The days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising, but any skier or snowboarder worth the wax on their bases knows the season isn’t even close to over. We still have powder to shred, costumes to wear, ponds to skim, parties to attend, moguls to mash, snakes to wiggle and jumps to send because spring skiing in Utah has it all.
If we’re being honest, spring might be the best time to shred in the Beehive State. Hear me out and please don’t throw a slushy snowball at my head. The snowpack is fat, the weather is pleasant and the season’s busiest days are in the rearview. There’s something for every skier and snowboarder in Utah this spring. Here are a few of our favorites.
Longest Season: Snowbird
We’ll start with what’s truly important: the longest season in Utah! Snowbird regularly keeps the lifts turning right on through Memorial Day and beyond—conditions permitting, of course. Add in the expansive, steep, south-facing terrain in Mineral Basin and you have a recipe for some of the best spring skiing anywhere in the Lower 48. The Bird is indeed the word.
Best Bump Skiing: Deer Valley Resort
Slushy mogul mashing is the next best thing to powder skiing, and it doesn’t get any better than at Deer Valley. The vaunted Champion mogul course—home of the 2002 Winter Olympic mogul events and countless World Cup competitions—gets in fine form each spring when it’s warmed by the sun and open to the public.
Finest Slushy Park Shredding: Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City lives and breathes terrain parks, so it’s no surprise they keep their immaculately sculpted features salted and tuned up all spring. Spring park riding is unbeatable thanks to soft landings and sunshine-enhanced vibes. Woodward will keep their lifts spinning for hot laps as long as they can for you to work on that goggle tan.
Liveliest Spring Après: Park City Mountain
Lots of resorts have a lively bar or two at the base, but few have an entire town at the waiting right where you step out of your bindings. Finish your spring ski day on the runs to the base of the Town Lift and walk into Old Town Park City for anything from craft distilled whiskey at High West Distillery and Saloon to an affordable schooner of macro brew at O’Shucks on Main Street.
Spring Sand and Snow Dual Trip: Brian Head Ski Resort
I can’t blame anyone for getting a bit of seasonal angst and waffling back and forth between the snow and the trails. Why not do both? Brian Head has wonderful spring skiing on a variety of aspects from the east-facing Wildflower lift to the west-facing The Dunes lift. When you’re ready to trade in ski pants for shorts, take the quick four-mile drive for a hike in Cedar Breaks National Monument or bring the mountain bike to explore the trails in Cedar City and Hurricane.
Best Spring Indulgence: Cat Skiing at Powder Mountain
You’ve been boot packing, skinning and traversing all season in search of untracked turns. Live a little! Powder Mountain has two separate areas (one northwest facing, one northeast facing) where skiers and snowboarders can sign up for single snowcat rides. It’s only $39 for a ride with a season pass, $29 for season pass holders. You won’t regret the indulgence when you’re sweltering in the summer heat thinking of the blower turns.
Deepest Spring Pow: Alta Ski Area
We get plenty of sneaker spring storm days in Utah, and no surprise, Alta gets the goods. The place is a miracle of orographic effect, and all that north-facing terrain with an ample base built up over the course of the season is the perfect foundation for the spring powder bounty. Alta has better April powder than most places outside Utah ever have. Get some.
Longest Days: Brighton
The days are longer in the spring, so go where you can do the most. Brighton’s night skiing lets you rip from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A little pow, a little sun, maybe some park laps, a few groomers and then whatever the evening brings. The temps won’t be subzero like they are in midwinter, making spring the perfect time for late night shred.
Where do you like to ski and snowboard in the spring? Let us know in the comments.
