10 Reasons to Ski in May
Why may is an awesome month for skiing and snowboarding!
#1: IT’S ALMOST ALWAYS SUNNY!
Hey, Winter is over, and while storms can continue well into March and April, even turning to rain sometimes, nature is pretty well worn out by the time May comes around and sunshine usually prevails!
#2: THE SNOW IS SOFT!
Pretty much everyone can agree that fresh powder is best, but some nice sun softened corn snow is so pliable and easy to push around that it makes for some great skiing and snowboarding, and you rarely have to worry about accidentally finding ice or hardpack.
#3: THE ROADS ARE USUALLY CLEAR!
While everyone loves reaping the results of a fresh snow dump, it can often create some very hazardous driving conditions to get to the base area of your local resort. Also, with clear roads, sunny skies and warmer temps, your transportation options to the slopes get a little more “diverse.”
#4: NO CROWDS!
Hey, it’s May. Almost everyone is pretty much over it, you know, the whole snow thing. But for the few of us that just can’t let go, a beautiful sunny May day with soft snow and no lift lines is a very rewarding experience.
#5: THE GNARLY TERRAIN SEEMS A LITTLE LESS SCARY!
Remember that chute you’ve been eyeballing all season? Or that double black diamond mogul face that conditions haven’t been just right to try? Well now you’ve got a sunny day with high visibility, soft snow, and no wind to try out that new terrain. May is a great time to finish off those season goals and challenge yourself.
#6: YOU HAVE LOTS OF OUTDOOR OPTIONS!
Like I said, most people are over it and have moved on to other outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, etc. Well why limit yourself? Go skiing in the morning, and hiking or biking in the afternoon. It’s Spring and the possibilities are endless!
#7: LIFT TICKET DEALS!
Hugely discounted lift deals, group rates and specials are very common for most resorts staying open into May, and almost all of them have a deal to shred the rest of the current season for free if they can hook you with a purchase of next season’s pass.
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#8: IT’S A GREAT WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT!
May is late Spring, almost Summer and heat waves are not uncommon. When it’s a scorcher in the city, one of the best ways to beat the heat is to add a little altitude into the equation.
#9: Status
Nothing says you are addicted and passionate about the sport like skiing all the way until the bitter end, and the May sunshine is a great way to earn that goggle tan to prove it.
#10: Late season powder days!
It’s the mountains, and when the clouds come by, sometimes they forget that it’s not still Winter. The Sierra and Cascades received significant snowfall within the last week and as this article is being written, it is currently NUKING in the Colorado high country (up to 3 feet projected). You remember all those people that gave up skiing a month or two ago? Yeah, well May powder days aren’t for them, it’s just for you, and the few other die hards that refuse to give up the dream! So go get it!
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Projected Closing Dates
The following is a list of projected closing dates for ski resorts still open in 2023. List updated 1 May 2023.
A-Basin
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- 7 days a week 9am-4pm
- Projected Closing:
- Early June
Palisades
$ Lift tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Late May
Snowbird
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Middle of May
Killington
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- 7 days a week 9am-4pm
- Projected Closing:
- Early June
Banff
$ Lift tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Late May
Mammoth
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Middle of May
Whistler
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- 7 days a week 9am-4pm
- Projected Closing:
- Early June
Timberline
$ Lift tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Late May
Mt. Bachelor
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Middle of May
Beartooth
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- 7 days a week 9am-4pm
- Projected Closing:
- Early June
Breckenridge
$ Lift tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Late May
Crystal Mt.
$ Lift Tickets
- Operating Schedule:
- Fri – Sun 8am-2pm
- Projected Closing:
- Middle of May
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Looking to pick up some rad new ski clothes, or want to make your home feel more like a slopeside cabin? Take a minute to check out the Snow Life Store and browse hundreds of original clothing designs, art prints and housewares that would make awesome additions to any skier or snowboarder’s collection.
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