As the storms roll through, well, pretty much everywhere at the moment, we’re getting into that magic time of year: March. From Alaska to Whistler to California, March tends to produce that perfect combination of deep pow and sunshine. With students from across North America about to embark on spring break, decisions must be made of where to go shred for your holiday away from your books.

But what’s in a good spring break skiing locale? A cool town and a good party scene are key, but really, you want somewhere the terrain is epic. So here are our ten favourite places to ski on your spring break.

TOP 10 PLACES TO SKI THIS SPRING BREAK:

Alyeska AK

Alyeska is often overlooked but it’s got a few things not many other places can boast. First, it’s in Alaska, which is reason enough to visit. Second, they get over 600 inches of snow a year. Yep. SIX HUNDRED. Lift lines don’t really exist here and pow days seem to last for a week. It’s also right on the edge of some of the most epic heliski and backcountry terrain in the world, with Chugach Powder Guides offering a helipad right in the resort. Girdwood is an awesome little mountain town with a great vibe. If you can swing it, this is probably our secret number one on this list.

Whistler Blackcomb BC

Yep. The bid daddy of them all. With storms already rolling into some of the best big mountain terrain on the continent and a nightlife unmatched anywhere else in the ski world, Whistler is number one on just about every list out there. The only downside? It’s BUSY. So busy, in fact, that if you’re going to go, bring your skins so you can get out of dodge and shred some lines away from the crowds.

Jackson Hole WY

It’s tough to beat Jackson. How many places in the world have terrain like Jackson Hole? Big vertical, unbelievably burly and epic lines and an awesome ski town make for one of the best spots in the US to spend your holiday. One word: TRAM.

Alyeska, AK.
photo: alyeska

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows CA

So maybe it gets as busy as Whistler, but who cares? With over 500 inches of snow, including 41″ of fresh in the last few days, Squaw is having the biggest year in its history. Why go? KT-22. Which pretty much sums that up. And if you want away from the Squaw crowds? Go to Alpine, it’s low key, more mellow and absolutely off the hook for terrain. For a better nightlife, stay right in Squaw and you can keep your ski boots on til bedtime.

Mammoth Mountain CA

Also having their biggest year ever, Mammoth has been going off all season. Amazing, big terrain, fantastic snow and that So Cal crowd that tends to migrate there gives Mammoth an eclectic mix of uber rich and ski bum that you won’t find anywhere else.

Kirkwood CA

Like everywhere else in the Sierras, Kirkwood is getting nuked on. Over 550 inches this year and it’s still dumping. Kirkwood is one of the best places to ski in the world. It’s also more under the radar than it’s glitzy Tahoe neighbours. Fantastic terrain, a more relaxed vibe and ridiculously awesome snow make it dirtbag heaven.

Revelstoke BC

Revelstoke Resort boasts the highest vertical drop in North America. At roughly 6000 feet, it’s got some massive runs. It’s also got some awesome big mountain terrain and has hosted freeski comps the last few years. Revy is an awesome town, almost entirely populated by professional athletes, guides and yoga instructors. It’s got a relaxed vibe, warm Canuck hospitality and some of the best snow and terrain in western Canada. The bonus here is about a dozen heliski and cat operators are based in Revelstoke, most notably Mica Heliskiing. So if you go, book some time in a helicopter.

Alta UT

Hmmm, let’s see. Why would you go to Alta? The driest snow in the world; htey’re having an epic season; the road closes during storms and makes for really small lift lines and…well…they only allow skiers. It’s also about 30min from the airport in Salt Lake, so you can take a bus, stay right in Alta and won’t need a car the entire time you are there.

Big Sky MT

Big sky, big country. Big Sky is a bit of an iconic place. The mountain itself is enormous and looks like something you’d find in the Alps or the Andes. It’s steep, has a massive alpine area and some of the toughest ski lines in the US. It’s also Montana. So it’s big country with wide open spaces, massive trucks and a friendliness you won’t find anywhere else in the west. If you can road trip this one, it’s worth it. There are also other, smaller spots like Moonlight Basin close by that are absolutely worth the visit.

Mt Baker WA

Last, but certainly not the least. In fact, it’s the most, as in Baker is the snowiest place in North America. They get an average 655″ of snow per year. They also hold the record for most snow in a season with 1140″. Yep, that’s almost a hundred feet. Located at the end of the road near the massive Mt Baker in the town of Glacier, Baker is a soul rider’s paradise. It’s home to some of the quirkiest and friendliest folks in the ski and snowboard world. It’s legendary for being deeper than anywhere so bring a snorkel.