Avant Ski's 15 Fabulous Resorts For Spring Break Skiing

Spring is here, and so is that time off from school. There’s too much snow in the mountains and that little skiier you've been hiding deep inside all year is ready to burst out and enjoy some sunshine and powder.

No sleeves, sun and powder! Courtesy of Palisades Tahoe.

Using snowpack data* from our friends at OpenSnow, we’ve compiled a list of 15 resorts across the United States that are ideal for all of the high school and university students thrilled to put their pencils down and traverse the slopes. These resorts are having exceptional seasons with snowpacks exceeding their historical averages by 130-270%. There's still plenty of winter left. We're here to help you plan a late season escape. *Snowpack data is as of March -20. Snowpack percentages in blue link to the full snow report on OpenSnow.

**Resort names in blue link to Avant Ski's related Insider Resort Guide.

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California: Dreaming with Record Levels of Snowfall

It seems like it hasn’t stopped snowing in the Sierra-Nevada since December. With more than 18 feet of snow for the two weeks ending March 8, California is experiencing a winter unlike any in recent memory. Atmospheric rivers have slammed the state, dumping historically huge amounts of snow. California resorts are exceeding their historical averages by 140-270%. The season here could easily extend through May. You cannot go wrong. Just remember to pack your powder skis.

Mammoth has one of the longest seasons anywhere

All trails are open and fresh powder abounds at Mammoth Mountain.

Mammoth has nearly 300 days of sunshine and a reputation of being a top destination for late season skiing with lifts tending to operate through Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Ski Team trains here every Spring. Mammoth is a 4.5 hour drive from Los Angeles and well worth the trek. A visit can easily be combined with some beach time in Southern California. There is great terrain variety, the town is mellow and the hot springs on the outskirts are sublime. And it won’t stop snowing!

Insider Guide: Mammoth

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 634 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 256%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: May 29 (estimated)

Kirkwood has the highest elevation in South Lake Tahoe

Relax on and off the slopes at Kirkwood this spring. Courtesy of Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

With a base elevation of 7,800 feet, Kirkwood is higher than other resorts in the Tahoe area and tends to benefit from storms that often miss the rest of Tahoe. Kirkwood's reliable, high quality snow is known as the "K-Factor." Besides the great snow, Kirkwood has an amazing lineup of spring events including live music on Saturdays and Sundays, dress up Saturdays and the Freeride Tour World Qualifiers (April 3 and 4). Kirkwood is ~3.5 hours driving from the Bay Area and a 45 minute drive south of Lake Tahoe

Insider Guide: Kirkwood

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 656 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 270%

Pass: Epic

Expected Closing Date: April 14 (estimated)

Views and balmy temperatures at Heavenly

Lake views all day long at Heavenly? Yes, please!

Rising directly from the shores of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly may have the most stunning views of any resort on this list. Take a break on your run down and admire the shimmering jewel of the lake, ringed by snow capped peaks. Temperatures tend to become quite warm late in the season, so you may even be able to ski or ride in a t-shirt. There's plenty to do off the mountain too with a vibrant dining, spa and brewery scene in South Lake Tahoe.

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 538 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of Mar 20): 251%

Pass: Epic

Expected Closing Date: May 7 (estimated)

Palisades Tahoe is the Spring Skiing Capital

The north side of Lake Tahoe is having a huge winter and Palisades Tahoe is no exception. The powder skiing won't be done for a while, but when it ends Palisades has world class corn skiing. There's live music all over the mountain, at Gold Coast, High Camp and at The Village. Don't miss the après scene at The Chamois, which tends to peak as the days get longer and warmer.

Insider Guide: Palisades Tahoe

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 670 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 178%

Pass: Ikon

Expected Closing Date: May 29 (estimated)

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Utah: The Greatest Snow on Earth

Utah is up to its ears in snow. With snowpacks trending north of 150% of their historical averages and easy access to resorts, Utah will easily ski well through April. Flights into and out of Salt Lake City are frequent and relatively inexpensive. The drive from the airport to the majority of the resorts is under an hour.

