Spring skiing and snowboarding is the best time of the season to enjoy the slopes, especially this year, when the Rockies, Sierras and Canadian Rockies have been pounded with snow from a La Nina weather year.
Spring skiing means sunshine until the lifts close, fewer layers to wear, and the biggest discount deals of the season. Snow fooling – these getaway won’t melt your budget:
Winter Park, Colorado – Ski and snowboard free for the rest of the season, through the end of the season, April 24, 2011. Just book two nights lodging and get two free lift tickets, and an additional lift ticket for each additional night of your stay. Winter Park is about a one hour drive from Denver. www.playwinterpark
Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia – Through the end of the season, kids stay, ski and rent free, and kids also eat free at participating restaurants. Four night, three day lift and lodging packages start at $86 per person per night, including during the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival, April 15-24th. Book by phone with your American Express card and get an $50 gift card to use anywhere in town for meals or gear.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – American and Delta have dropped fares to Jackson Hole through the end of the season, Sunday, April 3rd, as low as $259 round trip. Take the family – another deal is buy two airline tickets and get two more free. Match that with $79 lift, lodging and lunch packages. Jackson has received more than 30 feet of snow this season.
Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado – Kids ages 7-12 ski and stay free April with the purchase of lodging and lift tickets by an adult for four or more nights/days. With the new $17 million Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center in Snowmass, plenty of sunny days and an extended season at Aspen Highlands until April 24, Aspen/Snowmass is an idyllic destination for any spring skiing family getaway. And, through the end of the season, lift tickets are just $49 for adults, $37 for teens and seniors, and $29 for juniors.
Alpine Meadows, Lake Tahoe — Unlimited skiing for just $99 until the season closing date, which has just been extended until May 15th. The Spring Pass also is great end-of-season deal. Alpine Meadows is at the north end of the lake, right next to Squaw Valley.
Sun Valley, Idaho — Kids ski free through the end of the season, and there are lift and lodging packages starting at $72 and other including fourth night free.
Stay home and wait for the golf courses to turn green? Don’t be silly. Go play in the snow before it melts.
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