Spring skiing is as sublime as it is logical. But not all resorts are blessed with glorious snow once the mercury rises. Here’s where to chase powder and get a tan—all within an easy drive from WestJet runways
The mystery remains unsolved. Why skiers and snowboarders shiver from December to February then pack it in when the sun shines in March is as perplexing as a $5 muffin at a base lodge. Boot heaters, frozen fingers, rock-hard, teeth-jarring moguls can all be blessedly chucked when the days grow long and the bumps go soft. Skiers who’ve paid their dues through the dark days of winter—and even those who don’t—deserve their runs in the sun.
For those in the know, spring skiing officially starts March 1. A surprising amount of snow continues to fall, even as the mercury rises. Lift lines and lift ticket prices dwindle. And for the outdoor multi-tasker, some ski resorts let you knock off early and play nine holes at a local course. Here’s a list of your best bets for warm weather turns. Don’t forget your sunblock.
MARBLE MOUNTAIN, NFLD.
Newfoundland’s answer to Whistler/Blackcomb, Marble Mountain is the biggest in Atlantic Canada. Located near Corner Brook on Newfoundland’s west coast, it’s a very high (518 m) extension of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Good snow continues to fall well into May, but the ski area shuts up in early April after receiving an average 48 cm of new snow in March. Too bad folks don’t feel much like skiing in April—Marble typically receives another 23 cm of fresh well after Easter.
Spring Savings: Check-in at Marble Villa, the resort’s ski-in/ski-out condo-style accommodation, stay for three spring week nights and receive a fourth night free.
skimarble.com
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT, B.C.
In a good snow year, Fernie’s coverage is unrivalled. This B.C. resort three hours from Calgary and part of the Rockies’ Lizard Range is tucked tidily into a snow belt that dumps approximately 2.4 m of light powder on its slopes in the spring. Besides loads of snow, Fernie has loads of terrain—more than 2,500 acres and some of the steepest chutes and biggest bowls in ski country. Get there before the estimated April 13 closing date. And take your snorkel—even in spring, some powder stashes are nostril-deep.
Spring Savings: Ski and stay at Fernie for $220 per person for three days of spring skiing and three nights accommodation.
skifernie.com
LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA
Lake Louise (or The Lake as it’s known to locals) receives 390 cm of snow every spring on average. The mountain operates until May, and you’re guaranteed the runs and lifts will be wide open. The Lake’s best terrain is in its spectacular bowls, but the bumps in the Larch Area and the glades on the front side are pretty spectacular in springtime, too.
Spring Savings: Ski three days and stay three nights during spring months for as low as $223.
skibig3.com
WHISTLER/BLACKCOMB, WHISTLER, B.C.
If you want to get this party started, head to Whistler/Blackcomb during spring fever. B.C.’s dynamic duo is definitely more so in the warm months of spring—much of the fun comes courtesy of the annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival, running this year on April 8-17, 2005. W/B’s ski season never really ends. There’s sliding until May, then the glaciers kick in for summer turns. But the best snow month is March, when an average 215 cm has fallen in the last three seasons. April receives about 88 cm, and May closes out with about 23 cm.
Spring Savings: Stay four nights for the price of three ($361 per person including lift tickets) from March 29-April 17, 2005.
whistlerblackcomb.com
SUNSHINE VILLAGE, ALBERTA
Banff’s snow-laden gem is tucked into the Rockies, quietly amassing monstrous amounts of all-natural snow from March to May. An average 118 cm has fallen in March in the last three years at Sunshine, followed by 63 cm in April and another 51 cm in May. Live concerts rock the base village on spring weekends, but it’s the snow that skiers and boarders come for—there’s nothing quite as sweet at a sunny day on a quiet double-black on Goat’s Eye Mountain. You can ski Sunshine straight through until May Two-Four weekend, then move right into summer.
Spring Savings: Believe it or not, Banff swings into high season at the first sign of spring. Hotel rates rise instead of fall. But there’s always a deal—and a party—at the Sunshine Inn, Banff’s only on-mountain accommodation.
sunshinevillage.com
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA
Aptly named, Mammoth Mountain in California is one of North America’s largest resorts, stretching 10 km in width and rising to an elevation of 3,369 m. It’s astounding that a ski area this big (and one that’s a smouldering volcano) can hold its snow well into spring. But hold it Mammoth does, with an average of 104 cm of new snowfall in March, 122 cm in April, and another 25 cm in May. Skiing until June is standard; some happily celebrate the Fourth of July on the slopes.
Spring Savings: Mammoth’s value season pricing starts April 25, 2005, when daily adult lift tickets drop from US $63 to US $50. Lodging rates typically take a 25 per cent dip.
mammothmountain.com
MOUNT WASHINGTON, VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C.
With 60 runs, nine lifts and more than 1,600 feet of vertical, B.C.’s Mount Washington is a quiet giant and a snow force to be reckoned with. Average snowfall in March is a whopping 160 cm. Plus this Vancouver Island resort just debuted its new Boomerang Quad in December and opened The Outback—expert terrain filled with glades, bowls and chutes. Plan to ride until the third week in April when the ski area finally closes.
Spring Savings: Mount Washington’s March Ski Week package includes five nights accommodation, five lift passes, tubing and a finale dinner, all for $369.
mountwashington.ca
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