For some reason, most skiers & snowboarders visit ski resorts mid-winter. In December, there’s a good chance most terrain isn’t open yet. January may have a break in-between storm cycles causing icy conditions. February can be good, but it can also be fickle. Skiing In March is perfection. Despite the calendar saying spring, it’s the BEST month to plan a ski trip and here’s why along with 6 of the best places to go skiing in March.
Biggest Snow Month For MANY
No matter how bad of a snow season it’s been, for some reason March is magical. For A LOT of regions in North America, this is their BIGGEST month of snowfall. This includes resorts in places like Colorado, New Mexico, and even Lake Tahoe.
Shout Out To Miracle March
Lake Tahoe’s Marches are so legendary that they’ve become colloquially known as “Miracle March.” Even in a “famine” year, you can pretty much be guaranteed that storms will return and provide some of the good stuff from up above.
What About Utah?
We know someone is ready to drop the “big air” question: What about Utah? Based on long-term averages, Utah’s snowfall is extremely consistent, so there isn’t really a single “best” month for snow. From December through March, nearly every month averages around 80 inches.
Deep Snowpack
Another thing that makes skiing in March the best month to go is that it’s the deepest the snowpack will be in the season. When people visit a destination, you want the chance to ski EVERYTHING, but if you visit too early, a lot of terrain might be closed. For example, in Taos you need at least five FEET of snow before most of the terrain is skiable. This time of year, it’s almost a sure bet every lift and trail will be open.
Sun, Sun, & More Sun
We’re suckers for storm skiing. We live for soft snow… but we have to admit, if it isn’t snowing, it’s pretty nice to be out there in the warm sunshine. By this time of year, storms seem to arrive quickly, deposit a bunch of snow, and depart even quicker. In between these storms you’ll find plenty of sunshine, and even if the temperature reads cold, it’ll feel MUCH warmer due to how high the sun gets in the sky.
Corn Hunting Season Arrives
After powder, our second favorite type of snow is corn. Instead of waiting for the next storm, corn snow is all about timing. If Mother Nature whips you up a batch and you do get to experience it, you’ll be hooked for life.
Shenanigans
The snow is soft. The sun is high up in the sky. There’s plenty of daylight left after the lifts close. You can enjoy sipping a barley pop on the deck. BBQ some great food. Soak in a hot tub. If you’re an active person that needs more outdoor time, there’s a good chance you can combine your ski vacation with other activities like hiking, shoving off on a bike ride, or even getting a round of golf in.
Crowds Are Dwindling
People’s minds are beginning to drift to other activities like baseball. Heading to the beach. Riding their bike. Even the busiest destinations are finally letting out a sigh of relief. Skiing in March usually means shorter lift lines which translates to more vertical. There’s also a good chance you’ll find bigger discounts.
Where To Go
Now that we’ve got you interested in the idea of skiing in March, the question is where? Instead of an exhaustive list, we opted for sharing a good sampling from across the nation that most often offer great skiing this time of year. If you want an in-depth review of the 10 best spring skiing destinations and why, you need to read our article: The 10 Best Spring Skiing Resorts In North America.
Taos
Why Taos is the Best for Skiing in March
- Epic snow preservation: High elevation and a whopping 65% north-facing slopes means trails stay in condition
- Peak snowfall: Deepest snowpack of the season and March is Taos’ snowiest month
- Après-ski charm: From cozy cafés to art galleries, the town of Taos is a must-visit off the slopes
Ever since our first trip to Taos Ski Valley, we’ve been hooked. Skiing in March means slightly warmer temperatures than midwinter, but thanks to the resort’s high elevation and prominent northerly slopes, you can still expect the deepest snowpack of the season and true mid-winter conditions. March is also the snowiest month of the year for Taos. And once you’ve had your fill of the slopes, the town of Taos itself is well worth exploring.
Winter Park
Why Winter Park is the Best for Skiing in March
- Peak March snowfall: March is Winter Park’s snowiest month, delivering frequent refreshes and legit powder days
- Terrain for every rider: Mellow cruisers, Mary Jane’s iconic bumps, and Vazquez Cirque steeps
- Divide-driven storms: Spring systems along the Continental Divide can deliver extra snowfall
If you’re looking for a Front Range mountain with a laid-back vibe, Winter Park hits just right. It’s known for its friendly intermediate terrain, but don’t get it twisted—there’s plenty of expert goodness if you know where to look. Mary Jane brings the legendary bumps and steeps, and Vazquez Cirque is always worth a toe dip when it’s open.
