Bran

Anyone have suggestions as to where would be a good ski location in early April for a honeymoon? (April 8-15). I noted that many of the resorts don't close skiing until April 22, but don't know if there will still be snow/decent skiing before this. We've looked at Winter Park but worried about activities for non-skiing time. Maybe avoid colorado all together and try canada?

J T Kirk

Barring a major atmospheric catastrophe, you'll find snow at the ski areas out west in April. Colordao, as you know, has dozens of great ski spots. What is your budget? What kind of skier are you, and your (future) wife? are I like Telluride; it has great skiing, great restaurants and a great setting. But it's a little pricier that most ski areas in Co. Crested Butte is another personal favorite. Outside of Colorado, I'd pick Jackson Hole, WY; Sun Valley, ID; and Banff, Alberta. (Banff, or anywhere else in Canada may take longer to get to, depending on where you're starting your trip.) All three have great skiing, and have neat little towns to rumage around in afterwards.

JJ

At Whistler you can ski the glacier well into the summer months, and there are great restaurants and bars to keep you busy. Another thought is Lake Tahoe. Stay in the South Shore and if the snow conditions deteriorate, you can always hit the casinos. I have skied Tahoe in late March in shorts! And, the sun is great!

BillJ

Speaking of Tahoe, nearby Kirkwood Meadows usually has the best late spring skiing in the Sierras because of it's altitude. Shorts and t-shirts are the norm from about March on, but the snow holds up ok. Many years ago, they were even having a July 4th race for those hardy enough to climb the face (no, lifts are not operating).

Will

I would stick with the high altitude resorts of Summit/Eagle counties in Colorado (Vail, Breckenridge, Copper, etc.). The snow conditions are usually excellent through mid-April. The resorts run out of skiers long before they run out of snow.

I would be careful about Winter Park, though. It is an excellent resort, but I'd want to know whether all the lifts will be running that late in the season.

If this season continues to have good snowfall, consider Aspen as well.

Jim

Think about two things, Bran: latitude and elevation. The higher they are, the longer the season lasts. I know small areas in Montana (like Lost Trail) that close in mid-April for lack of interest rather than lack of snow.

Kay

We ski in Winter Park each year. It is a great place to go skiing, but it may not have the atmosphere you want for a honeymoon. It it a rather functional ski area with some new condos at the base of the mountain, but no village. There are some nicer hotels and B&Bs around. As for non-skiing time, the activities include snowmobiling, tubing, snowshoe, and hay rides. Limited ice skating. Many people complain about the limited number of restaurants and nightspots. As much as I love WP for skiing, I think you may find a better place for "atmosphere." Best wishes.

Robyn

I was going to suggest Whistler & Blackcomb (www.whistler-blackcomb.com) because there will definitely be snow, but not only that, the restaurants/nightlife and hotels in Whistler are amazing. I'm not a skiier, but I've spent lots of time in Whistler just doing all the other activities, so you won't really have to worry about not having anything to do!

There's also the Vancouver International Airport which is only an hour and a half drive south of Whistler. The "Sea to Sky" highway drive from Vancouver to Whistler is supposed to be one of the most scenic in North America too.

Another site to check out: www.snowcanada.com (it lists all the ski resorts in western Canada)

Robyn

You might want to post this question in the Canada section too.

Dayle

Hey People!! UTAH exists! Alta & Snowbird are great in April. In fact, it's the second highest snowfall month of the season, next to March. Snowbird's normal closing date is the first weekend of May. Then they go to "Summer Skiing". Also Whister/Blackcomb has good late snow, but not at the bottom where the elevation is only about 2,000 ft! Important note: Jackson Hole is closed in April - only due to lack of demand.

Good point - lodging & lift ticket rates go down in April and there are no crowds because people don't know how good it really is!

Enjoy and congrats!

S

Years ago, I went to Keystone on my honeymoon, arriving on the first Sunday in April. They closed the Denver airport after we arrived due to the blizzard they were having. The "in" season ended the day we arrived, but the skiing was awesome! Can't say as much for that marriage.

Tom

Along the same line. We're planning to take our 2 young daughters to Tahoe at end of March to early April. What are our chances of seeing 'real' snow and being able to play in them (skiing, tubing, etc.)? Also, what's the temperature like? Some of the thread here suggests it's warm enough to wear shorts and t-shirts -- is it true?

Lexma90

Given the good snow year we're having in Summit Co., the resorts may close later. That late in the season, the conditions are still pretty good, and it's nice and warm. The runs will be icey in the morning, then warm up to "mashed potatoes" consistency - not bad, just different. There won't be many people, which will be nice. I'd suggest Breckenridge; it's a nice town, not as pricey as Vail or Aspen. Vail's elevation is lower than Breck's, so Breck's conditions would probably be better.

Many of the apres-ski activites would still be available, though I'm not sure about snowmobiling. The restaurants and all that won't have closed for the season yet, and you'll most likely be able to eat lunch outdoors!

Another possibility is Steamboat Springs, which also has a nice town and great snow.