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The 6 Best Places To Ski in April

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 6:54 AM ET

April might be the most fickle month of them all. Corn snow? Maybe. A multi-foot snowstorm? Also maybe.

Long-range weather forecasting and haphazardly throwing darts at a wall become close cousins as spring arrives. April's only certainty is that the lift-accessed ski season at several major destinations is starting to wind down. So, it's wise to start thinking about where and when to take advantage of those coveted last laps.

These six resorts are a few great spots to get your kicks in before the lifts stop turning.

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1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Among the Western heavy-hitters, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, closes for the ski season relatively early on April 13. For skiers hoping to notch JHMR off the bucket list, that means one thing—time is running out.

As we already noted, April can be a crapshoot. There's no betting exactly how the slopes of JHMR will look in the coming weeks. Still, with well over 400 inches of seasonal snowfall so far at the resort, coverage—an important form of late-season skier's currency—should be good, if not great.

Time your trip with some warm bluebird weather, and you'll be in for a treat. Hot laps in the springtime on JHMR's Sublette Chair (which was replaced ahead of this season, by the way) are tough to beat.

2. Jay Peak, Vermont

Everyone loves an underdog. This winter, Jay Peak, Vermont, proved that the East can hang with the West regarding seasonal snowfall. The resort's season-long measurement is above the 400-inch mark, and, for a time, Jay Peak had a larger snowfall total than Alta. That's saying something. For now, the resort's closing date is TBD.

3. Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain and spring go together like fresh wax and newly-tuned ski edges. The resort plans to operate until at least late May, but that doesn't mean you can't start enjoying the warm weather and bountiful terrain right now. Terrain park freaks will be particularly satisfied. Mammoth's freestyle program is wide-reaching and covers everything from introductory builds to serious money-booters. Soft snow, which is more common as the end of April approaches, makes the airtime go down smoother.

Alta plans to shut down in April, so file it into the "get it while it's hot" folder alongside JHMRPhoto: Highlywood Photography/Getty Images

4. Alta Ski Area, Utah

File Alta Ski Area, Utah, into the "get it while it's hot" folder alongside JHMR. This Utah mountain has a bit longer of an operating season—it closes on April 20—but a fast-approaching deadline still looms.

April at Alta isn't necessarily about banging through slushy moguls. The ski area averages 77 inches of snowfall during the month, so you'll want to bring more than a pair of jorts and some skinny skis. In Little Cottonwood Canyon, powder skiing is always a possibility.

Those jorts—along with whatever funny sh*t you can find in your closet—would be useful if you visit Alta during its closing day, though, so keep them on your packing list.

The ski area's last hurrah is known by locals and visitors as "Frank," a popular send-off party that celebrates all things silliness and skiing. We recommend paying Alta Ski Area a visit to take advantage of these shenanigans.

5. Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington

Any guesses on how much snow Mt. Baker Ski Area has received this season? If you said, "A lot," you'd be right. As of March 24, the humble hill was sitting at an impressive total of 551 inches, living up to its powdery reputation. Mt. Baker, like Alta, plans to close on April 20.

There is a caveat, though. We'll be honest—the situation in Washington hasn't been the best recently, snow conditions wise. An unfortunate spat of warm weather produced rain in the mountains during the final week of March and, for a few days, Mt. Baker suspended operations.

Still, as any Pacific Northwest skier knows, wild temperature fluctuations aren't out of the norm in Washington or Oregon, nor should they deter you from checking out a certified classic like Mt. Baker, where big April dumps can produce stellar late-season skiing (in 2022, the ski area picked up 128 inches of snow during its last month of operations). Just throw something waterproof in your bag in case the freezing levels aren't cooperative. Rain or soggy snow builds character.

Photo: Daniel Wischenbarth/Getty Images

6. Sunshine Village, Alberta

Sunshine Village—it's in the name. When that great big orb in the sky comes out to play, this Albertan mountain has the slopes—and views—to supply some memorable spring skiing experiences. To soak in some unobstructed alpine splendor, hitch a ride on the Great Divide Express Quad, which ventures above the treeline. Then, after taking a few moments to stare at the surrounding peaks (it might take more than a few moments), throw some carves on South Divide or bounce your way through the Divide Terrain Park.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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