Booking a snowboarding trip is largely about timing. It can be tricky to choose the best time, especially if you have a larger group, as it can be like herding cats. Understanding the snowboarding season’s beginning and end can make it easier to plan a last-minute trip or squeeze one into your schedule.
Most ski resorts in the US and Canada open between late November and early December. They usually close between late March and early April. However, this often depends on snowfall. Therefore, you should check for the most up-to-date information before packing your board bag.
In this article, I will talk about the beginning and end of the snowboarding season. I will cover ski resorts’ opening and closing dates in the most popular US states and Canadian provinces.
Why Do Resorts Open At Different Times?
Before I go into the details of opening and closing dates, you need to understand why they vary in different resorts. The primary reason for the differences is their geography.
Ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to open earlier and stay open longer, as their colder temperatures keep the snow in good condition.
In addition to altitude, the resort’s location plays a part in opening and closing dates.
For example, one resort may receive more snow than another at a similar altitude due to how it is affected by local weather systems.
However, even if a ski resort has plenty of snow, it will still close on a specific date. This may seem silly, but there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, there may not be enough people visiting to warrant keeping the lifts running. Operating a ski lift costs a lot of money due to electricity, maintenance, and personnel costs.
So, switching the lifts off makes financial sense if there is not enough lift ticket money coming in.
Other reasons for closing a ski resort include the ending of staff contracts, the need for maintenance, and preparing for the upcoming summer season.
Beginning and End Dates In Popular US And Canadian Resorts
If you’re planning a snowboarding trip for this winter, here are some of the opening and closing dates for the most popular ski resorts in the US states and Canadian provinces.
1. California
The snowboarding season in California usually begins in November and lasts until May. However, some resorts stay open even into June, offering lots of slushy fun.
Some of the top ski resorts in California include Palisades, Mammoth Mountain, and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Palisades is the largest ski resort in California and offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels.
Its season usually runs from mid-November to mid-May. However, in recent years, the resort has opened as early as mid-November and closed as late as early June.
Mammoth Mountain is famous for its excellent snowboarding terrain, snowparks, and halfpipes; it is genuinely snowboarding heaven.
Like Palisades, the winter season in Mammoth Mountain also runs from mid-November to late May or into early June.
But the resort has opened as early as mid-October and closed as late as early July in some years with exceptional snow coverage.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, located in South Lake Tahoe. This is one of those ski resorts offering stunning views of Lake Tahoe while providing some of the best snowboarding terrain in the state.
You can expect to ride Heavenly between mid-November and mid-April. But, in the past, it has opened in mid-November and closed as late as early May. It’s the ideal destination to work on your goggle tan!
2. Colorado
The snowboarding season in Colorado generally runs from early November to early June, with some resorts staying open until July.
Some of Colorado’s best ski resorts for snowboarding include Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen Snowmass.
Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the world and offers more than 5,200 acres of terrain. Its winter season typically runs from mid-November to mid-April.
However, snowboarders have been shredding from early November to the end of April in some years. This is the same story for Breckenridge and Aspen Snowmass.
Breckenridge has an excellent reputation for its fantastic terrain parks and halfpipes. While Aspen Snowmass is famous for its chic style and first-class customer service.
3. Michigan
Michigan’s winter season usually runs from late November and lasts until mid-April.
The state is home to Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, and Nub’s Nob, all of which open and close on similar dates for the winter.
Boyne Mountain is the largest ski resort in Michigan. It offers 60 runs ranging from beginner to advanced levels, serviced by 12 lifts.
It has a vertical drop of 500 feet and receives an average of 140 inches of snowfall each year. Crystal Mountain has over 50 downhill slopes, a terrain park, and a halfpipe.
Nub’s Nob is also a great option for snowboarders, as it is known for its excellent snow conditions and challenging terrain, making it ideal for more advanced riders.
4. Utah
You can typically snowboard in Utah from mid-November to mid-April, with some resorts staying open until early May. Utah is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, including Park City Mountain.
Park City Mountain is the US’s largest ski resort, offering more than 7,300 acres of terrain.
If you like to catch some airtime, you’ll be glad to know it is home to some of the country’s best terrain parks and halfpipes. You’ll love making park laps in a hoodie and your spring riding gear.
Do check out my article on places in Utah which allow snowboarding to find more such spots.
5. Wyoming
The snowboarding season in Wyoming usually starts in late November and lasts until mid-April. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Wyoming.
This is one of the world’s most challenging and sought-after ski resorts and home to the GOAT himself, Travis Rice.
Jackson Hole is known for its steep runs and deep powder snow, which attracts advanced snowboarders from all over the world. The resort typically stays open until early April.
Still, some years it may remain open until the end of the month, allowing you to squeeze in an extra slushy trip before the lifts stop turning.
6. Vermont
Vermont’s snowboarding season generally starts in mid-November and finishes in mid-April. Vermont is home to some excellent ski resorts that attract snowboarders every year.
Some great examples of Vermont ski resorts include Killington Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort.
Vermont’s largest ski resort, Killington, offers more than 1,500 acres of terrain, including six terrain parks and a halfpipe.
However, Stowe Mountain Resort is an excellent choice if you want to experience expert-level runs and challenging terrain. Still, it also offers plenty of options for beginners and intermediate shredders.
7. Quebec
The snowboarding season in Quebec usually starts in mid-November and lasts until late April or early May. Quebec is home to several ski resorts, but one of the most popular ones is Mont-Tremblant Resort.
Mont-Tremblant is located about 80 miles northwest of Montreal and offers more than 700 acres of terrain, including four terrain parks and a halfpipe.
The resort is unique due to its European-style village, which features shops, restaurants, a wide range of places to stay, and bars to finish your day on the mountain with style.
8. Alberta
If you’ve never snowboarded in Alberta, I can highly recommend it. The snowboarding season typically starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-May.
Alberta has several ski resorts, including Banff, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise. Banff is located in Banff National Park and offers more than 7,700 acres of terrain.
You can also enjoy three terrain parks and a halfpipe. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a short drive from Banff and provides more than 4,200 acres of terrain, including one terrain park and one halfpipe.
9. British Columbia
Ski resorts in British Columbia usually switch their lifts on in mid-November until late April or early May.
This province is home to some of North America’s largest and most popular ski resorts, including the legendary Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb offers over 8,100 acres of terrain, including five terrain parks and two halfpipes.
Skiers and snowboarders head to the resort to experience incredible snow conditions, stunning scenery, and world-class facilities. It is also a popular mountain bike destination once the snow has melted.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the snowboarding season in the US and Canadian ski resorts is quite similar. However, the season may be extended or shortened slightly depending on snow coverage.
With this in mind, remember to check each resort’s opening and closing dates before you plan your trip. It is also a good idea to be always prepared for changing weather conditions.
You’ll often experience beautiful sunny days, but it can rain a lot too.