Spring Ski Events 2026: Pond Skims, Festivals & Closing Dates Across the West
Spring doesn't end ski season.
It transforms it.
Across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest, late winter shifts into pond skims, base-area concerts, Pride weekends, beer festivals, beach-themed closing parties, and high-elevation laps that can stretch into May — and sometimes June.
If you're searching:
- Spring ski events 2026
- Ski resort pond skims
- Spring break skiing destinations
- Ski resort closing dates 2026
Late-season skiing in the West
Start here.
Below, you'll find region-by-region guides with confirmed 2026 event dates, projected closing windows, and what to expect from spring snow conditions.
Jump to Your Region
🏔️ Colorado Spring Ski Events (2026)
Colorado goes big in spring.
From WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat to Breckenridge's Peaks & Beats, Winter Park's Spring Bash & Splash, and Arapahoe Basin's late-season beer festivals, Colorado blends high-elevation terrain with full-scale base-area production.
Highlights include:
- WinterWonderGrass at Steamboat (February 27–March 1)
- Taste of Vail culinary festival (April 1–4)
- Winter Park Spring Bash & Splash (March 28–April 12)
- Breckenridge Peaks & Beats pond skim and concert (April 25–26)
- Arapahoe Basin operating into mid-June (projected June 14)
Most Colorado resorts close between early April and mid-May, with A-Basin traditionally running longest.
🏔️ Utah Spring Ski Events (2026)
Utah doesn't taper off. It shifts gears.
The Cottonwood Canyons often hold snow deep into April — and Snowbird can operate into late May. Across the Wasatch, pond skims, Pride rides, base-area concert series, and Easter programming mark the shift from powder to corn cycles.
Highlights include:
- Brighton Pride Ride and Utah Olympic Park Pond Skim (April 4)
- Alta Earth Day at Wildcat Base Area (April 12)
- Solitude Pond Skim Beach Party at Last Chance Lodge (April 18)
- Snowbird Plazapalooza outdoor concert series (weekends March 27–May 25)
- Alta and Snowbird holding snow quality latest — often into late May
🏔️ Montana Spring Ski Events (Big Sky 2026)
Montana spring skiing is quieter — but no less electric.
Big Sky's elevation and north-facing terrain hold snow quality deep into April. Fewer crowds, longer views, and high-alpine corn cycles under Lone Peak make it one of the West's most underrated spring destinations.
Highlights include:
- Spring Series free outdoor concerts (Saturdays: April 4, 11, 18, 25)
- Big Sky Pond Skim in The Bowl (April 11)
- Prime corn snow window early to mid-April
- Weekend-only operations April 17–26 (Friday–Sunday)
- Closing Weekend April 24–26
Daily operations run through April 12, with closing weekend April 24–26 (weather dependent).
🏔️ Washington Spring Ski Events (2026)
Spring in the Cascades feels different.
Less spectacle. More tradition. Community events, banked slaloms that feel like reunions, and closing weekends earned after a full Cascade winter.
Highlights include:
- Sturtevant's Spring Fling Demo Day at Stevens Pass (March 14)
- PacWest Banked Slalom at Summit East, Snoqualmie (March 13–15)
- MTN Pride at Crystal Mountain (March 20–22)
- Mt. Baker Golden Egg Hunt (April 4)
- Crystal Mountain Bikini Downhill, presented by Elysian Brewing (April 11)
- Stevens Pass Pond Skim (mid-April, TBA)
Crystal often runs into late May. Stevens and Snoqualmie typically close mid-to-late April. Cascade weather can swing fast — sun at noon, sleet by four.
When Is Spring Ski Season in the West?
Spring ski season generally runs from late February through June, depending on elevation and region. It unfolds in three phases:
Late February–Early March: Snowpack still building. Festival season opens — WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat, early demo days, and the first base-area concerts of spring.
Mid-March–Mid-April: Peak pond skim and closing weekend season. Most events across all four regions land in this window. Expect corn snow, costumes, and full base-area energy.
Late April–May (and June in Colorado): High-elevation terrain only. Arapahoe Basin, Snowbird, and Crystal Mountain are the standout late-season options.
Elevation matters:
- Colorado's Arapahoe Basin often skis into June (projected June 14)
- Utah's Snowbird can run into late May
- Crystal Mountain frequently operates into Memorial Day weekend
- Big Sky transitions to weekend-only operations in late April
Always confirm closing dates directly with each resort, as weather shifts schedules.
What to Expect From Spring Snow
Spring skiing follows a predictable rhythm — and knowing it makes a big difference.
Morning: Firm, edgeable snow. Best laps of the day on groomers and high-elevation terrain.
Late morning: Classic corn cycles kick in. Smooth, predictable surface that rewards any skill level.
Afternoon: Softer, heavier snow at lower elevations. Higher aspects and shaded terrain hold up longer.
That means timing matters more than terrain selection. Get up early, ski hard through midday, and let the afternoon handle itself.
For gear, a fresh spring wax makes a real difference in slushy conditions — see our Ski & Snowboard Tuning Guide for what to ask for before closing weekend. Not sure if your setup is ready for spring conditions? Start with our mid-season gear check.
