Best Spring Skiing in Colorado

The resort you choose comes down to a couple qualifications, including when you’re traveling, and who’s in your group.

• Arapahoe Basin, also known as “A-basin”, “A-Bay” or simply “The Basin”, is perhaps the favorite local spot. For decades, it held its allegiance to Vail Resorts, however in winter 2019-2020, A-Basin made headlines by switching to the Alterra-backed Ikon Pass.
• Arapahoe is a great spot for younger folks looking to let loose and get a true taste of Colorado life. But, we don’t recommend it for tourist groups looking for family activities or resort amenities.
• Tailgating and picnicking are a-ok. Bring your own grill and cook up some barbecue in the parking lot. Or contact the resort to reserve a spot on the “beach”and take your party slope-side.
• Dogs are welcome in the parking lot and beach, so feel free to bring along a furry friend.
• If DIY isn’t your style, grab a beverage from the bar at the base lodge and head out to the sun deck to watch skiers come down. And enjoy phenomenal views of the basin’s unique topography.
• If you’re driving up from Denver, take the Loveland Pass off I-70 to enjoy breathtaking views at the Continental Divide. Just be forewarned, it’s a doozy of a drive with no guard rails. If weather conditions are not ideal, you’ll want to go through the tunnel and around to A-basin instead instead.
• Arapahoe Basin stays open much later into the Spring than other Colorado resorts. You can often ski here until June or even July, depending on snow conditions, thanks to its high elevation and primarily north-facing slopes.

• Copper’s spring skiing scene is all about the party. You might want to leave the kids at home if you’re coming for closing weekend, though.
• Closing day at Copper is a spectacle. This upbeat event includes a RedBull Slopesoakers competition, a freestyle showdown that incorporates floating rails to put a unique spin on pond skimming… plus free live music, a color run, cardboard box races and even a bikini contest.

• This area is perfect for a romantic or just plain classy getaway. The village design was based on the classic European ski resorts, giving it a distinctly ski-retreat feel.
• Vail's sister resort is Beaver Creek, however both of these mountains have their own feel.li>
• Vail is known for its iconic village, with its unique European feel and plentiful restaurant and nightlife options. Probably the most vibrant après-ski celebration scene in Colorado. We’ll let you be the judge.
• Vail boasts numerous lifts, gondolas, basins and famed “back bowls” that usually remain open until season’s end.
• Closing weekend is a big deal in the Vail Valley. Think A-list bands & DJ’s, pond skimming, and other distinctive events, culminating with Spring Back to Vail on closing day. They know how to say goodbye for the season right.
• If you want to extend your stay, check out our complete guide to Vail here.

• With a registered trademark on the term “Champagne Powder”, this resort’s main claim to fame is its distinct northern Colorado brand of snow. 
• Steamboat is a bit off the beaten path, and locals like it that way. Head here to avoid the crowds at more mainstream resorts to the south on highway I-70.
• Lifts stay open later thanks to additional daylight in the spring. Some say the last chair on a bluebird day is almost as satisfying as the first chair on a powder day.
• Enjoy pond skimming, free concerts, and celebrations galore throughout the month of April.
• Stop by the Strawberry Park hot springs for a soak in natural, healing mineral water after long days of skiing.

• Wear layers. At high altitude, temps can rise and fall quickly, and you might be surprised how warm (or cold) you get during different times of day.
• Bring sunscreen. The sunlight is extremely powerful at this elevation as well, and may lead to serious sunburns if precautions are not taken.
• Take your time waking up and hit the slopes in late morning. The freeze-thaw cycle in springtime can often create harder snow or even icy conditions in the early a.m.
• Make friends at the mountain! Coloradans are typically friendly folk, especially on sunny spring days where the locally brewed craft beers & spirits are flowing.
• Learn how to prevent or treat altitude sickness. Our information sheet on altitude sickness is geared toward Telluride, but the lessons learned can be applied to any high-altitude setting.