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Best Spring Break Ski Resorts for a Last-Minute Send

Are you thinking about making a snowboard or ski trip somewhere before the snow melts and the ski season comes to an unfortunate close? Good thing Spring Break is just around the corner! It is time to book that last-minute spring skiing trip to one of our finely curated choices of best ski resorts for late-season shredding. Depending on snowfall and skiing conditions, spring can be the best time of year to plan a ski vacation.

Ski resorts all over North America see a considerable spike in mountain tourism during March as spring breakers and families flock to charming mountain towns in search of powder, bluebird skies, and hot cocoa slopeside while enjoying some live music.

From more family-friendly sledding and ski areas to epic backcountry rides to top-rated terrain parks, this list of our best Spring Break ski destinations has you covered. What are you waiting for? Book an Airbnb, grab your lift tickets, and start plotting where you will have that après ski hot toddy. And wherever you end up, do not forget to pay homage and respect to the Native peoples whose land we, fortunately, can recreate so freely today.

Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, California

Downhill skiing with Lake Tahoe in the background

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The Lake Tahoe region is home to some of the best slopes in America. Skiers and snowboarders will delight at the ten ski resorts in the close vicinity, including Squaw Valley, Northstar Lodge, and the renowned Heavenly Mountain Resort, which presents iconic views of the crystal-clear lake while ascending to the mountaintops in the gondola. Book a cozy lodge with a fireplace and hot tub to end your days of amazing alpine adventure. The park itself varies in terrain, with one terrain park and 97 trails that span from wide-open cruising runs to 1,600-foot chutes, not for the faint of heart.

Vail Ski Resort in Vail, Colorado

Coniferous forest covered by snow with skiing slopes in the foreground and Rocky Mountains in the background. This photograph was taken in Vail, Colorado.

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An idyllic ski town just under two hours from Denver, Vail boasts more than 5,000 acres to explore. It is complete with skiing trails for all levels, terrain parks, and its thriving Bavarian and Swiss-style village with trendy shops, delicious eateries, and exciting nightlife. The park stands as the fourth-largest region of skiable terrain in North America (behind Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain Resort, and Big Sky). Operated by Vail Resorts, this ski village in the Rockies presents some of the best ski and snowboard experiences in the state of Colorado (there's even a ski school for the kiddos).

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Jackson, Wyoming

view of a snowy mountain with ski lifts and skiers in foreground

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No matter the reason for your spring season ski trip, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is sure to impress no matter the age! Among its legendary ski and snowboarding terrain, this mountain town also offers snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, heli and cat skiing, sleigh rides, cross country skiing, winter bike tours, regional ski resorts, paragliding, aerial adventures, and wildlife and park tours. Known for its steep terrain and famous 4,139-foot drop, Jackson Hole will give you a view of the Tetons and Rockies you will never forget!

Aspen Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado

Senior male skier skiing in Colorado ski resort near Aspen, Colorado, on nice winter day; pine trees and sky in background

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A gorgeous valley where four mountains and two unparalleled ski towns merge, Aspen Snowmass provides unmatched ski terrain, highly-rated spas, incredible shopping, fantastic lodging rental options, and three separate parks to discover. Snowmass presents unbeatable vertical descent and is more significant than all three of the other mountains together. Perfect for all ski levels, Aspen Highlands has a fun bowl for beginners and expert terrain for more challenging runs. The young ones in the crew will want to sign up for classes at Buttermilk, a playground for kids and adults alike, as this is where the best freestylers in the world strut their stuff at the X Games.

Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana

Huge mountain and great views

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Another Rocky Mountain oasis in the gorgeous region of southern Montana, Big Sky Resort features 5,850 skiable acres and 4,350 vertical feet over 39 lifts and more than 85 groomed kilometers of top-rated cross-country ski trails at its famous Lone Mountain Ranch. You can whimsically wander from the Ranch to Big Sky Community Organization or take your cross-country adventure to the next level or test your trick skills at one of the many terrain parks on the mountain. Other exciting activities offered at Big Sky include cross-country skiing, ziplining, and snowshoeing.

Spring Break Slope Runner-Ups

  • Killington in Vermont
  • Beaver Creek in Colorado
  • Mammoth Mountain in California
  • Park City Mountain Resort in Utah

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