Spring Break is upon us and there is nothing like the deep thaw of sunshine, sunscreen and après-ski to wind down an epic ski/snowboard season in style. We’ve asked a handful of resorts to share their picks for Spring Break fun in the sun, and here are some of their favorites that include $19 lift tickets, pond skims and more. What will you squeeze in before Utah's resorts stop spinning their lifts this season? (Find closing dates here.)
Alta Ski Area
Favorite area to ski in the spring
West Rustler and High Boy are great spring skiing runs. Mount Baldy is the summit capping the north-south ridge which divides Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, and the short and easy approach hike is a local's favorite.
Fun après in the spring
The Alta's Goldminer's Daughter Lodge Slopeside Café patio is the place to be for spring après. Be sure to try the Alta Bombs, White Claws, PBRs and chicken tenders (a.k.a. Sendy Tendies). The Alf's patio has incredible views, a great mid-mountain sundeck with fries and pitchers of beer.
Awesome springtime event(s)
Nothing beats skiing Alta's legendary pow and the resort averages almost 7 feet of snow in April. While they love to have a good time (see: Frank), it's really all about the snow. Also, don’t miss the annual Easter egg hunt at Albion Base Area on Easter morning, Birding on Skis and Alta Earth Day.
Deer Valley Resort
Favorite area to ski in the spring
Starting with Stein's Way and taking a tour of groomers on Bald Mountain is a great way to spend spring days in the sun cruising corn snow. This area holds snow well late into the spring and has all the best views Deer Valley Resort has to offer.
Fun après in the spring
Après on the Silver Lake Beach at the base of Silver Lake Lodge offers a no-fuss way to chill out in a lounge chair without taking a step off the snow.
Awesome springtime event(s)
The Paint Mixer is Utah's first locally owned and operated paint and sip experience where you can let loose, get messy and create freely and they are offering classes at Deer Valley Grocery ~ Café! Another favorite event is the Mine and Wines tours (21+), a 3-hour tour of six historic landmarks paired with gorgeous wines.
Nordic Valley
Favorite area to ski in the spring
Nordic Valley has an incredibly fun vibe in the spring with a deal that can’t be beaten. Their World's Best Spring Break campaign has lift tickets starting at $19, and every ticket comes with a $10 resort credit. Add lessons and rentals for just $10 each. Available every day, March 1-15, 2020, and on weekends (Fridays through Sundays) from March 20-29, 2020.
Awesome springtime event(s)
Nordic Valley will be holding a Rail Jam and annual Pond Skim on March 21, and then an end-of-season party on March 28, with a race for the ages...and for all ages!
Park City Mountain
Favorite area to ski in the spring
Harmony is one of the longest trails at the resort that winds past beautiful homes in the Colony in the spring sunshine. Be sure to also check-out King's Crown, Boa (a long, blue cruiser) and High Meadow Park for beginners.
Fun après in the spring
For on-mountain fun, be sure to stop by Tombstone BBQ. Sit at a picnic table on the ski beach and enjoy mouthwatering BBQ and ice cold beer under the sun. At Canyons Village, chill out at the Umbrella Bar, the perfect location to enjoy spring après ski beverages and catch Park City Mountain'sspring concert series in the Canyons Village.
Awesome springtime event(s)
Don’t miss the Spring Gruv March 6 - April 5 (including the annual Pond Skimming Competition on April 4) and Pink Park City on March 28 to support cancer research.
Powder Mountain
Favorite area to ski in the spring
Powder Mountain's local's favorites are Hidden Lake Terrain Park with small to large features the entire length of the Hidden Lake Run. Be sure to also check-out Cobabe Canyon, a 3.5-mile beginner run that leads to several intermediate runs that are fantastic in the spring.
Fun après in the spring
Unwind after a long day on the slopes at Powder Keg with live music and trivia in the Timberline Lodge 4 to 5 nights a week. At Pizza and Pints in Bower Lodge, a $20 entry gives you access to live music, a cash bar, unlimited pizza, wings and salad on Thursday nights.
Awesome springtime event(s)
Save-the-date for Powder Mountain's End of Season Party on April 11th!
Snowbasin Resort
Fun après in the spring
Snowbasin Resort is excited to welcome springtime on the slopes with Basin Days, featuring free live music and local breweries on Earl’s Patio in the base area on weekends in March and April. Beer service starts at 11 a.m. and music starts at 2 p.m.
Awesome springtime event(s)
Basin Days festivities conclude on closing weekend with the annual Pond Skim on April 11, featuring skiers and snowboarders riding across a 120-foot pond. Closing Day is anticipated for April 12 with the annual Easter Brunch to wrap up another great season.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Favorite area to ski in the spring
As the sun comes up earlier in spring, morning skiers head for Powderhorn II chairlift and take a left at the top. Two runs down the Powderhorn face are first-lap winners: Concord for soft bumps and Diamond Lane for crisp, steep groomer action.
Fun apres-ski in the spring
On the other end of the day, Argenta Pub at Moonbeam Center has rooftop seating in view of the lower slopes and offers a full range of beer, wine, and cocktails. As well as snacks and appetizers to take the edge off your hunger before you hit the road. The Solitude Spring Pass will be priced at $199 and allows guests to ski any 3 days at Solitude between March 30 and April 19. It is available for purchase at ticket offices and online.
Awesome springtime event(s)
The 2020 Solitude IFSA Junior Regional big mountain competition will take place on Saturday, March 7. Watch the top youth skiers and snowboarders in our region pick their line and execute with flair. On Saturday, March 14, Solitude Nordic Center hosts its annual Spring Fling with Nordic ski racing, live music, food, and celebrations of spring. Dress in costume for a chance to win great prizes! If you’re a chocoholic, don’t miss the Chocolate Lovers Festival on Saturday, April 4 and new this year, Chocolate After Dark will keep the festivities going with passport-guided sampling features chocolate-themed adult beverages and pairings beginning at 4 p.m.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Favorite area to ski in the spring
For epic skiing, check-out the Bearclaw's Cabin area for spectacular 360-degree views of Heber and Utah Valleys and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Fun après in the spring
The Sundance Owl Bar has an amazing apres-ski scene! Once frequented by Butch Cassidy, the restored 1890’s bar was moved from Thermopolis, Wyoming to Sundance. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy live music.
Awesome springtime event(s)
A noteworthy springtime event is the Bluebird Café Concert Series featuring Nashville’s renowned singers, songwriters, and musicians. The resort partners with the original Bluebird Café to bring these talented artists to Sundance.
Utah devotees understand spring snowstorms occur regularly, the days are warm and long and the outdoor events are plentiful, making spring a fantastic time to hit the slopes. For a full list of closing dates, click here.