[trip style = ski]
Imagine this: you get to the ski lift(s) and there are no line-ups; you have the mountain to yourself; you get a bronzed glow because it's sunny; you remove layers because it's hot. Fantasy? No. Reality? Yes.
Say NO to Spring Cleaning & YES to Spring Skiing April has arrived, which means the secret ski season is here. When most people are spring cleaning, working on the yard and dreaming about summer, there are a [smart] few who are skiing and boarding to their heart's content in some of the best conditions of the year. At the larger ski resorts across North America, don't let the icy/slushy conditions at the base fool you, mountains are high, so it's likely the peaks are still getting dusted with powder! Locals living in these resort areas LOVE April because the crowds have gone home, yet the snow is still good. Case in point, this past weekend at Whistler Blackcomb, there was over 50cm of fresh!
I like skiing in the regular season and do, but April and early May are my fave months to strap on my skis. Two years ago on May 3rd, I remember skiing in the morning (in decent snow) then spending the afternoon at the pool sipping Tom Collins--in bathing suits--with friends. Nothing epitomizes spring skiing better than that!
Reasons to Indulge in April Skiing - snow is still falling - lift tickets get cheaper as the season draws to an end - accommodation rates are usually 50-70% off winter highs - restaurants offer promotions to get 'bums in seats' for low season ---------------------- - no icy wind blasting your face at 50km/hour - enjoying apres outside in the sun - zinc and 80's skiwear...
So, get your skis shined up, grab a stick of juicy fruit, and get yourself to the closest ski resort for some April powder. What do have to lose?