March is Alta's Snowiest Month

The likelihood of carving fresh tracks at Alta is high.

March is historically Alta's snowiest month and April is not far behind. This year, that's on top of the snowiest season in more than four decades. In addition to late season storms, Alta consistently delivers corn snow, soft spring bumps and easy skiing groomers. There are plenty of patios, decks and even ski beaches to soak up some sun between runs. Plus, the base area lodges tend to offer discounts later in the season.

Insider Guide: Alta

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 688 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 172%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: April 23

Snowbird is collaborating with Woodward this Spring

Snow as far as the eye can see. Courtesy of ski.com.

Mineral Basin’s bowls are full, Pipeline Couloir is filled in and all systems are GO at Snowbird. Snowbird is known for its legendary spring dumps -- last April, Snowbird received more than 75 inches of snow. With the snow this season, Snowbird should easily remain open through Memorial Day. Plus, this spring, Snowbird is kicking off its first ever collaboration with Woodward and offering a Woodward Park Mountain Experience. The experience will conclude with the Woodward Peace Park Championships. Meanwhile, the patio at the base is perfect for soaking up some sun while grabbing a beer at the end of the day.

Insider Guide: Snowbird

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 631 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 170%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Park City has soft snow and a vibrant après scene

7,300 skiable acres...that's plenty of space. Courtesy of Visit Utah.

We dare you to try and ski all of Park City's 7,300+ acres of terrain in one trip. Take advantage of the soft snow and long spring days and ski bell to bell. Pro tip, the south race runs should be great in the morning. The outdoor après scene is particularly vibrant in the Spring and the night life in the town of Park City is festive.

Insider Guide: Park City

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 482 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 168%

Pass: Epic

Expected Closing Date: April 23

Plenty of powder at Powder

Powder and Powder Mountain. A match made for spring.

Powder Mountain receives on average about 500 inches of snowfall per winter and this winter it’s been true to its name. The snow base has ranged from 80-90 inches. With 8,464 acres of skiable terrain, including areas that are only accessible by cat. It's a bit of a secret but Powder has more terrain than any other resort in the US. The resort also limits ticket sales, so you will feel like you have the place to yourself. Powder is about an hour and fifteen minute drive north of Salt Lake City Airport and 35 minutes from Ogden, Utah

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 420 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 195%

Pass: Indy Pass

Expected Closing Date: April 16

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Colorado: High Elevation Makes for a Long Season

While not having quite the year its neighbors in the West are having, great spring skiing is still to be had in Colorado. The snowpacks are solid and the mountain towns, top notch.

Spring Break skiing is always fun at Aspen Snowmass

Soft landings at Aspen.

With four mountains and one legendary town, Aspen is always a must. As of March 20, Snowmass’s snowpack was 143% of its historical average. Highlands’ and Buttermilk’s were 133% of their historical averages. Ajax’s was 121% of its historical average. The towns legendary scene is just rounding into form this spring. Don't miss the Bud Light Spring Jam, March 25-April 3. It's a week of downtown concerts, on-mountain parties and even night skiing. Plus, Belly-Up is offering its usual wild mix of concerts.

Insider Guide: Aspen Snowmass

*Base Depth (as of March 20 at Snowmass): 91 inches (AspenSnowmass does not report season snow totals)

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 143%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: April 23 (for Aspen Mountain); April 16 (for Aspen Highlands & Snowmass); April 2 (for Buttermilk)

Crested Butte offers a change of pace this spring

It's steep and deep at Crested Butte. Courtesy of skicb.com.

Crested Butte is a stunning mountain town with a gem of a resort. The terrain favors the experienced skier and the mountain has the steepest inbounds run in the US - the 55 degree Rambo. A must for Epic pass holders seeking a destination away from the crowds and buzz of the I-70 corridor.

Insider Guide: Crested Butte

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 285 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 140%

Pass: Epic

Expected Closing Date: April 2

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Spring Action in Montana & Idaho Looking for a destination a little off of the beaten path this spring? Try heading north to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho or the Spanish Peaks of Big Sky, Montana. These further away locations are having great winters and should ski great well into spring.

