April Snow/skiing trip
 

Trying to plan a snow/ski trip in April 2010 and I am really not sure where to find the best snow in April.

We will have 6 or 7 couples with about 5 kids all under 6 years old.

Only one couple has skiing experiences everyone else will be trying it for the first time.

We are interested in Wyoming, Utah, Tenn, Vermont but we know it might be hard being the trip is in April.

Any suggestions on where to go would be great. Even if it's not one i've listed. Thanks!

You won;t find any snow in the east in April - and even in the west decent snow for skiing will be dicey - you're really too late for the season.

I don't think you should speak for the west. Tahoe always has skiing until at least the last Sunday in April. Squaw has skiing into May.

Mammoth Lakes has good skiing in April and has at least limited skiing until June and often until the 4th of July. Mammoth has reliable spring skiing. Tahoe has reasonably reliable spring skiing.

Mt Hood has skiing through August. Head to Timberline Lodge.

Thanks for the help. I am off to check out all of these reccomendations.

So is there actual snow in Park City & Jackson Holde during April?

Megan

Our kids' spring break is the first week of April, so we have researched skiing spots for that time of year. I believe that Jackson Hole closed the first week of April last year. Friends went to Park City on spring break one year and it was just closing for the season, so the skiing wasn't very good. Alta and Snowbird would probably have more snow, but I don't think of them as "beginner" mountains.

Of course, the snowfall in any given year is unpredictable, but I agree with Suzie that Tahoe might work for your group. I know Heavenly tries to stay open through Cinco de Mayo every year. Mammoth would be a safer bet, but it is harder to get to.

It is said that the ski resorts in California generally close for the season because of lack of interest, rather than lack of snow. :)

You could also try posting your question on epicski.com

Hi megan,

I live in Park City and have skied all over the west for over 30 years.

Good snow in April that is very dependable: Mammoth in CA, Alta and Snowbird, UT. Jackson Hole closes earlier even if they have snow, because they don't get the people.

Alta and Snowbird actually have EXCELLENT beginner slopes and ski schools. Enough to keep you very happy between the two.

Park City ski areas close by mid-April. Snow quality usually isn't great by April, but this last year it was AWESOME and they closed with several feet of snow still on the runs. Just depends on Mother Nature.

You should be aware that spring skiing is a bit different. Generally speaking, it's icy in the morning then you have a couple of hours of good conditions before it gets mushy and can be difficult to ski.

Also think about the Breckenridge, CO area. It is very high in altitude (the town itself is 9300 ft) so it snows later and lasts longer. It's a real town so the kids may enjoy it more. Alta and Snowbird are pretty isolated at the end of a canyon rd. I live in the East and there is no reliable snow here in April.