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Can You Ski During Spring Break? 8 Best Resorts with Friends and Family

Can You Ski During Spring Break

For most people, spring breaks are for spending time on beaches and lakes. But if you are a skiing enthusiast, you might be wondering whether you can instead ride on snowy slopes during spring. 

The good news is that you can ski in March and April, and there are many places you can go for a ski vacation during spring and spend quality time with your friends and family. 

While snow usually becomes heavy and wetter during spring, you can still find good snow for skiing in high-altitude places. 

In the US, several states like Colorado and Utah have ski resorts that are fully operational during spring break. 

And no matter the size of your family, you can always have a variety of great family-friendly ski resorts with excellent amenities and events that suit your big group. 

Yes, even your hard-to-impress teens can have a lot of fun when spending time in a good resort during spring. 

If you are planning to head to the mountains for a spring vacation with your family, we’ve prepared a list of the eight best family ski resorts in North America to help you narrow down your choices.  

Best Family Ski Resorts for Spring Break Skiing 

Best Family Ski Resorts for Spring Break Skiing 

#1. Alta Ski Resort, Utah

Alta Ski Resort, Utah

Alta ski resort is one of the few ski areas with the world’s highest snow score. The snow at this resort is almost always perfect from December to mid-April. 

While experienced skiers will tell you that Alta has a hard-core skiing vibe, the resort is incredibly friendly, and everyone is welcome to ride on the tranquil slopes as long as they do it on skis. 

You can visit this resort regardless of your ski ability, as it has a variety of ski runs for beginners and seasoned skiers. 

If your whole family truly loves and values skiing, there is no better place to spend your spring vacation than Alta Resort. It will allow you to ride on quiet and calm slopes while appreciating the rich ski culture. 

What makes Alta a family-friendly resort is that it’s not crowded and features superb powder that everyone in your family will enjoy skiing on. 

While Alta has become a modern ski resort, it retains some of its traditions, being one of the oldest ski areas in the US. For example, Alta is for skiers only. 

If you are a snowboarder looking for a perfect spring holiday destination, you may have to look elsewhere. 

When it comes to the skiing experience, Alta has about 2,614 skiable acres of terrain with 116 skiing paths. There are also plenty of off-piste powder runs for freestyle riding. 

However, there are only six ski lifts in this resort, which means that you may have to do a lot of navigating to get to some of the best off-piste terrains. 

Lift Tickets

Alta Resort Lift tickets are available online, and skiers can purchase four days ahead of their starting day to get the best pricing for their trip. 

As mentioned earlier, the tickets are for skiers only. Snowboarders are not allowed in the Alta ski area. 

Hotels

While the village in the Alta ski area remains quite traditional, the resort still offers some luxurious accommodation services in its deluxe hotels and lovely bars. 

One of the best hotels in Alta is the Snowpine Lodge, which provides high-end accommodation. It has a spa, swimming pool, and a charming restaurant with the most delicious dining. 

You can also stay in the iconic Alta Lodge, just a few miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport. 

Alta Lodge is a European-inspired lodge with the best breakfast and an incredible four-course dinner to enjoy during your stay. Apart from great food, you can relax in a sauna to calm your sore muscles after having fun on the mountain. 

Things to Do in Alta Ski Area

While Alta mainly focuses on skiing, it doesn’t mean they don’t have other things to offer. There are more than enough activities that families can engage in when spending time in this resort. 

Before you head to the slopes, you can start your day with some yoga moves in Alta Lodge to stretch your muscles and prepare your body for a unique experience on the terrain. 

You can take your kids to the ski school in this area and let them learn some skiing basics. And you don’t have to worry about ski gear if you don’t have them since you can rent everything in the resort

#2. Aspen Mountain, Colorado 

Aspen Mountain, Colorado 

Another amazing resort to consider visiting with your whole family for your spring vacation is Aspen Snowmass. 

Being the best resort for après-ski in the entire US, Aspen Mountain is definitely a perfect destination for families and friends. 

Not only does it offer excellent ski runs but it also has some exciting restaurants and shopping centers. 

While Aspen Mountain opens in late November, March is one of the best months to ski in this area. Days are longer, and this means an extended time on the mountain. 

Along with more time to ride, the ice conditions are also most reliable in March. During this period, the snow is usually fresh and fluffy, which is exactly what most skiers and snowboarders want. 

Such conditions are ideal for beginners and advanced skiers to hit the slopes before the ski season closes. 

