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Spring skiing: the ultimate snow seekers’ survival manual
Updated:
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.
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?
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, we've got some suggestions you're going to love.
Slush cups & spring parties for 2024
SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival, Silverstar - Mar 29-Apr 7
Two big party weekends with concerts, events and the epic SilverStar2Sovereign cross-country marathon. All free!
RED Mountain Slush Cup - Apr 6, 2-4pm
$10 entry. BBQ and beers on the deck. Also, for funzies, check out the awesome photo retro from last year (for a taste of what's ahead).
Mt Washington Slush Cup - Apr 7, 1-4pm
Note: entry is in person only, starting at 10am at the Alpine Lodge. Entry is free but limited to 100 spots. Spectators can cheer on the competitors from the Alpine Lodge.
Sun Peaks Slush Cup - Apr 7, 12:30-3pm
Register now online, and be ready for to make a splash! There will be a hot tub on site as consolation for those who don't manage to make it across the pond.
Whitewater's Beach Party - Apr 7, 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.
Spring Splash, Kimberley - Apr 8-9
A packed weekend of celebration hits the slopes at Kimberley, with pondskimming, music and a dummy downhill.
Jasper Pride Week, Marmot Basin - Apr 12-20
A whole week of Pride celebrations, including the second annual Basin Ballet ski competition. Start doing your pliets!
Big White Season Ender Slush Cup - Apr 13, 12-5:30pm
Head to the Snow Ghost Building, slopeside on Perfection Run to enter or to watch the slush cup show, with DJs, BBQ, bevvies and more.
Fernival, Fernie - Apr 13-14
Fernie's classic end of season bash features live music and entertainment all weekend.
Sunsplash FunkFest Dummy Downhill & Slush Cup - Apr 13-14
Kicking Horse Mountain's annual signature season ender. Race a dummy or skim a pond, and celebrate the season.
Powder King Slush Cup - Apr 14
You know PK knows how to throw down. Slush cup at Powder King ends the season on a high.
Schnai Day, Hudson Bay Mountain - Apr 14
Events like the scavenger hunt, dummy downhill, slush cup and costume prizes make for an epic sendoff to ski season in Smithers.
Mount Slushmore, Lake Louise - April 27
Sunshine Village Slush Cup - May 20
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!
Check out these stories to find some of the best bang for your buck.
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 or improve on their skiing and snowboarding.
Read more and find your fit here:
Improving your skiing and riding
So you’re a more experienced skier or rider, looking to shred more gnar?
We can help there too.
Inside tips to some of our fave ski destinations
Don't just ski it, ski it like a local.
Here's some tips from locals on their fave ways to crank it up.
Deep days at Powder King are the life
Ski the Silversun: SilverStar to Sun Peaks on a BC ski road trip
Powder and people make Smithers ski & stays epic
Five top Lake Louise runs to get your shred on
Five SilverStar runs with a "silver" lining
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