Quick Info
Season: March through April at most resorts, into June at A-Basin and Loveland. Best conditions: Late morning to early afternoon when snow softens. What to expect: Fewer crowds, warmer temps, "corn" snow, T-shirt skiing. Top picks: Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Wolf Creek, Winter Park.
Ask Colorado locals their favorite time to ski and many will say spring. The crowds disappear after Presidents' Day, the sun warms the slopes, and the snow transforms into perfect "corn" - soft, forgiving, and incredibly fun to ski.
Spring skiing means T-shirts on the slopes, long lunch breaks on sunny decks, and après-ski that starts mid-afternoon. Lift lines evaporate. Hotels offer shoulder-season deals. The whole vibe shifts from intense winter sport to relaxed mountain celebration.
Most Colorado resorts operate through mid-April, with some staying open much longer. The key is timing - you want warm afternoons to soften the snow, but you need to ski it before it gets too slushy. Late morning to early afternoon is usually prime time.
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin - "The Legend" - often stays open into June, sometimes July. At 13,050 feet summit elevation, the snow lasts when other resorts have melted out. The famous Beach parties in the parking lot are a spring tradition - tailgating with grills, coolers, and music while taking ski breaks.
A-Basin has a laid-back, local vibe that intensifies in spring. The terrain is excellent and the atmosphere is pure ski-bum paradise.
Loveland
Loveland often skis into May, sometimes later. The Continental Divide location catches late-season storms, and high elevation preserves the snowpack. Lift tickets are affordable, and the no-frills vibe appeals to skiers who care more about snow than amenities.
Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek is Colorado's snowiest resort, averaging 465 inches annually. That deep base means excellent late-season conditions. The southern location brings warm spring temperatures, making for comfortable skiing even as snow remains deep.
Spring Skiing Tips
Time your day right. Start around 10-11 AM when snow begins softening. Best conditions usually last until 2-3 PM. Follow the sun around the mountain - south-facing slopes soften first.
Dress light. Shed the heavy winter layers. T-shirts or light jackets work. Sunscreen is absolutely essential - spring sun reflects intensely off snow.
Wax your skis. Wet spring snow needs warmer-temperature wax. Without proper wax, you'll stick on flats and feel sluggish everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "corn snow"?
Snow that goes through freeze-thaw cycles becomes rounded crystals that feel smooth and forgiving when softened by sun. It's incredibly fun to ski.
Are spring lift tickets cheaper?
Sometimes. Some resorts offer shoulder-season pricing. Lodging deals are more common - hotels and condos discount after peak season ends.
What if it gets too slushy?
Head inside for a long lunch and come back out when clouds roll in. Or call it an early day - spring skiing rewards flexibility.
Is terrain limited in spring?
Some areas close as snow thins, but main terrain usually stays open. High-elevation resorts maintain more coverage longer.