Industry News
There are several holidays throughout the ski season that many skiers and snowboarders eagerly anticipate. Some of those holidays are marked on the calendar as must-attend dates, while others are circled as days to avoid during the season. The weather varies depending on which part of the country someone lives in, but generally speaking, Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the ski season for most. The beginning of the end of the ski season usually occurs sometime in April for most ski resorts. Some resorts are fortunate enough to make it to Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, but most ski resorts do not last that long.
Each holiday is different, and depending on when it occurs throughout the ski season, it will affect the number of people on the slopes, the likely snow conditions, the cost of lift tickets, and ultimately, whether skiers and snowboarders will choose to visit the mountain. Dates every guest should be especially aware of during the season are Presidents’ Day Weekend (the third Monday in February) and MLK Day Weekend (the third Monday in January). Breaking down the ski season by holidays can help guests make the best decision on when to head to the mountains.
Key Holidays During the Ski Season
- Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr Day. (Third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday (Also known as Presidents Day; third Monday in February)
- Easter (Varies: March or April)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
1. Spring Break (Mid-March to Mid-April)
Some people love spring skiing when the temperatures are warmer and the bitter cold of January and February is behind them. Spring skiing brings a different vibe and atmosphere to the mountain, where many die-hards will flock to the mountains, while recreational skiers are already putting their gear away for the season.
- Pros: Spring skiing offers warmer temperatures, resulting in more comfortable skiing and après-ski activities. Many resorts offer special events and festivals during this period. Guests can look for discounted rates on accommodations and lift tickets. March is more expensive than April due to Spring Break.
- Cons: Many skiers and snowboarders look forward to spring skiing each season. However, the warmer temperatures can lead to the potential for slushy and icy conditions. Those ski conditions can lead to limited and patchy terrain. Also, the slopes can be crowded at resorts at this time.
2. Thanksgiving (Late November)
Thanksgiving can be hit or miss for skiers and snowboarders based on their location throughout the country. The start of the ski season is a festive time when people are getting back on their skis or boards for the first time of the season. If given the opportunity, there are several benefits to heading to the mountains for early-season skiing.
- Pros: This is often the official start of the ski season in many regions, and you might get some excellent early-season powder if you choose a resort with a strong early-season snowfall record, such as Alta, Stowe, Wolf Creek, and Killington. Early season skiing also features fewer crowds and shorter lift lines, lower rates for accommodations and lift tickets, and fresh, untouched powder after early snowfall.
- Cons: Early-season conditions can be variable, which may lead to poor snow conditions, and not all terrain may be accessible yet. Some resorts may also only offer limited amenities, such as reduced services and dining options.
3. Christmas and New Year’s (Late December – Early January)
Most ski resorts around the country are open by this time, which means a lot more options for skiers and snowboarders to choose from. This time of the season also means that many people are off from work, and schools are closed for the holidays, which equates to the potential for overcrowding and higher prices.
- Pros: The ambiance is festive, and many resorts feature elaborate decorations and special holiday activities, such as torchlight parades and firework displays, at resorts like Steamboat, Colorado. This is also typically a time of abundant snow and ideal winter conditions. You may find some resorts, such as Sun Valley, less crowded than others during this time.
- Cons: This is one of the busiest and most expensive times to ski. Expect large crowds, long lift lines, and higher prices for accommodation and lift tickets.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Presidents’ Day (Mid-January & Mid-February)
These holidays are known throughout the ski industry as the two weekends that are typically the busiest during the season. Winter is usually in full swing, bringing consistently colder temperatures, which means better snow conditions and open terrain. Some skiers and snowboarders will avoid these weekends at all costs, but the numbers prove that people are still willing to go to the mountains anyway.
- Pros: These long weekends offer a convenient break for skiers who want to hit the slopes without taking too much time off work. Snow conditions are usually excellent during these months. These holidays typically coincide with the peak season, when resorts are fully operational and most facilities, terrain, and amenities are available.
- Cons: These are known to be peak season periods, meaning resorts will be very crowded and accommodation might be booked up months in advance. This often leads to higher rates for accommodations and lift tickets.
Navigating the ski season around key holidays can significantly enhance the overall experience on the mountain. While each holiday brings unique pros and cons, being aware of these patterns helps skiers and snowboarders plan more strategically. Whether guests are seeking fresh powder in November, family festivities in December, or warmer spring skiing in April, understanding the impact of major holidays and peak weekends can help you maximize your time and budget on the slopes. By planning, visitors can avoid the busiest periods or embrace them, depending on their goals for the season.