Lift Tickets

Aspen offers exclusive deals on tickets for skiers and boarders. There are various deals and depending on how long you want to stay on the mountain, you can get a free adult ticket. 

Different lodgings and hotels also have varied offers. Be sure to check the available offers to save money on your trip. 

Hotels

Aspen Mountain has many hotels, B&Bs, and family-friendly lodges. Whether you are looking for a five-star hotel or a comfy and simple place for your family, you can be sure to get the exact type of accommodation in Aspen. 

Dining options are countless in Aspen. You can enjoy New American, Asian, Mexican, French, Italian, and many more cuisines in the various Aspen restaurants. 

If you are working on a tight budget, most Aspen hotels and lodges have great discounts as the spring season approaches. 

Things to Do in Aspen 

Aspen has four mountains that skiers and snowboarders can explore during their spring holiday. This includes Aspen Mountain. Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. 

All the mountains are fun to ride and are easily accessible via lifts and shuttles. 

If you are getting started in skiing, their learning programs are very adaptive, allowing guests and their children to learn the basics and build skills according to their ability. 

You can take your kids to the Kids’ Adventure Center in Snowmass while you explore the terrain, and you can be sure they’ll have a big time. Kids can also watch fire dancers or ride the alpine coaster. 

Since the official après -ski season starts in March, a spring vacation to Aspen will let you enjoy shopping in the fancy Aspen shops. 

After an epic skiing day, you can soak yourself up in the evening sun on the charming patio that you can find in most hotels. 

Other non-skiing activities you can enjoy with your family include snow tubing, ice skating, ski biking, and watching live music and bonfires. 

#3. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado 

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado 

Breckenridge is one of the best ski resorts that make Colorado a popular springtime skiing destination for family holidays. 

When you combine excellent snow quality and fantastic spring weather, the skiing experience is remarkable in this resort. 

Breckenridge offers phenomenal bluebird skiing and other amazing activities such as ice skating, tubing, and snowmobiling. 

It has a huge ski area of about 2,908 acres with five peaks designated for different ski abilities. There are 35 ski lifts and 187 slopes for skiers and boarders, ranging from beginner-friendly to difficult runs. 

Your kids will have endless fun in this resort, especially if they are eligible for ski lessons.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets are available at the Breckenridge website, and guests are advised to purchase in advance. Once you purchase your Breckenridge ticket, you can also use it to explore other ski areas like Keystone and Crested Butte. 

Hotels

Just like Aspen, Breckenridge is a luxurious resort with top-notch accommodation services and amenities. It has an array of charming lodges, restaurants, and shops that will stoke up your adventure. 

Various hotels in Breckenridge have different vacation offers. Be sure to check out the best one for your family when booking your accommodation.  

Things to Do in Breckenridge Ski Resort

There are plenty of events to engage in when spending time in Breckenridge, including St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras. 

You can relax on the various après-ski patios in the evening or go shopping in the beautiful resort’s village located at the bottom of Peak 9.

Other interesting non-skiing activities include dog sledding, ice skating, alpine sliding, mountain biking, and taking a Breckenridge historical tour. 

Your kids will have lots of fun exploring the Children’s Museum and Riparoo’s Forest, which has tunnels to play in. 

If you have teenage kids who love challenging themselves after a skiing day, the arcade and pinball games at Erick’s Main Street got them covered.

#4. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

This is yet another perfect resort to spend a spring break ski holiday with your family in Utah. Park City resort is located just a few miles from Salt Lake City Airport, so it will be easy to get to this place from all over the country. 

It has become a popular ski resort due to the amazing experience it provides to skiers and snowboarders. 

With a base elevation of 6,800 feet and a summit height of over 10,000 feet, Park City Mountain is a perfect place for springtime skiing. 

The resort boasts over 7,300 skiable acres with 348 trails, eight terrain packs, and 42 ski lifts. Nearly half of the trails are groomed every evening to prepare the paths for the next day’s skiing.

It provides a variety of skiing runs, from beginner-friendly to difficult slopes. So, you can always be sure that every family member will have a suitable place to ski down. 

Lift Tickets 

Depending on your booking date, you can buy your adult ski ticket on the Park City Resort Website and get a discount. The Park City Youth Pass is the best option for kids between 5 to 12 years. 

Pack City has several amazing offers for skiers and snowboarders. If you book your ticket within seven days of your vacation, you’ll enjoy up to a 50% discount. 