Spring Break is actually the best season at Big Sky

Come for the skiing, stay for the views of Lone Peak!

Big Sky is known for the big burly terrain off of Lone Peak. Psst..it also has epicly long groomers that are perfect for beginners, intermediates, or anybody just looking to cruise. The season tends to bring sneaky April powder days along with warm afternoons for outdoor après. Temperatures tend to be a bit warmer. Big Sky also has a free spring music series, live Friday - Sunday at Everett's 8800.

Insider Guide: Big Sky

*Base Depth (as of March 20): 95 inches (Big Sky does not report snow totals)

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 126%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: April 23 (estimated)

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Sun Valley has fun for the whole family this Spring

Slashing Sun Valley's Cold Spring Bowl in the bright sun. Courtesy of Sun Valley.

Sun Valley is having a great winter. This is a wonderful destination for families. Dollar Mountain is devoted to beginner terrain. Bald Mountain is in its second season with lift access to the backcountry-esque Sunrise Bowl. The town of Ketchum alone warrants a trip. Go ice-skating at the Sun Valley Lodge or grab a whiskey at Casino Bar, Hemingway’s old haunt.

Insider Guide: Sun Valley

*Base Depth (as of March 14): 174 inches (Sun Valley does not report snow totals)

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 138%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: April 9 (estimated)

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Magic March in the Northeast

Winter has finally arrived in the Northeast, just in time for spring! After a dismal start to the winter, the last few weeks have graced the region with 3-4 feet of snow, and many resorts are now fully open. These are by far the best conditions of the season so far, and spring skiing is looking very promising.

*Snowpack data for resorts in the Northeast is from On the Snow.

Killington is the King of Spring in the East

Killington is legendary for its spring bump skiing. Courtesy of Killington.

The "King of Spring" typically enjoys the longest season in the Northeast, often stretching into June. After the recent snow, the resort is fully open and conditions are prime. Killington is renowned for its incredible spring mogul skiing, and skiers come from far and wide (in their best retro outfits) to test their mettle. One of the easier resorts in Vermont to access, Killington is just 3 hours from Boston and about 4.5 hours from New York by car. The après scene is one of the best in the Northeast, so get your party hats on!

Insider Guide: Killington

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 181 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 100%

Pass: Ikon

Expected Closing Date: June 4 (estimated)

Sugarloaf is spring break skiing at its best

The Sugarloaf Snowfields are open and ready to be ripped! Courtesy of Sugarloaf.

Another legendary spring skiing destination, Sugarloaf is also enjoying its best conditions of the season. The main mountain and the Bracket Basin sidecountry area are 100% open, and even a selection of the summit snowfields are currently open -- the first time in several years that this has been the case. Sugarloaf is a trek - but the lodging is generally affordable and the skiing is some of the best in New England. Looking for a party? Be sure to check out the annual Reggae Fest from April 6-9.

Insider Guide: Sugarloaf

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 145 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 135%

Pass: Ikon, Mountain Collective

Expected Closing Date: April 30 (estimated)

Late season pow at Jay Peak

Does this look like April in New England to you? Courtesy of Jay Peak.

Sometimes overlooked for its Southern neighbors, Jay Peak consistently features the best snow in the Northeast. It can be absolutely frigid in the depths of winter, which makes spring a great time to visit. With a whopping 331" of snow this season, Jay blows every other eastern resort out of the water. Plus, it's known for surprise snow storms well into April. The resort is 100% open, and the terrain is some of the most enjoyable in New England. The après scene is not the liveliest, but the trip to Jay is all about the skiing! Heading up with the kids? The Pump House Indoor Waterpark is an awesome alternative to a day on the slopes.

Insider Guide: Jay Peak

Season Snowfall (as of March 20): 331 inches

Snowpack % of Historical Average (as of March 20): 156%

Pass: Indy Pass

Expected Closing Date: May 13 (estimated)