US Ski Areas Extend Seasons Into May

About 25 US ski areas in around a dozen states from coast-to-coast plan to continue skiing into May. Several are reporting that they’ll be opening later into the year than ever before, and/or posting their longest ever seasons as a result.

Brian Head, one of at least four Utah ski areas (along with Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude), says that it will conclude its 2024–25 season on Sunday, May 4, with a record-setting 178 skiable days—the longest season in the resort’s 60-year history.

“This season’s milestone was made possible by improved snowmaking systems, a dedicated team of employees, late-season snowfall, and the resort’s high elevation, which helped preserve snow conditions,” a resort statement explains.

“We’re excited to share that the 2024–25 season has brought the most skiable days and highest visitation in Brian Head Resort’s 60-year history,” said Amber Palmer, marketing manager at Brian Head Resort. “Thanks to our dedicated team, an early opening in November, and strategic investments in snowmaking, we’ve delivered our longest season yet — all while keeping skiing affordable for everyone.”

Brian Head Resort was the first ski resort in Utah to open daily with top-to-bottom skiing, starting on November 8.  Lift tickets for the 2024–25 season started at just $19. All children aged 12 and under ski or snowboard for free at Brian Head Resort; no purchase is required, or blackout dates.

A number of resorts will be open weekends only in May.

Arizona Snowbowl will extend the 2024–25 winter season by adding four additional days of operations from Friday, May 2, through Monday, May 5.

In Oregon Willamette Pass will stay open through May 11, again for its longest ever season, joining Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt Bachelor. In Washington State 49 Degrees North and Crystal Mountain are also staying open into May.

Colorado has the most resorts open in may including Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper, Loveland and Winter Park.

In California Mammoth and The Palisades remain open with Donner Ski Ranch considering continuing weekends into May.

More unusual May skiing options include New Hampshire’s Black Mountain and Sugarbush as well as Boyne Mountain and Mount Bohemia in Michigan, all thanks to their snowmaking efforts through the season building a deep snowpack.

Vermont’s Jay Peak and Killington also remain open with Maine’s Sugarloaf currently undecided whether it will reopen on the first Saturday of May.