For layering, spring requires flexibility — lightweight base layers, a breathable shell, SPF 50+, and the ability to move between goggles and sunglasses as the day opens up. Our What to Wear for Spring Skiing guide covers the full approach.
And if you're traveling with a mixed group — skiers, non-skiers, kids — our fun activities beyond skiing guide has ideas for keeping everyone occupied during pond skim weekends.
Which Region Is Right for You?
Four regions, four different spring personalities. Here's how to choose:
Go to Colorado if you want the biggest festival production — major live music events, large pond skim competitions, and the longest season in the country. Arapahoe Basin into June is unmatched. The tradeoff is crowds, especially at Breckenridge and Vail during event weekends.
Go to Utah if you want snow quality and a concert series that runs deep into May. Snowbird and Alta are the best in the West for holding late-season conditions. The Cottonwood Canyons also offer a compact resort cluster — Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are all within a short drive of each other.
Go to Big Sky if you want spring skiing without the spectacle. Fewer lift lines, serious high-alpine terrain under Lone Peak, free Spring Series concerts, and a closing weekend that feels more like a local celebration than a ticketed festival.
Go to Washington if you want backyard mountain culture and community events. Crystal Mountain's Bikini Downhill is one of the most photographed spring events in the country — but the Stevens Pass pond skim, PacWest Banked Slalom, and Baker's Golden Egg Hunt are where the real Cascade character shows up.
For a deeper look at late-season conditions across all four regions, see our guide to the best spring skiing in the Western US.
Planning a Spring Ski Trip?
Spring travel rewards preparation.
Rental inventory compresses as closing dates approach, and high-elevation resorts can extend weeks beyond others in the same region. Reserve rentals at least 24 hours in advance to save up to 20 percent and secure gear during peak pond skim and closing weekends.
Start at our rental help center to find the right setup, or find a Christy Sports location near your resort and get fitted before heading to the lift.
Why Spring Skiing Hits Different
Winter is about storms.
Spring is about celebration.
It's costumes on snow.
It's live music at 9,000 feet.
It's corn laps under bluebird skies.
It's closing weekends that feel earned.
From Lone Peak in Montana to the Cottonwoods in Utah, from Colorado's high-alpine basins to Washington's backyard Cascades — spring is when mountains loosen up.
Longer days. Softer turns. Fewer layers.
Last updated February 23, 2026. Event dates based on current resort announcements. Closing dates are projected and weather dependent — always confirm directly with each resort before finalizing travel plans.
Spring Ski Events 2026: Pond Skims, Festivals & Closing Dates Across the West
Spring doesn't end ski season.
It transforms it.
Across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest, late winter shifts into pond skims, base-area concerts, Pride weekends, beer festivals, beach-themed closing parties, and high-elevation laps that can stretch into May — and sometimes June.
If you're searching:
- Spring ski events 2026
- Ski resort pond skims
- Spring break skiing destinations
- Ski resort closing dates 2026
Late-season skiing in the West
Start here.
Below, you'll find region-by-region guides with confirmed 2026 event dates, projected closing windows, and what to expect from spring snow conditions.
Jump to Your Region
🏔️ Colorado Spring Ski Events (2026)
Colorado goes big in spring.
From WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat to Breckenridge's Peaks & Beats, Winter Park's Spring Bash & Splash, and Arapahoe Basin's late-season beer festivals, Colorado blends high-elevation terrain with full-scale base-area production.
Highlights include:
- WinterWonderGrass at Steamboat (February 27–March 1)
- Taste of Vail culinary festival (April 1–4)
- Winter Park Spring Bash & Splash (March 28–April 12)
- Breckenridge Peaks & Beats pond skim and concert (April 25–26)
- Arapahoe Basin operating into mid-June (projected June 14)
Most Colorado resorts close between early April and mid-May, with A-Basin traditionally running longest.
🏔️ Utah Spring Ski Events (2026)
Utah doesn't taper off. It shifts gears.
The Cottonwood Canyons often hold snow deep into April — and Snowbird can operate into late May. Across the Wasatch, pond skims, Pride rides, base-area concert series, and Easter programming mark the shift from powder to corn cycles.
Highlights include:
- Brighton Pride Ride and Utah Olympic Park Pond Skim (April 4)
- Alta Earth Day at Wildcat Base Area (April 12)
- Solitude Pond Skim Beach Party at Last Chance Lodge (April 18)
- Snowbird Plazapalooza outdoor concert series (weekends March 27–May 25)
- Alta and Snowbird holding snow quality latest — often into late May
🏔️ Montana Spring Ski Events (Big Sky 2026)
Montana spring skiing is quieter — but no less electric.
Big Sky's elevation and north-facing terrain hold snow quality deep into April. Fewer crowds, longer views, and high-alpine corn cycles under Lone Peak make it one of the West's most underrated spring destinations.