If you don’t want to book your trip last minute, you can purchase your ticket within 14 days of your holiday, and you’ll still get a 20%-40% discount. 

Hotels 

The hotels in Park City resort are fantastic, with world-class amenities and everything that skiers can ever ask for. 

You can book your accommodation early since no deposit is needed for the reservation, and you’ll enjoy a 10% discount. If you want to stay in the resort for three days or more, you get a 15% discount. 

Apart from the hotels, you can also rent a private home in Park City for first-class amenities and a cozy stay on the mountain.

Things to Do in Park City

Everyone in your family will have a special thing to do in Park City Resort. You can take a lift ride to enjoy scenic mountain views while your teens enjoy snowboarding on the cool slopes. 

If it’s your first time skiing, you can learn the basics at the High Meadow Park paradise while watching your kids learn. 

Once you are done with your riding activities, attend the resort’s Spring Gruv event to watch free concerts or go shopping in the local shops. 

Other activities to engage in while exploring Park City Mountain Resort include bike riding, zip lining, golfing, and hiking. You can also enjoy a snowcat-pulled sleigh ride at night to grab dinner at the Viking Yurt. 

And if you want more options after exploring this resort, you can pop over to Deer Valley Resort for extra fun. 

#5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The next ski area in the best family ski resorts for spring vacations list is Jackson Hole, which offers multiple ski slopes for skiers and snowboarders. 

This family-friendly resort is skiable in February and March as these are the snowiest months in the ski area. 

It has various slopes for beginners and experienced skiers/snowboarders. If you have younger kids who also want to enjoy riding on the snow, you can drop them off at the ski/snowboard school while you explore the mountain. 

What I found to be the most intriguing thing about Jackson Hole is that it’s one of the calmest and less crowded ski areas that support spring skiing. 

When you visit this resort with your family, there are lots of activities that will keep your evening busy and exciting after a long skiing day. 

Lift Tickets

Jackson Hole offers a fantastic assortment of deals on tickets and season passes. With a season pass, you can ski or snowboard at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort any day of your choice.

If you intend to stay in the resort for only a few days, you can purchase a single-day lift ticket.

Hotels

There are several cozy hotels and restaurants in Jackson Hole Mountain that will guarantee you an awesome experience. 

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences is a great place for skiers who are after stunning mountain views. It offers first-class amenities, and there is a babysitting center to leave your kids. 

Other rustic hotels to stay at when exploring this area include the Teton Club and Hotel Terra Jackson Hole. 

Things to Do in Jackson Hole Resort

Some of the best events and non-skiing activities to enjoy in Jackson Hole include live music, bowling, dancing, and the Hole Rendezvous Festival. 

You can also spend some good times with your buddies sipping great wines at the fancy restaurants and chilling spots in Jackson Hole. 

For backcountry skiing enthusiasts, Jackson Hole allows you to earn your turn and enjoy some of the best ski mountaineering terrains you can ever find in North America. 

If you need a break from the snowy slopes, take an adventurous trip to one of Jackson’s National Parks, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. 

#6. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia 

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia 

If you live in Canada and want to have a springtime family vacation in April, Whistler Blackcomb is your best bet. 

The ski area is famous for its quality snow, even in springtime, and the acrobatic performances that skiers and snowboarders do through fire rings. 

What I like most about this mountain resort is the springtime deals available for guests. Vacationing in Whistler Blackcomb in spring allows you to enjoy massive discounts, and there is still solid snowfall for fun skiing and snowboarding. 

It’s made up of 8,100 acres of riding terrain, a true alpine adventure for skiers and boarders of all ability levels. 

This resort has two mountains, but you won’t have problems navigating them as they are connected with a Gondola.

If you want to take on a challenge, you can spend a day or two exploring the three terrain parks in Whistler or sign up for the Whistler heli-skiing experience. 

The Whistler heli-skiing experience involves navigating the untouched alpine snow powder after a helicopter drops you at the top of the mountain. 

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets are available on the resort’s website, and booking your family’s tickets early will give you the best savings.  

The lift tickets will give you access to the vast mountain terrain, orientation tours, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, race tours, and snow parks. 

Hotels

Skiers and snowboarders vacationing in Whistler Blackcomb will have endless options when it comes to hotels and restaurants. 

Whether you are looking for a rustic and cozy stay or a simple and affordable lodge, you can be sure of getting the exact experience you want. You can also research to get deals as some resorts have good offers during springtime. 

