Spring Skiing Preview 2013
Daylight savings time is right around the corner, and for many of us in the northern hemisphere, longer daylight hours signify the arrival of spring. For skiers, there's no better time of year: across North America, mountain towns reach their peak levels of fun during spring skiing. Skiers and snowboarders celebrate longer days and warmer weather by traveling to the areas with the best snow and the best parties. Here's an East-to-West look at what's on tap for spring riding in 2013.
Stowe, VT – Big Mountain Thrills on Vermont's Tallest Hill
Lift Ticket Price: $92,
Vacation Rental Nightly Cost: $73.48/person
Average Party Size: 11 guests
Average Length of Stay: 5 nights
One of the East Coast's biggest resorts, Stowe offers skiing and riding in a beautiful New England setting. The cozy cottages and farm houses that surround this mountain create a pastoral backdrop for your ski trip, but don't be lulled by the town's serenity: the mountain packs in some impressive steeps and excellent tree skiing. Beyond the glitzy base areas, Stowe is a true skier's mountain, and everyone can appreciate that ticket prices drop to just $62 after April 7.
Vail, CO – Local's Favorite for Riding and Partying in the Sun
Lift Ticket Price: $109
Vacation Rental Nightly Cost: $59.80/person
Average Party Size: 15 guests
Average Length of Stay: 2 nights
Nothing at Vail is small. From the ski terrain to the resort amenities, Vail goes all out, and this year that mentality applies to spring skiing as well. From April 8-14, celebrate the end of winter at Spring Back to Vail, a week of free live concerts, après ski parties, and fun events like pond skimming. The music lineup includes big acts O.A.R. and Jimmy Cliff, among others. As for the skiing, there's more than enough to go around: Vail has over 193 named runs plus acres of legendary back bowls.
Park City, UT – April Showers Bring Deep Powder
Lift Ticket Price: $102
Vacation Rental Nightly Cost: $47.53/person
Average Party Size: 7 guests
Average Length of Stay: 4 nights
With three resorts in one fun-loving ski town, Park City offers up almost limitless spring skiing options. Sunny days are the norm in Utah in late March and April, and you'll see skiers hitting the slopes in t-shirts and the occasional bathing suit. Overnight, you may be lucky enough to experience April showers that dump feet of fresh powder in time for another warm ski day. When the lifts stop spinning, Main Street picks up with restaurants nightlife that just might have you sleeping through first chair the next morning.
Lake Tahoe, CA – Squallywood, USA
Lift Ticket Price: $104
Vacation Rental Nightly Cost: $46.54/person
Average Party Size: 9 guests
Average Length of Stay: 3 nights
If the words “spring break" make you think of tanning by the pool in a bikini, then Squaw Valley is your kind of ski mountain. The High Camp hot tub and pool, located at 8200 feet, is a heated sun deck that's home to incredible views and a high altitude dance party that you can check into between runs down Squaw's Olympic-caliber terrain. In April, the mountain hosts retro ski day – a fun opportunity to break out your long skinny skis and day-glow outerwear while you ride California's finest corn snow (as if you needed an excuse).
Whistler, BC – Art, Music, and Action Sports
Lift Ticket Price: $99
Vacation Rental Nightly Cost: $33.83/person
Average Party Size: 7 guests
Average Length of Stay: 4 nights
Spring skiing at Whistler Blackcomb is so good that they keep it rolling throughout the summer. Blackcomb's glacier skiing is open from late June through July, and it's a great opportunity for skiers to tweak their skills in the off-season. During traditional spring, Whistler is home to the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, a 10-day party that puts action sports side-by-side with music and art. With bargain accommodation prices and standard ticket rates, Whistler provides great value for spring skiers in the Pacific Northwest.
Author Bio
Dan Weisman is the blog editor at Flipkey.com. He is dedicated to the pursuit of fun, and enjoys every vacation and trip that he encounters on the journey. Find more travel ideas and tips at www.flipkey.com/blog, or on twitter @flipkey.