There’s a saying in Vermont, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute,” and this is particularly true in March. While Mother Nature is tempting us with hints of spring, Old Father Winter is holding on tight this year, delivering some of the best snow we’ve seen all season up in the mountains. Here in Stowe we have received over five feet of new snow so far during the month of March! Whenever friends and family ask me about the best time to plan a ski trip, I always say March…there’s lots of snow, the sun is warm, the slopes are less crowded, and many mountains offer discounted “late season” tickets and deals.
For those of you not quite ready to leave the ski season behind, here’s a round up of some of the best spring skiing deals for families. For a complete listing check out Ski Vermont’s Events & Deals page, which is updated regularly with the latest offerings.
Unlimited Skiing through the End of the Season
If you’re planning to buy a season pass next year, now is the time! Many ski areas are offering free skiing for the remainder of the season with the purchase of a 2014-2015 season pass.
Okemo Spring Skiesta Card: $99 gets you unrestricted skiing through the end of the season at Okemo. Plus, if you purchase a season’s pass for next year, that $99 is applied to the cost of next year’s pass.
Magic Mountain is offering the new Spring 3 pass for $89, good any day through the end of the season (they currently plan to be open until April 6, 2014). The Spring 3 pass must be purchased online.
The Sugarbush Spring 2014 Pass is $199 (for all ages) and valid any day through the end of the season.
Ski & Stay Deals
Smugglers’ Notch: Through April 5, Smuggs’ is offering ski and stay packages starting at $89 for kids and $119 for adults. The package includes lodging, lift tickets, access to their “Fun Zone,” snow tubing, and swimming in their indoor pool.
Jay Peak starts their ski and stay discounted packages in April, with rates starting at $178 per night for a family of four!
Topnotch Resort in Stowe is offering a Shades of Spring package with rates starting at $176 per person that includes a lift ticket to Stowe, accommodations at Topnotch, 20% of rental equipment, and the chance to win a return trip next season.
Discounted Lift Tickets
Late season rates are generally in effect around the beginning of April, so you can expect a discounted ticket at many of Vermont ski resorts. It also pays to buy your tickets online in advance, as there is usually an additional discount there. You may have to do some digging to find the best deals, but they’re out there. Just a few examples– at Sugarbush, Thursday’s in March are $30 at Mt. Ellen, Bolton has night skiing and riding from 4-8 p.m. for $19 (with $2 pizza slices in the lodge), and Stowe’s rates drop from $98 to $68 for an adult lift ticket.
Another tip: If there’s a particular mountain you love, sign up for their newsletter. That’s where they’ll be advertising last minute deals and promotions. There’s still a lot of great skiing and riding to be had this spring…Enjoy!
A native Vermonter, Emily grew up skiing at Saskadena Six and Mt. Snow, and now lives in Stowe with her husband and two sons. The lone skier in a family of snowboarders, Emily spends her winter between the mountain and the Nordic trails, and still finds fresh snow on a Vermont morning breathtaking.