 2022: May 22
- Latest Closing in the Last 5 Years: May 24, 2019
Follow the sun and start your day on the Wawa or Standish chairs, making it over to Goat’s Eye in the afternoon.