In a perfect world, you would ski right after the first snowfall right up until the first thaw, but most of us don’t have the luxury of hitting the slopes all season long. The middle of the season (December through January) tends to be the most hectic and expensive time to ski because it coincides with Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. Day when travel rates spike and most people have time off from work or school.
If your holidays are booked or you’d rather spend them with your loved ones than wait in line for a lift, that leaves the early season (late October to November) and the late season (February to April). Both times may not have the best snowfall and trail conditions, but you will save money on travel and avoid the rush.
So, which is better: early season or late season skiing?
Early Season Skiing
In the lead-up to winter, the snow just started to fall, coating the ground with a light dusting of snow. Reduced snowfall can lead to what’s known as the “white ribbon of death,” putting a thin layer between your skis and rocks, trees and logs. Some areas may be impassable due to the lack of powder, and falls can result in more severe accidents.
Arriving early in the season means the best snowstorms have yet to come. You could get lucky and take advantage of the fresh powder before the crowds arrive.
Warmer temperatures are delaying season start times across the country, forcing some resorts to use artificial snow to hold skiers over until the real thing arrives, which can detract from the experience.
Late Season Skiing
The trails will be well-traveled by mid-March, leaving densely packed snow that feels more like ice. All that time in the sun leads to cupping, which makes for a bumpy ride.
The snowy season could extend into April and beyond – some Colorado runs are open through June – but you can’t plan your entire trip around a possibility, especially one that’s becoming increasingly remote due to climate change.
As spring rolls in, you can enjoy other recreational activities in the area, such as biking, hiking or fishing, often the same day you ski. The roads down the mountain should be clear, making travel a breeze.
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Early Season vs. Late Season Skiing: Factors to Consider
Most skiers would rather take their chances in the late season. There’s more likely to be snow on the ground, even if it isn’t fresh. As the weather warms, you’ll still have a great time in the park without snow. If you’re still stuck on what time of year is better for you, consider these factors:
Safety
There’s less room for error when there’s less snow on the ground. Beware of obstacles, thin spots and icy stretches. You might be able to ski in a T-shirt during the shoulder seasons, but you still wear shoulder, knee and elbow pads and a helmet to reduce your risk of injury. Ask the staff about trail conditions before buying a lift pass.
Pair Up
Charting potentially dangerous terrain is safer in groups. You can help each other avoid pitfalls and rough sections that could damage your equipment. The more experienced rider should stay out front to find the safest route.
Use ski helmet communication to talk wirelessly to your companion without looking away from the trail. The device mounts to your helmet and connects to up to 15 riders via Bluetooth. The speakers play clear audio that won’t distract from your surroundings. Just install it on the lift, and you’ll be synced up all day.
If you’re skiing alongside a snowboarder, use snowboard helmet communication to coordinate hands-free. It has an extended range and reconnects automatically, so you can keep the conversation going when traveling at different speeds.
Climate Patterns
You can’t always predict the weather, but researching year-over-year climate patterns and following the latest atmospheric trends can clue you into trail conditions before you pick a travel time. Find out how late/early in the season it typically snows. Check the resort’s no-snow policy. Will they close the trail, offer a refund or use fake snow instead?
Traffic and Parking
More Americans are hitting the slopes, so expect the coming season to be even busier than the last. Limited parking and narrow streets to the slopes can make travel a nightmare, leaving you wishing you’d pay extra to stay in the lodge.
Holidays
The January holidays can attract just as many people as December. If the kids have the day off from school, the slopes will be busier than usual. Avoid national holidays or go mid-week to spend less time waiting.
Final Thoughts
Late season and early season skiing may not be ideal, but they offer the quiet and seclusion most skiers long for. You can also get up to the mountain more often by not spending all your money on a single outing.