Some celebrate the coming of spring as a sign of warmer weather yet to come. Others, not so much, as it signals the impending end of ski season. Luckily, there are several slopes around the world that offer optimal conditions for winter sports until May. So before you pack up your skis for next season, you might want to consider these end-of-season destinations for one final run.
Head To These 9 World Destinations For Spring Skiing
1. Mammoth Mountain
Enjoy world-class terrain parks and a multitude of events and activities off the slopes at Mammoth Mountain in California. Beginners will find an excellent selection of gentle green runs, while intermediate skiers will have plenty of groomed cruising grounds. There are above-treeline couloirs and steep, lightly wooded terrain for experts, which comprise more than 30 percent of the resort’s 3,500 skiable acres. In addition to the delightful terrain, the resort offers snow tubing, snowmobile adventures and scenic gondola rides. The season typically runs until May 29, with single-day lift tickets priced around $80-100.
Address: 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Phone: 800-626-6684
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2. Lutsen Mountains
If you’re looking for a great end-of-season ski destination in the central region of the United States, the Lutsen Mountains in northeastern Minnesota is open through April. This resort is four times the size of most Great Lakes ski resorts, and is one of the most northernmost areas to ski outside of Alaska. With rave reviews for its spectacular views of Lake Superior, this New England look-alike has over 90 runs on more than 1,000 acres across four peaks. Lift tickets are $82 per day for adults and $67 for kids 6 to 12.
Address: 467 Ski Hill Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612
Phone: 218-406-1320
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3. Killington Ski Resort
Killington Ski Resort in Vermont is the largest ski resort in the eastern United States. This 5-park dreamland with more than 86 features spans a space across about 600 acres. With a season that typically lasts until late May depending on snow conditions, the resort boasts “the longest season in the East.” Killington is also home to the largest vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet, nicknamed “the Beast of the East” in 2013. Check out this spectacle and conquer the beast in central Vermont. Single-day lift tickets start from $60 a day.
Address: 4763 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751
Phone: 802-422-3333
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4. Whistler and Blackcomb
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia, Canada holds the title of North America’s largest ski resort. These two mountains have more than 200 marked trails, 8,000 acres of accessible terrain and the longest continuous lift system in the world. The season ends in May, leaving ample time to schedule in an end-of-season trip.
Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-967-8950
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5. Val Thorens
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest resort, with 99 percent of the ski area situated about 2,000 meters. With excellent snow conditions until the season ends in early May, the resort is renowned as a snow sports paradise. The scenery is also spectacular; you’ll find a jaw-dropping panoramic view of 100-plus Apline summits. (French, Swiss and Italian) Head for Val Thorens near the end of the season to avoid peak-season crowds and for a glimpse of the legendary Glacier de Péclet from the Cime de Caron or “the most beautiful view in the Alps.”
Address: 73440 Val Thorens, France
Phone: +33 4 79 00 08 08
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6. Åre
Located in a trendy mountain village that provides a combination of skiing and entertainment, Åre is a top end-of-season destination open until early May. In addition to the cosmopolitan atmosphere, visitors will find 91 kilometers of slopes with 32 lifts to transport guests. The terrain is best suited for beginners/intermediates, making it a popular spot for families and group getaways.
Address: St Olavs väg 33 830 13 Åre Sweden
Phone: +46-647-16321
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7. Stubai Glacier
Stubai Glacier in Austria offers 38 kilometers of slopes and 21 kilometers of ski routes, with 22 lifts in service. Considered Austria’s largest glacier skiing area, the resort has 34 slopes that range from easy to challenging. With “guaranteed” snow conditions from October to June, the resort combines the best of natural snow with their snow-making facilities to provide top conditions. Stubai Glacier also offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for families.
Address: Mutterberg 2, 6167 Neustift im Stubaital, Austria
Phone: +43-5226-8141
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8. High 1 Resort
High 1 in South Korea has the highest altitude of all the ski resorts in the country, at 1,345 meters (that's around 4,400 feet). Beginner and intermediate skiers will be happy to learn that all the slopes start from the top of the mountain, so that everyone can enjoy fairly longer courses within their comfort range. Experienced skiers who don’t want go all the way down can stop at a midway base and make their way back up to the top. Fresh, powdery snow is available at High 1 Resort through early April.
Address: 261, High2-gil, Jeongsun-kun, Gangwon-do
Phone: +82 1588 7789
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9. Perisher, Australia
Skiing in July? It’s possible at Perisher, a resort located in the Snowy Mountains of southeastern New South Wales, Australia. This complex of four interconnected ski resorts is the largest ski area in the Southern Hemisphere, open from June to October. They’ve invested heavily in snow-making equipment, so if you can’t make it in July or August, the months of heaviest snowfall, you’ll still find enough snow on the ground in June to make some good runs.
Address: Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley NSW 2624, Australia
Phone: +61-1300-655-822
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This article was written by Hanna Choi.