Utah locals know that spring delivers powdery days, bluebird skiing and unlimited opportunities to take in the good life. Yes, spring is a beautiful time around here.
Sweet Weather
As I mentioned, Utah spring skiing is spectacular thanks to fresh powder, bluebird days, and warmer temps. Last spring I saw a skier at Solitude Mountain Resort tearing it up in powder shorts. The sun was warm and I hit fresh tracks on multiple runs.
These stunner days will continue for the next couple of months. On average, 6.7’ of snow falls during April, so grab you ski shorts and tanks and join us on the mountain. Local tip: Wear sunscreen and SPF Lip Balm!
Hero Snow
he·ro snow
/ˈhirō/ /snō/noun
"A condition of soft slushy snowpack most common in spring skiing. The snow provides an exellent base for turning making anyone (even nubes) feel like 'heros' while banging out turns...Even gapers can look good on hero snow."
Speedy-Quick Access
Ten of Utah’s ski resorts are less than an hour from Salt Lake International airport. It’s easy to jump on a plane in the morning and be on the slopes the same day. There is little hassle because after you land you don’t have to sit for hours in a rental car, shuttle, or train. Did you know that all rental car facilities are located on-site at the airport? It's true, hit baggage claim then walk across the street to grab your rental car. There are several options for night skiing and snowboarding too!
Fun Events
What’s better than a bluebird powder day? Not much. However, combine one with a free concert or a hearty laugh as crazy fools try to skim across a pond, and you have a completely awesome day!
Utah’s ski areas take advantage of the milder weather to host a full line-up of events from March till closing day. Here are a few I found:
Spring Gruv and Pond Skimming at Park City – No animals? What??? When I first looked at the listing for “Pond Skimming” two words jumped off the page - No Animals. Then I read further and saw – No Fire in Costumes. If you’re in town this weekend, make your way up to PCMR for the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest on Saturday April 8th, 2017.
Pond Skimming is part of the 16-day Spring Grüv event series at Park City Mountain Resort, which also includes concerts and other fun activities. Spring Grüv runs from March 25th – April 9th. Check out the full lineup of events HERE.
Tap Takeover Brew Madness at Snowbasin – Beer and bluebird powder are a natural match. Tap Takeover Brew Madness with Talisman Brewing Co., Moab Brewery, and Laughing Dog Brewing, March 11th and 12th.
Local breweries take over the taps every weekend from December 17 - April 8th on Earl's Lodge Patio! Check their site for the full schedule. Take a break from the slopes, soak in the sunshine and enjoy some local beers.
April in Alta – Throughout April, the Town on Alta is orchestrating a series of events and special deals from concerts to demo days and lodging discounts. There are too many to list here, so make sure you look at all the details HERE. Seriously, you need to check it out if you’re in town! So. Much. Fun.
Unbeatable Late-Season Deals
We call it March Radness, but honestly it goes on till closing day. As the temps heat up, so do the discounts at local resorts. The best way to find the latest is to visit our DEALS tab and scroll through. I find some of the best options are lodging discounts and activity combos. Here are a couple of examples:
Spring Lodging Deals at Solitude Mountain Resort - Receive 15% savings on a wide range of accommodations managed by Solitude Resort Lodging. Package is valid March 10 – 15, 2017. A minimum night stay may be required depending on the resort. Act fast, this deal expires February 17th.
Book a 3-Night Stay in Park City and get a $200 Delta Air Lines Gift Card - Take advantage of Park City Area Lodging Association's Delta Gift Card Program! Simply book a minimum 3-night stay at one of the participating hotels below between March 1, 2017 and April 16, 2017 and receive a $200 Delta Air Lines electronic gift card. Supplies are limited so make your reservations today!
Late Season Values at Deer Valley Resort - Experience Deer Valley Resort during the late winter season period and receive 25% savings on lodging and lift tickets at a wide range of accommodations managed by Deer Valley. The package is valid March 26 – April 16, 2017.
Spring Pass Deals
Spring pass deals trickle in late in the season, so this story isn’t complete yet. Resorts offer deals on either the remainder of the current season, or deep discounts on season passes for next year. Bookmark this page and watch for additions to this section over the next two months!
Goggle Tans and Lighter Clothes
Bluebird skies and warmer temps not only require sunscreen to build a goggle tan rather than a burn; they also make life more comfortable for all. I frequently switch to long sleeve shirts with light gloves as days warm. By closing day bikinis and tanks become common.
Another plus, little ones will stay warmer and enjoy slope time longer. It’s a great time to send them to ski school!
The Vibe
This last bit defies description, but I’ll try. Spring skiing has a vibe that you don’t get the rest of the year. It’s a bright feeling…maybe because the clothes are ridiculously bright. I seriously don’t know where some of the retro costumes come from. It’s 80s neon meets 70s jumpsuit. Bikini tops and sun hats.
Skiers and riders collect on the patio, eating fries, drinking beer or lemonade, and listing to music. Outdoor grills are fired up. The days are longer and more relaxed.
The vibe spreads up the mountain with cheers from the lifts for a great move or fun outfit, and sunny hellos from strangers halfway down the run. More than anything, there are lots and lots of smiles.
I’ve shared some of the things I love about spring skiing and riding in Utah…what are yours? Share below!
See you on the slopes!
Erika
