Enthusiasts of snow sports can hit the slopes even as late as summer at certain resorts throughout the nation, even though warmer temperatures usually signal the conclusion of the skiing season.
Although America's ski season typically spans from November to early April — which is soon approaching — enthusiasts of wintry pursuits can relish in mountain vistas and snow-covered landscapes all the way till August.
A list compiled by National Geographic unveiled seven ski resorts for skiers and snowboarders who aren't quite ready to part with their favorite pastimes.
Certainly, the duration of the season can differ because of various elements such as how often it snows, temperature levels, where the resort is situated, its elevation, and the capability to produce artificial snow. According to Snow Skool .
The resort's widespread appeal is another factor, as they have to determine whether extending their operating season beyond what was initially planned would still be financially viable.
Visiting ski resorts towards the end of the season offers numerous advantages such as fewer people on the slopes and at facilities, along with more affordable ticket prices.
Although these seven resorts provide skiing slopes deep into summer, several others have closed prematurely, bringing their seasons to an earlier conclusion. Ski Southeast reported.
Nevertheless, these resorts offer extensive ski seasons, allowing snow enthusiasts to enjoy the chill while others endure the warmth.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
The Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is renowned for boasting the most extended snow season across all of North America.
The previous season broke records by running from December 2, 2023, until August 18, 2024. During this time, the resort experienced an impressive 611 inches of documented snowfall.
According to the information provided, the lodge also provides summer-specific snow-related activities such as summer snow camps and various training programs. resort's website .
According to National Geographic, Olympic athletes and professional racers often converge at this location during the summertime to keep up with their training.
Timberline also highlights its winter sports activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, such as snowshoeing—basically hiking through the snow—and excursions on a machine known as a snowcat, which offers thrilling journeys along beautiful trails.
According to the lodge, their snow season is set to last at least until the end of May.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain is a spectacular West Coast option for prolonged skiing, National Geographic reported.
The massive peak has an altitude of 11,053 feet above sea level and receives an average of 400 inches of snow each year.
Winter gales assist the resort in remaining operational for an extended period because they create thick snow layers that remain stable even when temperatures increase.
It is anticipated this year that the Mammoth Resort will shut down on Memorial Day, which falls on May 26. On the Snow .
However, it has endured beyond the holidays in previous years. Its most extended documented snow season took place from 1994 to 1995, with the resort operating from October 8 to August 13 during that period.
Mammoth Mountain is referred to as the highest lift-serviced four-season resort and playground in California, according to its description. website .
The resort also features June Mountain, offering a more family-oriented and beginner-friendly skiing experience. stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada and is usually less crowded compared to Mammoth Mountain.
Mount Bohemia, Michigan
Mount Bohemia is a favorite destination for experienced snow enthusiasts due to its challenging landscape and untamed trails, as noted by its description. website .
'It's a throwback to old European ski resorts were you skied and you skied hard,' Bohemia President Lonie Glieberman told the Pawonation.
One of the resort's most unique feature is the breathtaking Nordic spa that has hot tubs, saunas and pools.
'Böhmen transforms into a winter wonderland during the spring and off-season, with skiing and snowboarding dominating mornings, followed by folks diving into the Nordic spa around two o\'clock,' Glieberman elaborated.
'Thus, essentially the afternoon transforms into a massive après-ski celebration, which we believe is one of the most awesome ski destinations globally.'
The previous winter season saw an early end for Midwest skiing when Mount Bohemia shut down operations on March 3rd—a date significantly sooner than normal—owing to unseasonably warm conditions and below-average snowfall.
It was an unprecedentedly low snowfall year in the Midwest last year," Glieberman stated. "The records show it as the least snowy season in Bohemian history, accompanied by unusually high temperatures.
Typically, the season spans from November until late April. However, they have often prolonged the season into May as well.
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin, commonly referred to as A-Basin, holds the distinction of being the highest ski resort in North America with an elevation of 13,050 feet.
