Spring is that special time of the ski season for corn snow, sun-drenched après-ski, and fun events at ski resorts. While East Coast ski resorts don’t stay open as long as many of the ones out West, the spring ski season is just as fun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen. When you head East for spring skiing, plan on wonderful sunny ski days, though expect some icy mornings and slushy afternoons. Like much of skiing, timing is everything. We’ve picked a few of the best ski resorts for that classic East Coast spring skiing experience. For our broader list of the best resorts for spring skiing across North America, head to this article.
The Best East Coast Ski Resorts For Spring Skiing
Killington, Vermont
Any list of the best spring ski resorts should include Killington, the “Beast of the East”. Killington typically offers skiing and riding as late as Memorial Day in May. Don’t expect the full mountain adventure — historically, whatever snow is left late in the season gets pushed to Superstar. That often doesn’t happen until May, so you can expect more but still limited terrain options for most of the spring. There’s some corn snow fun when there’s a freeze at night and sunshine in the morning.
Note that late-season skiing and riding at Killington will be more for intermediate and advanced skiers. Killington regularly offers a spring pass good from around mid-March until the end of the season. It’s also good at neighboring Pico, conditions permitting. (See our list of some of the best spring ski passes.)
» Check out lodging options at Killington.
Whiteface at Lake Placid, New York
Spring has sprung by mid-March in the Adirondacks at Lake Placid. It often makes for the combined snowiest and sunniest time of the season thanks to Whiteface’s elevation at almost 5,000 feet. Think of Whiteface skiing like mashed potatoes, both heavy and soft. Spring corn snow is generally found higher up on steeper terrain. Your leg muscles may burn, but that’s when you can treat yourself after skiing at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. Swing into spring while you still can, as Whiteface often closes by early- to mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Whiteface.
Sugarloaf, Maine
As the self-proclaimed “King of Spring,” Sugarloaf truly comes alive in the warmer months. The winds die down, the temps rise, and the above-treeline skiing becomes more accessible and sought after. The mountain’s popular Reggae Fest event also happens in the spring, bringing guests from all over the East Coast to enjoy a weekend full of sunshine laps, slush bumps, silly costumes, and live music at the base. It’s one of the best ski events of the season. Sugarloaf retains much of its snow later than many other resorts in the area thanks to it boasting the second-highest peak in Maine. It usually closes in late April.
» Check out lodging options at Sugarloaf.
Sunday River, Maine
Spring at Sunday River is all about securing the best deck spot for après. While soft skiing is fun, there’s nothing like swapping out your goggles for shades and soaking in the warm sun with a cold beer. Lucky for you, Sunday River has numerous lodges with deck and dining options to suit your needs. From the Upper Deck at White Cap Lodge to the Barker Bar, you’ve got plenty of spots for a sunshine beer between hot laps. There’s also the beloved Foggy Goggle, which is considered as having the best nachos around. Sunday River likes to keep things spinning as long as possible, usually closing at the end of April or the beginning of May.
» Check out lodging options at Sunday River.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Enjoy the softer snow in the mornings and warmer weather in the afternoons when spring arrives to Stowe. Warmer weather in Northern Vermont brings some fun events, including the Mount Mansfield Ski Club’s Sugar Slalom. Junior racers and some members of the U.S. Ski Team ski in costumes, while live music and a post-ski barbecue goes down in the parking lot. Stowe typically closes in mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Stowe.
Jay Peak, Vermont
The snowiest mountain on the East Coast holds it down during the spring. Jay is the place to be for a less crowded spring skiing experience. Many city-dwelling East Coasters are not willing to make the trek up to Northern Vermont this late in the season, so lift lines shrink dramatically. Even though it’s late in the season, there’s still a lot of snow to be found, since Jay Peak often sees more snow than any other East Coast resort. You may even score a powder day, especially in March. And if you’re lucky, there will still be some of Jay’s famous tree skiing open.
» Check out lodging options at Jay Peak.
Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
Cannon is the highest ski area in the Granite State, taking skiers and riders up to 4,080 feet high. Mornings can be a little icy for skiers, while the sunny, corn-snow afternoons are always fun. Cannon’s plunging Front Five attracts spring experts, particularly on the slightly softer springtime moguls on Paulie’s Folly. Like most New Hampshire ski resorts, Cannon closes by early- to mid-April. If you’re making a long weekend of it, then check out nearby Loon Mountain Resort, which is usually open until mid-April.
» Check out lodging options at Cannon Mountain.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods and its historic Omni Mount Washington Resort make the perfect pair for a spring destination resort experience. The ski area is New Hampshire’s largest ski area, with 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding, and home to the state’s only 8-passenger gondola. Keep an eye out for when Bretton Woods announces its Spring Beach Party, one of the resort’s best events of the season, with a pond skim, beach-themed activities, and more. Bretton Woods typically stays open until early- to mid-April. Don’t miss the Rosebrook Lodge at the top of the gondola, which offers panoramic views of the Presidential Range. Bonus: Spring often means great deals at the hotel.
» Check out lodging options at Bretton Woods.
Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire
There’s always tons of activity in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While the nearby bowl at Tuckerman’s Ravine can be busy with skiers and riders earning their turns, Wildcat Mountain just next door typically has uncrowded slopes and no lift lines. Get in some soft turns, take in the fun spring vibes, and enjoy the views of Mt. Washington on a clear day. Wildcat’s 4,062 feet of elevation keeps snow on the mountain longer than many New England ski areas. Wildcat stays open until mid-April before transitioning to a popular summer hiking destination.
» Check out lodging options at Wildcat.
Jiminy Peak, Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak, as the largest ski and snowboard resort in Southern New England, is a fun ski resort for the entire family. One of Jiminy Peak’s most unique spring events is in early March when STRIDE Adaptive Sports welcomes regional Wounded Warrior rehabilitative sport and mentorship programs. Warriors and their families enjoy two days of skiing and snowboarding activities. With the support of STRIDE’s adaptive equipment and teaching methods, the veterans learn how to overcome injury challenges and enjoy independence and freedom through sport. Historically, the resort closes in late March or early April.
» Check out lodging options at Jiminy Peak.
More Spring Skiing Reading
- The best of spring skiing in North America
- Where to go spring skiing in the West
- Where to go spring skiing in the Midwest
- Where to go spring skiing in the Rockies
- Where to go spring skiing in Canada
Photo Header: ©Sundy River Resort
April 15, 2025
