I have an opportunity to go snow skiing in the first week of April. I realize that is very late in the season. Are there resorts that are more likely to have decent snow than others?

It depends on how the spring goes, of course, but we've had very nice skiing in mid-april at Snowbird and Alta, and at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon (they traditionally stay open 'til Memorial Day).

I've skied Breckenridge, Big Sky, and Lake Louise in mid-April. Big Sky was shorts weather for a few days and got pretty mushy after noon, but you never know from season to season.

I believe Breck is the most consistent because of the higher elevation.

Wolf Creek {SW Colorado near Pagosa Springs }closes on April 8th this year and usually has the most snow of any mountain in US.

Mt. Hood, about an hour east of Portland, Oregon.

Hit post too soon. You can ski there well into August, so April will be fine.

If you can, go to Whistler in B.C. They are having record snowfall this year. We were there the week after Christmas and it was the best snow I've EVER skied on. Plus, the village is incredible. Lots of restaurants, bars and shops. Go to www.whistlerblackcomb.com

You fly into Vancouver then it's a 2 hour drive from there. You won't be disappointed!

Oh...you really don't need a car in Whistler so you can check out the various modes of transportation from the airport on the website.

Typically, the colorado resorts are open until the 2nd or third week of April. we've been pounded for a month now. Arapahoe Basin is typically open til June, and is next door to Keystone. I've skied Vail late every year. Some years they are sorry they closed so soon, but with weather, everything is a risk!

It is all about high elevations that time of year. I'm sure there is a website somewhere where you can compare altitudes side by side.

Peru

We always ski the first week of April, it is our anniversary. Keystone, Vail, Breck will still be open. Loveland and A-basin will be open for weeks after that.
I love spring skiing.

In the Lake Tahoe area I've typically skied Squaw Valley, Heavenly & Alpine Meadows well into early May. Once at Squaw, they had a special 4th of July celebration at their Shirley Lake run. These 3 resorts have elevations up to 10,000 ft. Like any area in the world, mother nature has the last word and you should check with the ski resort prior to making firm plans.

Vail and Beaver Creek just announced that the closing date has been extended until April 22, 2007

You just cannot go wrong with early April skiing in Vail. The nightlife is so good too. Plus, the rates will have dropped.

Check out these lodging ideas:

Riva Ridge
The Willows
9 Vail Road
Manor Vail
Sonnenalp for 5 star- but it's the cheapest you'll ever stay there during a ski season

The other wonderful opportunity you have in going late is that you can book your room last minute (if you are not going to try and book a package).
If you call Riva Ridge the day before you are arriving, you will get an $1100.00 a night condo for $400 that sleeps 8 or ten people. Perhaps you do not need anything that huge, but that is an example of the huge savings. Anyway, all these resorts are in the Vail Village, walking distance to everything. You will not need a car for your entire visit. The other end of Vail is called Lionshead, but there is alot of construction going on , so I wouldn't sleep on that end. You really cannot go wrong. If you make inquiries about staying there, just be sure to tell them you want to be withing walking distance in the village.

See if you can join Steepsavers.com

Here is my latest email from them:

From: "SteepSavers" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Season Extension Announcement & More
Date: Friday, January 19, 2007 12:40 PM



Hello Sara!

With 16 inches of new snow in 24 hours at Beaver Creek this past weekend plus a HUGE season extension announcement from Vail because of epic conditions, it's shaping up to be a very happy new year.

** A New Year & An Improved Skier or Rider
** Lift Ticket Winner of the Week
** Unsubscribe/Subscribe Information

*************************************************
SNOW & TERRAIN UPDATE

As a result of the exceptional snow Vail has received so far this season, we have extended the winter season by one week and will now be closing on April 22 instead of April 15. Make plans for great spring skiing at Vail!


THIS WEEK'S LODGING DEALS

For reservations, more information and additional lodging deals, visit the SteepSavers website at http://go2.snow.com:80/ct?g=1.rvj87....q&i=377402&h=1
Restrictions may apply.

VAIL
$149 per studio from Vail Run Resort (you save $93)
$175 per studio at Lifthouse Lodge (you save $119)
$189 per 1-bedroom condo at Vail's Mountain Haus (you save $101)

They ski in A-basin until june or july most years due to it's elevation. Skiing everywhere is likely to be good in april, however staying at Keystone Resort (i like www.skyruncondos.com) gives you the option of heading 10 mins on the free bus to a-basin if you need more snow or more coldness in april.

A-basin usually has snow the latest (talked to the us ski team coach on a ski lift one day he said that was the latest snow) I have skied in Telluride and purgatory (it has a new name now but it escapes me) these are north of durango. the 2nd week of april we got over a foot of snow while i was there. the town of telluride is really nice and you can walk to the tram that gets you up to the mountain so you can park your car and not need it the rest of the trip.