The slope's height gives the resort an advantage and allows it to stay snowy long after other Colorado resorts have to shutter for the season.
Atop our premier mountain, we prioritize quality above all else rather than focusing solely on quantity. We strive to maintain this as a picturesque and relaxed skiing destination where you can enjoy ample space both on the slopes and at the bar. This commitment contributes to why we're consideredLegendary for good reason," explained Shayna Silverman, the Communications Manager at Arapahoe Basin, to Pawonation.
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Arapahoe Basin provides 1,400 acres of skiable terrain for guests.
The tourist season at these resorts usually stretches into June and occasionally lasts till early July. This year, the closure of the resort is anticipated for June 8th.
Following a day of skiing in the sunshine, visitors can make their way to The Beach, a meeting place located at the foot of the mountain.
'The Beach is where you want to be whether you are racking up Pali laps all day or you don't ski at all and just want to hang out where the fun is,' the website reads.
Alyeska Resort, Alaska
This iconic resort is the only one in the continent where guests can see snowy mountains, glaciers and the ocean all in one place, according to National Geographic.
Located within the Chugach Mountains of south-central Alaska, Alyeska often sees fresh snowfall in April, helping to elongate the season.
The areas sees roughly 669 inches of snow each year and has more than 1,610 skiable acres.
In springtime, Alaska enjoys 15 hours of sunlight, which allows skiers to remain on the slopes as late as around 8 pm during mid-March to early April.
This year, the expected closing date is April 27, as per the information provided. SnowPak .
'From its reputation of "steep and deep" for experts to its range of easy runs for beginners and wealth of intermediate trails in between, you can find the ski experience you want at Alyeska,' the resort wrote on its website .
Sugarloaf, Maine
Although spring skiing on the East Coast may involve some risk, this particular resort in Maine has shown it can handle anything that comes its way.
Sugarloaf maintains approximately 70 percent of its land accessible until April or early May - largely undisturbed.
It stands out as the sole East Coast destination for above-tree line skiing, allowing visitors to glide down slopes where trees do not grow due to the elevation.
The mountain boasts the tallest skiable summit in the state, standing at 4,237 feet, as stated by its official sources. website .
Regardless of ski conditions, the lifts stay open until early May of the resort's annual Reggae Festival that attracts tens of thousands from all around the world.
The vibrant occasion encompasses four consecutive days of continuous celebrations at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird sees 500 inches of annual snowfall, has 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and is open to skiers until May every year.
Last season, the Utah getaway spot closed its slopes on May 27, according to SnowPac .
May storms have even been known to bring fresh snow to the mountain, allowing it to stay open until later in the season.
In that same breath, one of the upsides about visiting Snowbird in April or May is that skiers can enjoy the snow covered terrain without heavy flurries in their face like they would see in the middle of winter.
Snowbird's website provides outdoor activities appropriate for individuals of various age groups and experience levels, thus serving as an ideal destination for family trips.
Skiing late in the season has become increasingly uncommon.
Although late-season skiing offers clear advantages, with some resorts managing to maintain nearly continuous operations throughout the year, climate change poses a significant threat to the ski industry.
The warming trend in the mountainous areas of the United States has exceeded the global average, significantly impacting the snow sports tourism sector, as reported. 2024 study .
It is expected that by the 2050s, the duration of snow seasons could decrease by between 14 to 62 days, varying according to different levels of carbon emissions.
Other studies indicate that climate change has affected various areas unevenly.
Winter is the fastest-warming season in the US, resulting in decreased snowfall in most places, according to Climate Central data from 2023.
Out of the 2,041 locations studied, two-thirds of them got less snow than in the 1970s. The remaining regions actually saw an increase in snowfall.
The research states: "Climate change influences the timing, location, and quantity of snowfall, along with spring snowmelt patterns, in intricate manners."
Read more
Post a Comment