Things to Do in Blackcomb Resort

If you are a beginner, there are plenty of beginner trails to ride, and the best one for you will depend on where you are staying. You can come with your ski gear or rent a high-end kit with the latest styles and features in this resort.

You’ll also find a number of learning options for you and your kids in Whistler ski school that provides a supportive and encouraging experience. 

Apart from skiing, there are various events and activities to enjoy in Whistler Blackcomb, including the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, ice-skating, biking, live music, and dancing competitions. 

#7. Vail Resort, Colorado 

Vail Resort, Colorado 

If you are going to ski during spring with your whole family, why not choose a great ski resort for a perfect experience? 

Spring skiing and snowboarding in Vail is not just about riding on the snowy slopes, it’s more about enjoying the cool ambiance and boosting your state of mind. 

Vail resorts are well-known for the great snow during the ski season, which extends to springtime, and you and your family can enjoy many activities in this resort. 

In springtime, the sky is blue, and temperatures are a bit warmer, but the snow remains soft and fluffy for skiers and snowboarders to ride on. 

With 5,317 skiable acres and 195 skiing trails, Vail has plenty of slopes for different skiing skills and abilities. 

Vail resorts have two terrain parks, including the Avanti and Golden Peak Parks, and they are both suitable for beginners and experts. 

You can explore the resort on foot or hire a bike to ride around and see what the Vail Villages offer. 

Lift Tickets

Vail resorts sell different types of tickets, including lift tickets, scenic Gondola Ride, and Bike Haul tickets. You can also buy the Adventure Pass that will give you access to plenty of activities in the resort, from Mini Golf to Bungee Trampoline. 

All the Vail Resorts’ passes come with a 20% discount, but you’ll need to check the terms and conditions at the time of your booking

They also leverage the Epic Mountain Rewards, allowing guests to enjoy up to 20% savings on accommodation, skiing and snowboarding lessons, and vacation rentals. 

To enjoy more offers and discounts, you can book tickets for your family at least seven days before your trip. 

The good thing about Vail resorts is that their tickets are refundable, so you don’t have to worry about losing your money should you cancel any ticket. 

Hotels

Springtime holidays in Vail resorts come with great deals. You can get a 10 discount of up to 10% for booking your accommodation for at least five nights. 

And when it comes to lodges and restaurants, there are various options to choose from, and they all provide top-notch amenities. 

If you want to stay close to the skiing and snowboarding runs, you can book with Lionshead Lodge. This lodge is not only close to the lifts and gondolas but also has some of the best amenities like a fitness center, hot tubs, and sauna. 

For big families, private homes are the best as they will give you all the privacy and luxury your family needs when spending your spring holiday in Vail. 

Things to Do in Vail Ski Resort

The most exciting way to get a feel of Vail is by taking gondola rides that will give you phenomenal mountain views without fuss. 

But if you want to take on a challenge and get close to nature, you can hike up the mountain or rent a bike to ride through the spectacular trails.

Expert skiers and teenagers will have much fun in the renowned backcountry bowls of light, deep snow powder.

Beginner skiers can learn the basics on the nursery zones, which have easy slopes that even young kids can ski on. There is also a snowsports school where beginners and kids from three years old can learn skiing and snowboarding. 

If you cannot ski, there is no need to worry as there are plenty of other winter sports to enjoy. You can ride the mountain coaster or snowmobile, do some snow bike tours, snow tubing, hill climbing, or dog sledding. 

You can also include one of Vail’s dinner sleigh rides in your ski trip bucket list, as they will let you enjoy some absolutely stunning views. 

Nature lovers can visit the peaceful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to see some alpine plants and flowers in Ford Park. 

If you want to explore the Vail Valley further, you can extend your trip to Beaver Creek resort, which boasts an array of après-ski activities like horseback riding, outdoor ice skating, and live music. 

Beaver Creek is one of the most accessible resorts in Colorado as it’s easily reachable from Denver International Airport. 

#8. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky Resort, Montana

This is a five-star resort with over 5,800 skiable acres, and there is a good reason why this ski area is usually called the Biggest Skiing in America. 

It has a vast terrain with runs of all levels to suit experienced, beginner, and intermediate skiers. Even expert skiers will have the best slopes to ski on when vacationing in this resort.

The average snowfall is over 400in, which means that skiers and snowboarders can always find fresh snow powder to ride on during their spring holiday. 

While you can always be sure to have a great time any day in Big Sky Resort, March and April have the longest ski days. 