Highlights include:
- Spring Series free outdoor concerts (Saturdays: April 4, 11, 18, 25)
- Big Sky Pond Skim in The Bowl (April 11)
- Prime corn snow window early to mid-April
- Weekend-only operations April 17–26 (Friday–Sunday)
- Closing Weekend April 24–26
Daily operations run through April 12, with closing weekend April 24–26 (weather dependent).
🏔️ Washington Spring Ski Events (2026)
Spring in the Cascades feels different.
Less spectacle. More tradition. Community events, banked slaloms that feel like reunions, and closing weekends earned after a full Cascade winter.
Highlights include:
- Sturtevant's Spring Fling Demo Day at Stevens Pass (March 14)
- PacWest Banked Slalom at Summit East, Snoqualmie (March 13–15)
- MTN Pride at Crystal Mountain (March 20–22)
- Mt. Baker Golden Egg Hunt (April 4)
- Crystal Mountain Bikini Downhill, presented by Elysian Brewing (April 11)
- Stevens Pass Pond Skim (mid-April, TBA)
Crystal often runs into late May. Stevens and Snoqualmie typically close mid-to-late April. Cascade weather can swing fast — sun at noon, sleet by four.
When Is Spring Ski Season in the West?
Spring ski season generally runs from late February through June, depending on elevation and region. It unfolds in three phases:
Late February–Early March: Snowpack still building. Festival season opens — WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat, early demo days, and the first base-area concerts of spring.
Mid-March–Mid-April: Peak pond skim and closing weekend season. Most events across all four regions land in this window. Expect corn snow, costumes, and full base-area energy.
Late April–May (and June in Colorado): High-elevation terrain only. Arapahoe Basin, Snowbird, and Crystal Mountain are the standout late-season options.
Elevation matters:
- Colorado's Arapahoe Basin often skis into June (projected June 14)
- Utah's Snowbird can run into late May
- Crystal Mountain frequently operates into Memorial Day weekend
- Big Sky transitions to weekend-only operations in late April
Always confirm closing dates directly with each resort, as weather shifts schedules.
What to Expect From Spring Snow
Spring skiing follows a predictable rhythm — and knowing it makes a big difference.
Morning: Firm, edgeable snow. Best laps of the day on groomers and high-elevation terrain.
Late morning: Classic corn cycles kick in. Smooth, predictable surface that rewards any skill level.
Afternoon: Softer, heavier snow at lower elevations. Higher aspects and shaded terrain hold up longer.
That means timing matters more than terrain selection. Get up early, ski hard through midday, and let the afternoon handle itself.
For gear, a fresh spring wax makes a real difference in slushy conditions — see our Ski & Snowboard Tuning Guide for what to ask for before closing weekend. Not sure if your setup is ready for spring conditions? Start with our mid-season gear check.
For layering, spring requires flexibility — lightweight base layers, a breathable shell, SPF 50+, and the ability to move between goggles and sunglasses as the day opens up. Our What to Wear for Spring Skiing guide covers the full approach.
And if you're traveling with a mixed group — skiers, non-skiers, kids — our fun activities beyond skiing guide has ideas for keeping everyone occupied during pond skim weekends.
Which Region Is Right for You?
Four regions, four different spring personalities. Here's how to choose:
Go to Colorado if you want the biggest festival production — major live music events, large pond skim competitions, and the longest season in the country. Arapahoe Basin into June is unmatched. The tradeoff is crowds, especially at Breckenridge and Vail during event weekends.
Go to Utah if you want snow quality and a concert series that runs deep into May. Snowbird and Alta are the best in the West for holding late-season conditions. The Cottonwood Canyons also offer a compact resort cluster — Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are all within a short drive of each other.
Go to Big Sky if you want spring skiing without the spectacle. Fewer lift lines, serious high-alpine terrain under Lone Peak, free Spring Series concerts, and a closing weekend that feels more like a local celebration than a ticketed festival.
Go to Washington if you want backyard mountain culture and community events. Crystal Mountain's Bikini Downhill is one of the most photographed spring events in the country — but the Stevens Pass pond skim, PacWest Banked Slalom, and Baker's Golden Egg Hunt are where the real Cascade character shows up.
For a deeper look at late-season conditions across all four regions, see our guide to the best spring skiing in the Western US.
Planning a Spring Ski Trip?
Spring travel rewards preparation.
Rental inventory compresses as closing dates approach, and high-elevation resorts can extend weeks beyond others in the same region. Reserve rentals at least 24 hours in advance to save up to 20 percent and secure gear during peak pond skim and closing weekends.
Start at our rental help center to find the right setup, or find a Christy Sports location near your resort and get fitted before heading to the lift.
Why Spring Skiing Hits Different
Winter is about storms.
Spring is about celebration.
It's costumes on snow.
It's live music at 9,000 feet.
It's corn laps under bluebird skies.
It's closing weekends that feel earned.
From Lone Peak in Montana to the Cottonwoods in Utah, from Colorado's high-alpine basins to Washington's backyard Cascades — spring is when mountains loosen up.
Longer days. Softer turns. Fewer layers.
Last updated February 23, 2026. Event dates based on current resort announcements. Closing dates are projected and weather dependent — always confirm directly with each resort before finalizing travel plans.