March is also Winter Park’s snowiest month, so when storms roll through, make a beeline for Summit Express to score fresh turns in the chutes and glades. Add in its spot right next to the Continental Divide, and you get those classic spring setups where moisture from the Great Plains sneaks in and stacks up extra snow. We’ve seen it happen more than once.
Palisades Tahoe (Palisades and Alpine sides)
Why Palisades Tahoe is the Best for Skiing in March
- Miracle March snowfall: March often delivers some of Tahoe’s biggest storms, even in below-average winters
- Longest season mindset: Palisades consistently pushes for the longest season in Tahoe, often skiing into late spring
- Prime spring conditions: Multiple aspects create fresh snow during storms and classic corn cycles between them
After more than 10 years of living in Lake Tahoe, I can confidently say that “Miracle March” is less miracle and more the status quo. Even in the leanest winters, March almost always delivers. You can’t go wrong with any Lake Tahoe ski resort, but the self-proclaimed spring skiing capital, Palisades Tahoe, lives up to the hype by consistently pushing for the longest season in the region. In good years, that means skiing through at least Memorial Day.
With wide-open terrain and multiple aspects, Palisades sets up perfectly for classic spring conditions with fresh snow during storms and prime corn to harvest in between. And once the lifts stop spinning, head to the Chammy for a couple of well-earned brews.
Local Freshies® Tip: Get a Buddy Pass at Le Chamois for $120 which is good for 20 pints of Budweiser or a Premium Pint Pass for 20 premium beers.
Banff Sunshine Village / Lake Louise
Why Sunshine Village is the Best for Skiing in March
- Peak snowpack: By March, gradual accumulation and high altitude create the deepest, best-preserved snow of the season
- Milder spring temps: Sun-tracked warmer days make skiing more enjoyable while still staying mostly below freezing
- Expert terrain access: Iconic runs like Delirium Dive and Wild West are most likely to be open
March tends to be the best month for skiing at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise for several reasons. First, like Colorado’s storm track, snow accumulates gradually, so it takes time for the snowpack to build. By March, the snowpack is at its deepest, and the high altitude helps preserve it very well. March is also one of the snowiest months, comparable to December.
Visiting in mid-winter means extremely cold conditions, with temperatures averaging between 5 and 23 degrees and deep freezes common. By March, as the sun tracks higher, temperatures are milder tending to still be below freezing, but making skiing more enjoyable. Finally, the expert terrain at Sunshine Village, including Delirium Dive and Wild West, is most likely to be open.
Sugarloaf
Why Sugarloaf is the Best for Skiing in March
- Late-season snowfall: March still brings regular snow on the East Coast, keeping coverage strong
- Cold-preserving location: High elevation and a northerly latitude help maintain winter conditions
- Classic spring vibes: Warmer temps unlock “the Beach” for sun, snow, and laid-back après at the base
Although the East Coast doesn’t see its deepest snowfall typically in March, you’ll usually find quite a bit of the white stuff still falling this time of year. The “Loaf” as it’s known has two main factors helping it be a great spot for skiing in March. It has elevation AND a northerly location. During the mid-winter months, it can be frigid so this time of year is your opportunity to enjoy what is called the “Beach.” Located in front of the base lodge, you’ll find sun, snow, and some Adirondacks to enjoy the spring days.
Boyne Highlands
Why Boyne is the Best for Skiing in March
- Northern advantage: Heading north in the Midwest delivers the best spring skiing conditions
- Cold + snowmaking: Proximity to Lake Michigan and commitment to snowmaking into the late season help preserve coverage into spring
- Extended seasons: A rivalry between Mt. Bohemia and Boyne Mountain has pushed closing dates to Memorial Day
Just like on the East Coast, spring skiing in the Midwest is all about heading north. I still remember my first spring break ski trip as a kid, with warm temperatures, tons of sunshine, and my first taste of corn snow.
Thanks to a strong commitment to snowmaking and cooler spring temperatures from nearby Lake Michigan, snow conditions tend to hold up later in the season. And since 2018, a friendly rivalry between Mt. Bohemia in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Boyne Mountain has pushed both resorts to see just how long they can keep lifts running. The result? Closing dates that can now stretch all the way to Memorial Day.
So, if you want to learn the in’s & outs of skiing in March, what gear to bring, & why it’s our favorite time to go on a ski vacation, check out our comprehensive spring skiing guide.
