Winter’s not over yet; but if you didn’t purchase a season pass you might be missing out on some of the best skiing of the season. Tahoe is known for warm, sunny days on the hill with snow lasting well into May in average snowfall years. The savvy skier or rider will know how to save money and keep sliding until the lifts stop turning.
Courtesy of Mt. Rose
One way to save money on spring skiing is by purchasing your season pass for next season this spring. While it seems like a gamble to buy a pass before the weatherman begins to speculate how much snow old man winter will deliver, purchasing a pass in spring guarantees the lowest prices and most resorts allow buyers to begin using the pass immediately, meaning that you can ski the rest of this season for free. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows take it one step further with a worry-free guarantee. For any season pass that is used less than five days, the resort offers credit toward a future pass purchase.
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“Don’t let the warm weather fool you. Some of the
best skiing of the season is yet to come.”
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What if you’re still not sure where you want to ski next season? Resorts have partnered to offer a variety of season passes that can be used across the nation, and sometimes even worldwide. For example, the Mountain Collective pass offers two free days and $50 tickets every day after that at select resorts around the world including Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and resorts in Utah, Colorado, Canada, Japan and Australia. Buy one now to lock in the lowest price of $399.
As part of the Powder Alliance, purchasing a pass at Sierra-at-Tahoe gives skiers and riders access to resorts including Stevens Pass in Washington, Bridger Bowl in Montana and Angel Fire in New Mexico among others. Similarly, purchasing a pass to Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood gives skiers and riders access to other resorts owned by Vail Resorts for the low price of $529. As well, Vail Resorts allows riders to make a down payment of $49 now and pay the rest next fall.
If you’re not ready to commit to a season pass, it’s still possible to save on daily lift tickets. When booking lodging for a spring skiing weekend, be sure to ask about lift ticket discounts. Many local hotels offer ski and stay packages. Lastly, check out Web sites such as liftopia.com for discounted daily lift tickets.
Don’t let the warm weather fool you. Some of the best skiing of the season is yet to come. There’s no better way to spend a spring day than a morning on the mountain and an afternoon on the beach.
Projected resort closing dates*
ASC Training Center | April 10
Alpine Meadows | May 30
Boreal | April 17
Diamond Peak | April 17
Donner Ski Ranch | Open as conditions permit
Heavenly | April 17
Homewood | April 10
Kirkwood | TBD
Mt. Rose | May 8
Northstar | April 17
Royal Gorge | TBD
Sierra-at-Tahoe | Mid-April
Squaw Valley | May 30
Sugar Bowl | TBD
Tahoe Donner Cross Country | April 17
Tahoe Donner Downhill | April 10
*Closure dates are dependent on conditions
