Skiing Continues in North America as Heavy Snow Falls
28th April 2025
Last modified on May 11th, 2025
In the USA about 20 ski areas in around ten states are open, and there is still some skiing in Alberta in Canada. UPDATED
Heavy springtime snow has been falling in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado.
Locations near Taos Ski Valley in northern New Mexico have reported 50cm.
The ski resort of Arapahoe Basin in Colorado has seen 30cm of fresh snow and a powder day for those fortunate enough to be in the resort.
May 7 @Arapahoe_Basin – all lifts spinning. pic.twitter.com/rEKDBlCQGD
— The Storm Skiing Journal & Podcast (@StormSkiJournal) May 7, 2025
The Colorado Avalanche Information Centre has issued a Special Avalanche Advisory.
Steep slopes more than 30cm should be avoided.
Dry slab avalanches, most likely in wind-drifted spots, can be triggered early in the day.
As the new snow warms by midday, there are worries of wet snow avalanches, especially on south-facing slopes.
The Front Range Mountains, Pikes Peak, and the Sangre de Cristo Range are all under this Special Avalanche Advisory.
There is a ‘considerable risk’ (Level 3 of 5) of avalanches in the eastern mountains, and a ‘moderate risk’ (Level 2) for the rest of the region.
The large spring snowfall is causing some travel problems.
The authorities warn that travel is difficult at times in some alpine towns in and around ski resorts.
The National Weather Service is reminding affected communities that springtime snow is wet and heavy.
On May 11th three resorts in Colorado are closing:
- Breckenridge – May 11th
- Copper Mountain – May 11th
- Loveland – May 11th
One is one planning for a June closing:
- Arapahoe Basin – June 8th
There is still skiing to be had:
Breckenridge. Image © PlanetSKI
And in Utah it isn’t quite over yet:
- Brian Head – May 11th
- Brighton – May 18th
- Snowbird – May 26th
- Solitude – May 11th
Brian Head has just announced a bonus weekend of skiing scheduled between May 9 and May 11, 2025.
The season extension will take the length of Brian Head’s season from 178 skiable days to 181.
The resort’s previous personal record set last winter was 174 days.
“We’re thrilled to extend our 2024–25 season, providing half a year of skiing and snowboarding, and setting the longest season in Brian Head Resort’s 60-year history,” said the marketing manager at Brian Head Resort, Amber Palmer.
“We’re extremely grateful for the dedication of our mountain operations team, whose hard work gives people the freedom to ski and ride.
“And to all of our guests who have made this season one of the best ever—this weekend is for you,” Palmer added.
Snowbird is set to be the last resort in Utah to close.
Snowbird, USA. Image © PlanetSKI
On Saturday 3rd May Bogus Basin in Idaho opened for a bonus day of skiing.
It’s only the second time in the ski area’s history that the slopes have been open to the public in May.
The non-profit ski area received more than 300 inches of snow during the 2024/2025 ski season.
Bogus Basin is a fabulous off-the-beaten-track resort and PlanetSKI passed through a few years back on one of our North American a ski road trips where we also hit Brundage Mountain, Tamarack and Schweitzer.
Mammoth Mountain in California usually offers skiing and snowboarding into July, and sometimes into August.
It has already confirmed June skiing.
“The snow is still holding strong, and the spring conditions are as good as it gets,”said the resort on social media.
“Come make some turns and soak up second season.”
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI visited a couple of years ago after resorts in the Alps had closed.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
The California resort of Palisades Tahoe is due to close on May 26th this year:
Palisades Tahoe, California. Image © PlanetSKI
In Vermont Killington has temporarily shut, but plans to re-open this weekend.
According to a social media post, “Mother Nature has taken its toll on a few key areas of terrain,” which is forcing the resort to temporarily close.
Killington closed May 7th through Friday, May 9th to preserve snow, and allow the resort’s grooming team to, “work their magic on the hill”.
Mt Bachelor in Oregon is set to close on May 26th.
Mt Hood and Timberline in Oregon also remain open.
Willamette Pass will stay open through May 11, for its longest ever season.
Arizona Snowbowl is once again extending the 2024–25 winter season, adding two bonus weekends and four additional operating days:
- Saturday, May 10th
- Sunday, May 11th
- Saturday, May 17th
- Sunday, May 18th
“With more snow in the forecast, winter isn’t over at Arizona Snowbowl, and neither is the time on the slopes,” said the resort to PlanetSKI.
“With the extra days, Arizona Snowbowl wraps up the 2024-25 season with 179 skiable days—nearly 6 months of skiing and snowboarding.”
Washington State 49 Degrees North and Crystal Mountain are also staying open into May.
New Hampshire’s Black Mountain and Sugarbush as well as Boyne Mountain and Mount Bohemia in Michigan are still open.
The dates and details are correct at time of posting, but do check with the resorts as the timings may change depending on the weather.
“Let’s be real for a moment… staying open this late is nothing short of a herculean effort,” said a statement from Indy Pass that has four of its resorts open – Black Mountain, Jay Peak, Loveland Ski Area and Mt. Hood Meadows.
“Especially in the East, it takes weeks (often months) of snow management and a willingness to make snow late into the season.
“It’s one thing to have the snow and terrain, but it’s another to decide to go for it.
“To put dwindling resources to use for the benefit of skiers and riders that want to push forward, and avoid the inevitable, as bad as these operations-focused ski areas want to.
“At the end of the day, these resorts believe that being open matters and are giving their all for their skiers and boarders.”
Further north in Canada Lake Louise and Marmot Basin in Alberta closed last weekend.
Sunshine Village near Banff remains open and PlanetSKI reporter Alex Cove has just posted from the resort:
Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
In British Columbia, Canada, the Blackcomb glacier at Whistler is aiming to be open until May 21st if conditions allow.
While in Quebec on the east coast Sommets Saint-Sauveur is open at weekends until Monday May 19th.
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll keep you posted as the season winds down in Europe and North America.
Next we’ll be turning our attentions to the Southern Hemisphere
Ski Portillo in Chile has announced its opening day – June 21st.
It hopes to stay open until September 27th, conditions and weather permitting.
In New Zealand Mt Hutt on the south island has recently seen 1m of fresh snow and there is talk of it opening early.
Three News was taken up for an exclusive look and senior reporter, Juliet Speedy, even got a run in.
We’ll be updating shortly on skiing in the southern hemisphere so do check back
Cerro Catedral, Argentina. Image © PlanetSKI
South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI
Thredbo, Australia. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news.
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
