The 5 Resorts With the Longest Ski Seasons

1. Timberline Lodge, Oregon 

Located on the flanks of Mt. Hood—Oregon’s highest peak—Timberline is the North American champion of ski season duration. It operates into the summer, letting visitors score everything from fresh powder to slushy, sun-soaked turns over the course of its extended seasons.

The summer season is facilitated by the Palmer Express chairlift, which transports skiers and snowboarders to an upper terminal located below the summit of Mt. Hood. From there, the Palmer Snowfield—which sees crowds of skiers looking to keep the season going—beckons.
 
An extended season isn’t Timberline's only claim to fame. In 2021, Timberline added Summit Pass, a ski area in Government Camp, Oregon, to its permit area. The marriage of the two ski areas created the longest inbounds vertical terrain in the United States, totaling 4,540 feet. The entirety of this vert isn’t lift-serviced yet, but skiers and snowboarders with a Timberline lift ticket or season pass can grab a shuttle from the base of Summit Pass back up to Timberline during the winter.

2. Mammoth Mountain, California 

During the winter 2022/2023 ski season, Mammoth Mountain, California, smashed its winter snowfall record. Over 700 inches of snow fell that year at the Main Lodge, with nearly 900 inches arriving at the summit. Mammoth took advantage of the deep powder by remaining open until August 6th, 2023. That ski season, they’d spun the lifts for 275 days, nearly breaking the resort’s all-time record.

The August send-off was, admittedly, unusual for Mammoth Mountain. Still, the resort remains a spring and early summer contender and has taken to calling the skiing it provides during the warmer months the “Second Season.” In 2024, Mammoth Mountain closed on May 27th. 

3. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado 

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, puts in work. As early as October, they begin spinning the lifts for stoked local skiers thanks to a strong snowmaking commitment. Their earliest opening date was October 9th.

That’s only one part of Arapahoe Basin's extended ski season formula, though. The ski resort also pushes deep into the warmer months. Their latest play was on August 10th. In 2024, they welcomed the last skiers of the year on June 16th for a total of 222 days. Unsurprisingly, Arapahoe Basin promises Colorado’s longest ski and ride season.

3. Killington, Vermont

Killington, Vermont, proves that all the extended season fun isn’t relegated to the West. The resort usually starts the season in October or November, keeping its pistes open until May or June, snowpack dependent. During the late season phase, Killington, in the past, has moved to a weekends-only operating schedule and stopped offering beginner terrain. But given that it’s usually just hardcore skiers out there by the time May arrives, that’s fine and dandy.

4. Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta

Banff Sunshine Village is a spring skiing powerhouse in the vista-rich Banff, Alberta, area. Typically, the resort spins its lifts between November and late May, taking full advantage of the mountain’s considerable average snowfall—30 feet. 

Soaking up above-treeline sun isn't this resort's only draw—unique expert terrain makes Banff Sunshine Village an ideal playground for advanced skiers and riders. Accessed via the Great Divide Express Quad, the Delirium Dive is a freeride zone with special restrictions and ample big mountain lines. To enter, skiers must carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel, as well as have knowledge of avalanche safety practices. A partner who meets all these criteria is required, too. 

5. Palisades Tahoe, California

Palisades Tahoe, California, is a big mountain mecca featuring classic test piece big mountain zones like McConkey’s and the Fingers. Many of the lines found here are memorialized in Squallywood, a sought-after guidebook and skier’s bible written by Robb Gaffney. If you’re looking for a place that lives and breathes big mountain skiing, look no further than Palisades.

Spring skiing is another major draw at the resort. In 2023, Palisades capped off the ski season with patriotic flair by closing on July 4th after weathering a record-breaking winter. The following season, in 2024, it closed on a more reasonable (but still commendable) date: May 27th. 

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