We are looking for spring break suggestions for the last week of March this year. The crazy weather patterns have made me wonder if the usual spring break recommendations online hold true. We are two teens and parents, all intermediate skiers. Teens like everything, including park skiing, parents are more groomed runs. We are open to West, Canada, and Europe, but will only have about ten days coming from the Midwest. Looking forward to suggestions!
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Last week of March
- Thread starter Gmgirl
- Start date
AltaEgo
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
We went to Banff, Canada. SkiBig3 is a pass program that has skiing at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay. They have deals with IKON andMountain Collective but you can just buy the SkiBig3 tickets. Sunshine has above tree line skiing. Lake Louise has great trails, lots of intermediate runs with great snow. We went in late March, and their season is until early May. Fly to Calgary, rent a car, and you have access to the three Big3 hills. Panorama, Kicking Horse, and a couple of heliskiing operations are nearby. Lots of accommodations, things to see and do (hot springs, ice climbing, snow cat tours, sled dog rides, etc.). And a good exchange rate.
Christy
Angel Diva
I think the Banff areas mentioned above are a great idea. I agree that it's so hard to predict conditions, but at least up there you have stellar scenery, a town (Banff) with a variety of lodging and dining, hot springs, the possibility of a drive on Icefields Parkway (all the way up to Jasper if you want)...I think even if conditions weren't ideal, there would be plenty to keep you happy. And you might have a better chance of good conditions that far north than in US areas (I don't have data to support this, it's just so far north and I've been in April with plenty of fresh snow).
marzNC
Angel Diva
Welcome! Even though I have great fun doing a late season trip to Alta, Banff was the first to come to mind. Many families make spring break plans the fall before. So getting lodging at relatively few big mountains that usually have good snow the last week of March could be pricey and/or difficult to find at all.
The recommendations based on historical snow conditions during late season on this website by Tony Crocker probably still hold true.
Your Guide to Snowfall - Main Page
The most complete, comprehensive and objective guide to snowfall--and both prevailing and expected snow conditions--at North America's ski resorts ever published
bestsnow.net
Do you all ski full days? Slopeside lodging or is driving a rental car 20-45 minutes okay?
marzNC
Angel Diva
I have an impression that Winter Park is good late season. So is Breck. Although for some people the high altitude that mean sleeping at over 9000 ft makes it hard for a spring break trip.
A consideration for a family of 4 who don't have Ikon or Epic is the cost of lift tickets at any destination resort in the USA. Could make flying to Europe a sensible choice for someone on the east coast.
A consideration for a family of 4 who don't have Ikon or Epic is the cost of lift tickets at any destination resort in the USA. Could make flying to Europe a sensible choice for someone on the east coast.
snoWYmonkey
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
California spring corn can be amazing if their base builds up enough, at least compared to the intermountain west.
The alps, on a good snow year are amazing in spring, but it is all about lounging in the sun all day at one of many outdoor on mountain terraces, and maybe less about the snow quality.
The alps, on a good snow year are amazing in spring, but it is all about lounging in the sun all day at one of many outdoor on mountain terraces, and maybe less about the snow quality.
SarahXC
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
We did a late season trip to Breckenridge several years ago as our spring break was in April and were lucky to have very good conditions. We stayed here and at that time you could get up to 16 individual ski tickets for $100/ea. I don’t see that listed anywhere but might be worth a call. The kid day tickets turned out to be less than $100 so we bought Epic online for the kids and used the lodging deal for the adults. Be warned there is a time share sales pitch for a few hours you attend to get the best rate.
www.grandlodgeonpeak7.com
Winter Activities - Grand Lodge on Peak 7
www.grandlodgeonpeak7.com
santacruz skier
Angel Diva
Agree. Late spring for alps trip not about the skiing!
mustski
Angel Diva
The higher altitude resorts are great in March. Val Thorens or La Tigne are both good options in France. I agree you should also do well in Cervinia.
California (Mammoth) will still be good in March - even in a low snow year. The problem is it could be full winter or full spring and none of us will know until the week before?
Paging @ilovepugs
Trailside Trixie
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I love banff a lot. Both times we were there we stayed in town and either took the shuttle to LL or SSV or went with a friend who lives there. We've also stayed in Canmore for a couple nights. Banff is very walkable and lots of bars and restaurants around on the streets around there.
We are staying at Tunnel Mountain Resort and will have a rental car. Has anyone stayed there? I’m wondering if there is a shuttle to connect with ski shuttle, or if ski shuttle stops nearby. We have two teen boys, 17 and 14. Any suggestions for activities the day or so off skis?
Christy
Angel Diva
I don't think you need to take the shuttle if you have a rental car. Driving is easy and I don't remember paying for parking in...2017? 2018? I know that could have changed.
If you've never been to that area I'd highly recommend taking a drive up the Icefields Parkway. It's as spectacular as any drive in North America. You might look at see what national park facilities are open and see if they appeal.
