PHOTO: Families skiing in Lake Tahoe (Photo courtesy of Chris Dow)
For diehard ski bums, the end is near. The last turns of an epic season are coming to a close. For the fair-weather skiers and riders, though, the fun is just beginning. No matter which kind of skiier you are, everyone wants to make the most out of spring skiing - a time when skiing in a T-shirt or a tank top is de rigeur and where every day ends with a puddle jumping contest. What's not to love?
OnTheSnow.com meteorologist Chris Tomer provided his forecast for the spring season from now until May, noting that El Nino, which barely packed a punch, is now tapering off and, by springtime, will be neutral. Tomer said in his forecast that as El Nino weakens, temperatures will gradually warm and snowfall levels will return to normal in their respective regions.
What does that mean for spring skiing? It means that, while most places are going to have a long-lasting season, a few will hold a slight advantage over others.
In California, the Lake Tahoe region will likely have better and more snow as temperatures farther south in the state will gradually begin to warm. According to Tomer, Tahoe will see colder weather longer. Therefore, the area's snowfall will be longer-lasting as well. Tahoe also has a stunning variety of ski resorts to choose from.
READ MORE: How to Pick the Perfect Ski Resort
It should be noted, however, that Mammoth Mountain is also located at high elevations,. When it gets a higher-than-average snowfall, it can often stay open until May and June; sometimes even until the Fourth of July. Resorts that are farther south in California will probably not hang in as long this spring, despite El Nino.
It is predicted that Utah's Snowbasin ski resort will receive an above-average snowfall this spring, according to Tomer's forecast. This means that, when you are deciding where to ski in the state, you should keep Snowbasin top of mind. Just 33 miles from Salt Lake City, the resort has 3,000 acres of adventure, 3,000 vertical feet to offer and low-cost lift tickets to boot.
According to Tomer's forecast, Steamboat is one of the only resorts in Colorado that will see above-normal snowfall this spring, so they are going to have some of the nicest snow. The resort is offering deals on Springalicious passes that can be purchased in advance. Prices start at $119. There are also skiing and lodging deals specific to spring, allowing visitors to enjoy significant savings and awesome snow days.
READ MORE: 6 Under-the-Radar Ski Resorts Perfect for Families
Banff/Lake Louise
Banff and Lake Louise have seen some late February snow, so early spring skiing - right now - is the time to go. Expect bluebird days and hardpacked, fast snow right now. Many analysts think that more snow could be on the way, making Banff and Lake Louise the place to ski this spring.
Not sure where to head? Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort is offering a killer deal with a variety of spring pass deals. Be sure to take advantage of the resort's brand-new heated chairlift on chilly days.
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