Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts often face a harsh reality as the winter season winds down.
As temperatures rise, ski resorts close their doors, and many snow lovers have to bid farewell to their favorite winter activities.
However, there are still a few places where the slopes stay open well into the warmer months, allowing dedicated skiers to continue their adventures.
While most ski resorts close by early April, some lucky snow-sport fans can still enjoy snow-capped mountains and exhilarating runs as late as August.
The Perks of Late-Season Skiing
National Geographic has compiled a list of seven ski resorts where you can continue enjoying skiing or snowboarding long after the usual season ends.
While the exact duration of the season can vary depending on weather patterns, resort locations, and other factors, these resorts are renowned for their ability to stay open into the summer.
What’s more, late-season skiing offers several perks: fewer crowds, lower prices, and a unique chance to enjoy the slopes in warmer conditions.
Despite these advantages, not all resorts can afford to stay open late.
Some have already closed for the season, while others are choosing to end their operations early due to fluctuating snow conditions.
Still, there are several resorts where the slopes remain open, allowing visitors to ski while the rest of the world heats up.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon: North America’s Longest Snow Season
If you’re a snow-sport fanatic who doesn’t want to let go of winter, Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon is your ideal destination.
Known for having the longest ski season in North America, Timberline offers skiing well into the summer months.
Last year, the resort’s snow season stretched all the way from December 2, 2023, to August 18, 2024.
With an impressive 611 inches of recorded snowfall, the resort also offers summer-specific activities like snow camps and training opportunities for those seeking to improve their skills during the off-season.
For professional athletes and Olympic hopefuls, Timberline’s summer snow activities are a dream come true, providing a rare chance to train during the warm months.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and snowcat rides, offering a unique way to explore the stunning mountain trails.
Timberline’s snow season is expected to last until at least May, allowing late-season snow enthusiasts to get their fix of winter.
Mammoth Mountain, California: A West Coast Paradise for Skiers
For those on the West Coast, Mammoth Mountain in California is a prime destination for extended skiing.
With an elevation of 11,053 feet, Mammoth receives an average of 400 inches of snow each year, allowing it to stay open later than most other resorts.
The resort is even helped by windstorms that create deep snow layers, allowing the resort to stay open as temperatures rise.
Mammoth has a long history of staying open well past Memorial Day, with its longest recorded season running from October 8, 1994, to August 13, 1995.
This year, Mammoth is expected to remain open until May 26, although it has stayed open longer in the past.
The resort also includes June Mountain, which is more family-friendly and offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, making it a great option for beginners.
Mount Bohemia, Michigan: Rugged Terrain for Hardcore Skiers
For seasoned snow athletes, Mount Bohemia in Michigan offers an exciting and challenging experience.
The resort is known for its rugged terrain and ungroomed runs, making it a favorite among those looking for a real challenge.
Mount Bohemia’s president, Lonie Glieberman, describes it as a throwback to old European resorts where skiers push themselves hard on the slopes.
In addition to its challenging terrain, Mount Bohemia boasts a Nordic spa, allowing skiers to unwind after a hard day on the slopes.
Guests can enjoy hot tubs, saunas, and pools before joining in the après-ski fun.
While Mount Bohemia’s season usually runs from November to April, the resort has extended its operations into May on occasion.
However, last year’s unseasonably warm temperatures and limited snowfall cut the season short in March.
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado: Skiing at High Altitudes
Arapahoe Basin, or A-Basin, is the highest ski resort in North America, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet.
This high elevation gives the resort an advantage, allowing it to stay snowy long after other Colorado resorts have closed for the season.
A-Basin typically stays open into June, with some years extending into early July.
The resort offers over 1,400 skiable acres and is known for its laid-back vibe, offering a less crowded skiing experience compared to other high-profile resorts.
After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax at The Beach, a popular gathering spot at the base of the mountain.
This year, A-Basin is expected to remain open until June 8, giving skiers plenty of time to enjoy the snow.
Alyeska Resort, Alaska: Skiing With Scenic Views of the Ocean and Glaciers
Alyeska Resort in Alaska is unique in that it offers breathtaking views of both snow-covered mountains and the ocean.
Located in the Chugach Mountains, Alyeska often receives fresh snowfall even in April, which helps extend the ski season.
The resort averages 669 inches of snow annually and has over 1,600 skiable acres.
With long days during the spring, skiers can enjoy the trails until late in the evening, with daylight lasting until 8 p.m. in mid-March.
Alyeska’s mix of steep, challenging runs for experts and easy trails for beginners makes it a great option for all types of skiers.
The resort’s anticipated closing date is April 27, but there’s still plenty of snow to enjoy before then.
Sugarloaf, Maine: East Coast Skiing at Its Best
Sugarloaf in Maine is a standout resort on the East Coast, where spring skiing can be a bit more unpredictable.
Despite this, Sugarloaf has proven its ability to handle late-season skiing, with up to 70 percent of its land remaining open until April or early May.
It’s also the only resort on the East Coast with above-tree-line skiing, providing a unique experience.
Sugarloaf is home to the highest skiable peak in the state, standing at 4,237 feet.
The resort keeps its lifts open until early May, culminating in the annual Reggae Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. This lively event adds a festive touch to the end of the ski season.
Snowbird, Utah: An Ideal Destination for Late-Season Skiing
Snowbird in Utah is another resort that keeps its slopes open well into the spring.
With an average of 500 inches of snow each year and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, Snowbird is a popular spot for skiers looking to extend their season.
The resort often remains open until May, with some years seeing fresh snow from late-season storms.
One of the benefits of skiing at Snowbird in April or May is the pleasant weather conditions, where skiers can enjoy the terrain without the harsh winter winds.
The resort is also ideal for families, offering activities for skiers of all ages and skill levels.
The Impact of Climate Change on Ski Resorts
Although late-season skiing offers many benefits, the ski industry is not immune to the effects of climate change.
Warming temperatures in mountain regions have significantly impacted snow-sport tourism, with shorter snow seasons expected by the 2050s.
Some areas may experience a reduction of up to 62 days of snow season, depending on carbon emission rates.
Winter is warming faster than other seasons, leading to decreased snowfall in many regions.
According to data from Climate Central, two-thirds of the 2,041 locations studied saw less snow than in the 1970s.
This changing climate will continue to affect ski resorts across the country, making late-season skiing more rare and difficult to rely on in the future.
Ski enthusiasts may want to enjoy these extended seasons while they last, as the landscape of snow-sport tourism is likely to change in the coming decades.