Spring skiing: the ultimate snow seekers’ survival manual
You’ve got spring skiing questions: we've got spring skiing answers: where’s the best spring skiing in Western Canada? How long are ski resorts open in spring? Can you ski in BC in March, or April in Alberta?
Read on to find out how to max your ski and snowboard season, with our spring skiing survival tips for Alberta and BC: the latest snow conditions, closing dates for Western Canada ski resorts, tips on where to après, places to learn to ski or snowboard over spring break and tips for improving your skiing as the season progresses.
Straight up: we want you to get the best of the season, for as long as you can.
SnowSeekers’ ultimate spring skiing survival manual
Snow conditions
Where to slush cup, apres
Western Canada ski resort closing dates
How to save on spring skiing
Learning to ski or snowboard
Improving your skiing and riding
Photo:
Dave Heath
Sun and snow on the menu for spring skiers and snowboarders.
Snow Conditions
Snowfall and snowpack matter in spring, keeping the season going longer—sometimes ski resorts are even able to extend their closing dates if the white stuff sticks around longer. Check the latest conditions reports for Alberta and BC ski resorts.
Where to: slush cup & après-ski
You ready to sail across that slushy pond? Bump hips with your nearest neon-suited neighbour? Or are you looking to find an uncrowded spot to chill and feel the apres vibes?
Either way, here is a lineup of spring ski parties you're going to love.
Mar 28-Apr 6 SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival, Silverstar
Two big party weekends with concerts, events and the epic SilverStar2Sovereign cross-country marathon. All free!
Mar 27-Apr 13 Spring Snow Fest, Sun Peaks
Three weeks of parties with Big Air and rail comps, races, retro days, slush cup and all the apres-ski you can handle!
Apr 4-5 Alti-Tunes, Big White
Two days of live music featuring headliners Bob Moses and Loud Luxury to cap the Big White season.
Apr 4-13 Jasper Pride & Ski Festival
A whole week of Pride celebrations, including drag shows, dance parties and the annual favourite flag run!
Apr 5 RED Mountain Slush Cup, 2-4pm
Details are TBD but expect all the usual hijinks. Also, for funzies, check out the awesome photo retro from last year (for a taste of what's ahead).
Apr 5 Kimberley Spring Splash, all day
A packed weekend of celebration hits the slopes at Kimberley, with pondskimming, music and a dummy downhill.
Apr 6 Powder King Slush Cup
You know PK knows how to throw down. Slush cup at Powder King ends the season on a high.
Apr 6 Whitewater's Beach Party, 11am-2pm
There will be slush, as well as DJ'd and live tunes, and Nelson Brewing Co pouring on site. Slush cup competitors sign up is $20, with check-in at The Yurt at 11am.
Apr 7-13 World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Whistler
Perhaps the biggest of its kind, at least in Western Canada, featuring film and photo showcases, and live music series headlined by Ruby Waters, Fort Knox Five Live, Swollen Members and Shred Kelly.
Apr 12-13 Fernival, Fernie
Fernie's classic end of season bash features live music and entertainment all weekend, capping off with the Raging Elk Slope Soaker pondskimming challenge.
Apr 12-13 Sunsplash FunkFest Dummy Downhill & Slush Cup
Kicking Horse Mountain's annual signature season ender. Race a dummy or skim a pond, and celebrate the season.
Apr 13 Schnai Day, Hudson Bay Mountain
Events like the scavenger hunt, dummy downhill, slush cup and costume prizes make for an epic sendoff to ski season in Smithers.
Apr 26 Mount Slushmore, Lake Louise
The Lake gets even lake-ier, with this pondskimming classic.
May 19 Sunshine Village Slush Cup
The original, the epic, the latest slush cup of the season. Enough said.
Western Canada Ski Resort Closing Dates
The ski season in Western Canada extends all the way to May Long weekend at the latest. Check our closing dates listings to see when Alberta and BC ski resorts are open ‘til, and make a plan to get there.
How can I save on spring skiing?
Looking to score some wicked deals to stretch your budget and get a few more ski days into the season?
PRO TIP: Some resorts and collectives re-issue spring passes or offer additional incentives or discounts for spring skiers and riders. And if you're ready to go all in, now is a great time to renew your season pass at the best rates—season pass sales have begun!
Learning to ski or snowboard
Spring break is a popular time for families, friends and couples to hit the mountain; why not take a lesson?
Our #NewSkiAB program welcomes new Canadians and beginners of all kinds to hit the slopes and learn skiing and snowboarding.
Improving your skiing and riding
So you’re a more experienced skier or rider, looking to shred more gnar?
We can help there too.
Spring is a joyous time in the mountains, when the ski season culminates with warmer weather, events and colourful costumes and scenery.
Make the best of your spring skiing season, check out some events and be sure to tag us @snowseekers to share the stoke and possibly be featured on our channels.
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