Big Sky will give you access to the excellent amenities in the Mountain Village, from exceptional dining to thrilling shopping. 

To get to this resort, you can drive through Montana Highway 191 or simply fly into the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Then take a taxi, rental car, shuttle, or bus to the mountain.  

Once you get to the resort, you can take advantage of the Skyline bus services offered in the mountain to ensure that guests can easily and conveniently explore the Big Sky resort. 

Lift Tickets

If you want to explore Big Sky during the spring, it’s important to buy the season passes and lift tickets for your whole family in advance.

Purchasing the tickets beforehand will help you get some good deals and discounts, depending on how long you plan to stay in the resort. 

A Gold season pass gives skiers unlimited skiing and tram days, while the Double Black season allows them to spend up to 10 days in the resort with access to the whole mountain. 

If your kids are under ten years old, you don’t have to buy them ski tickets as they can ski free on this mountain, as long as you stay in Big Sky-managed vacation rentals. 

Hotels

Big Sky has cabins and hotels to accommodate all families. And if it’s just you and your significant other, you can book a condo for couples. 

For families that love privacy, there are plenty of private homes to stay in when skiing at the Big Sky Resort.

You can save up to 10% on accommodation by booking a hotel or lodge via the Big Sky Central Reservation. 

When you make a reservation with Big Sky Resort, you can be sure of great discounts on ski lessons and various mountain activities. 

If you want to enjoy a luxurious stay with your family in this mountain resort, the Signature Collection has all the amenities you need, from incredible housekeeping to fireplaces. 

Things to Do in Big Sky Resort

A family ski vacation in Big Sky Resort is not just about hitting the snowy Lone Peak and Andesite slopes. There are many things you can do with your spouse, teens, and young kids. 

The best family fun activities in Big Sky include dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, zip lining, snow biking, and sleigh riding. 

Other activities that will give you so much fun during your spring vacation are fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and trekking on the stunning hiking trails of this mountain. 

If your kids love the water, you can accompany them to enjoy whitewater rafting while spending time in Big Sky. 

The resort allows free skiing for kids ages ten years and under. Your children can learn and have fun at the kids club after skiing while you explore the mountain. 

FAQs

FAQs

Q: Is Spring Break Good for Skiing?

A: Yes, spring break is good for skiing. While the weather starts to warm up as the spring approaches, a few ski areas still have great snow during March and April. 

If you are planning a springtime skiing holiday, the best way to get reliable places is finding ski resorts with north-facing slopes. 

Mountains with high elevations also help in preserving good snow for spring skiing. Some of the best places to visit for springtime skiing in North America include Colorado, Utah, Montana, British Columbia, and Wyoming. 

Other places like California, Idaho, and New Mexico also have several options to offer when it comes to springtime skiing and snowboarding. 

When skiing or snowboarding during spring break, it’s essential to pay attention to weather changes and snow conditions. You should also follow the resort’s instructions, as avalanches are common during warm weather. 

Q: Can You Ski at Angel Fire in March?

A: Yes, you can ski at Angel Fire Resort in March. The Angel Fire is a four-season resort located in northern New Mexico. It’s also one of the best family ski resorts in North America. 

The resort has everything your family needs for a perfect spring getaway. And if you want your kids to learn how to ski, there is a ski school with varied programs to suit different needs. 

If you love golf, you can book your accommodation at the Lodge to enjoy a 10% discount on 18 golf holes at the Angel Fire Country Club.

Q: Can You Still Ski in Colorado in March?

A: Yes, you can still ski in Colorado in March. In fact, skiing in March has become the second most popular ski time in Colorado.  

However, not every ski area in Colorado is skiable in March. Keep in mind that the temperature is rising and days are becoming longer, so some resorts won’t have enough snow for skiing, even if they were great during winter break.

So, you need to find ski areas with many high elevations and slopes facing the North as they still have great snow during spring break. 

Some of the best ski resorts for skiing in March in Colorado include Winter Park, Vail-Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort, and Aspen Mountain. 

Final Thoughts 

Final Thoughts 

While skiing is most popular in the winter, some great ski resorts have reliable snowfall even in spring. 

If you want to take your whole family on a quick vacation, a ski trip to family-friendly ski resorts like Alta and Vail-Beaver Creek can result in a perfect skiing experience. 

When choosing a destination for your next spring skiing vacation, snow conditions and après-ski are the most important things to consider. 

You want your family to have some exciting things to do in the evening after spending the day on the snowy slopes. 

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Picture of Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.
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