The time for corn snow, goggle tans, and ski shenanigans is here, and all the fun makes it worth riding even if the pow is gone. While skiers and snowboarders love the longer days, sunshine, and warmer temps of spring skiing, it also means that ski season is winding down. (That said, April often brings big powder storms; don’t stash your fat skis just yet.)
Instead of feeling bummed about the warming weather, get out and enjoy what’s left of the snow (while praying for more of it) at amazing resort events and use our gear guide to plan your spring skiing outfit for Closing Day. Happy spring!
Spring Skiing Resort Events
Spring means concerts, pond skimming, barbecues, Easter egg hunts, and closing day parties. Find all the details on spring events at Utah resorts below.
Park City’s legendary pond skimming competition.
Spring Gruv: Park City Mountain, March 23rd – April 7th
The annual 16-day Spring Grüv event series includes concerts, pond skimming ( April 6) and other fun activities. Both Canyons Village and Park City Base Areas will have live music from Utah’s best local acts on Closing Day- April 7.
Spring Pass: Brighton, Now – end of season
Brighton is offering free, unlimited spring skiing/riding at the resort from now until the end of the season if you pay in full for next season’s pass. You can also buy a spring pass for $199. (Their closing day party is a Utah favorite.)
Spring Pass: Snowbird, Now-end of season
Get full access to the Tram and chairlifts any day of the week from April 1st through the end of the season. A great deal if we get April snow showers, and you can keep riding into May if conditions are right. Price is $449.
Spring Carnival: Brian Head, Saturday, April 13
Head south for Brian Head’s Spring Carnival that features bikini slalom, cardboard sled race and much more.
Snowbasin Pond Skimming, Saturday, April 6
Near Ogden, Snowbasin is hosting its pond skimming with live music, and fun prizes for the family. But a 2018-2019 season pass now and ski for free the rest of the season! Closing Day party on April 15.
Earth Day: Alta, Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day on the slopes at this event that features ski recycling, snowshoe tours, birding ski tours, ranger tours, vendors, and much more. Followed by a screening of Guilt Trip, a climate change/skiing film, at Our Lady of the Snows at 5 p.m.
Closing Day: Alta, Sunday, April 21
Alta is closing for daily operations on April 21 but will reopen for a few more weekends beyond that. However, the annual Closing Day party date is set, and you don’t want to miss this legendary celebration. Bring your best onesie, barbecue grill, and your party pants to celebrate spring and another incredible season.
Twin it up with your bestie when spring skiing!
Ski Resort 2017-18 Closing Dates (weather dependent)
Alta – Sunday, April 21 (reopen: 4/26-4/28)
Beaver Mountain – Sunday, March 31 (reopen: April 4-7)
Brian Head – Sunday, April 21
Brighton – Sunday, April 21
Deer Valley – Sunday, April 7
Eagle Point – Sunday, March 31
Nordic Valley – Sunday, March 30
Park City – Sunday, April 7
Powder Mountain – Sunday, April 7
Snowbasin – Sunday, April 21
Snowbird – TBD
Solitude – Sunday, April 14
Sundance – Sunday, April 7
Essential Spring Skiing Gear
What would spring skiing be without a ridiculous outfit? Here are our top gear picks for times when you want to stand out, but still fit right in with the party crowd.
Thrifted onesies are best, but if the stock is out at your local DI, buy a nostalgic onesie from Tipsy Elves. Not only do they come in all your favorite ’80s shades of neon, they also are packed with features like plenty of pockets, lift pass loop, and zippered vents. They’re currently clearanced online too! $179-$225
Goggles are for winter; Pit Vipers are for spring. These shades are key to any spring ensemble, and the new shape and colors just scream steazy snow style. Sunshine-blocking side panels make them easy to ski in, and you’ll fit right in with the throngs of people sporting them on the slopes. $69
When the riding is done for the day, swap your helmet for a half hat—otherwise known as a headband. Rock some made slope style while letting everyone know that you’re the best skier on the mountain. $20
Need a place to stash your beer…err snacks…on the slopes? Get a one-of-a-kind fanny pack from Cotopaxi, fill it with your goods, and know you’re doing some good to thanks to Cotopaxi’s humanitarian focus. $30
Coffee is life, and now that the ski days are longer, you’ll need more of it to keep going all day. Instead of sub-par coffee, stash Stoked Stix in your pocket and make gourmet coffee wherever you find hot water—instantly. I’ve never been a fan of the instant variety before, but these organic, medium-roast packets give you the jolt you need and make coffee that tastes straight out of a fancy cafe—without the fancy price. $9
