Midwest Perseveres as Michigan’s Boyne Mountain Targets Memorial Day

• North America Leads Spring Skiing with Most Resorts Still Open
• Rockies Maintain Momentum with Ten Ski Areas Operating Despite Spring Melt
• West Coast Season Lingers as Oregon and California Extend Skiing
• East Coast Skiing Continues as Killington Stays Open Amid Warming Temperatures

NORTH AMERICA INTRO

North America, particularly the US, starts the second week of May with more ski areas open than any other continent or country in the Northern Hemisphere. Europe has dropped to only about 10 open ski areas now, and Japan has just two. Meanwhile, the US alone has around 20 areas still operating, with a few more options in Canada, making North America the region with the most open ski areas in the world. Some ski areas are now only open on weekends, and conditions are generally spring-like, with little fresh snowfall to report and soft spring snow being the norm.

ROCKIES REPORT

There are still around 10 ski areas open in the Rockies, the most for any single ski region worldwide. Currently, Colorado and Utah each have five centers open, with the possibility that others may reopen unexpectedly for the weekend, as happened with Idaho’s Bogus Basin ski area in Boise County last weekend.

In Colorado, you can still ski at Breckenridge (18/56" / 20/140cm), Copper (16/60” / 40/150cm), and Loveland (12/56” / 30/140cm), although it appears this coming Sunday will be the final day for these three, unless extensions are announced. Arapahoe Basin (8/56” / 20/140cm) and Winter Park (142/168cm / 57/63”) are expected to continue later into the month or possibly into June.

In Utah, Brian Head Resort has announced a further season extension from Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 11, making it the longest season in its 60-year history. The resort’s Giant Steps Express lift will operate from 10 am to 4 pm each day, offering top-to-bottom skiing and snowboarding. The Blackfoot lift will also run, serving beginner terrain. Snowbird (10/96” / 25/241 cm), Brighton (hosting “spring meltdown” sessions), and Solitude (14/54” / 35/135 cm) also remain open.

The ski season also continues in Arizona, where the Snowbowl has extended their 24–25 season, adding two more bonus weekends and four additional operating days: Saturday, May 10; Sunday, May 11; Saturday, May 17; and Sunday, May 18. The resort advises that no beginner terrain will be available, but terrain park features will be available on their Log Jam trail, giving park enthusiasts opportunities for jibbing and rail sliding. The weather this week has been typical for early May, with plenty of sunshine, some rain/sleet, and occasional high-altitude snowfall during the weekend. Temperatures have reached the 50s and even low 60s on lower slopes, while higher slopes have seen freezing overnight conditions. The freezing level has dropped from above 10,000 feet on Sunday to below 8,000 feet by Tuesday, resulting in more snowfall and less rain at higher elevations. Most areas have around 30-50% of their slopes open, although some higher terrain in Colorado remains 60-80% open.

ROCKIES FORECAST

Mostly sunny for the rest of the week. Overnight lows on high slopes are expected to be in the high 20s, maintaining freeze-thaw conditions, while daytime highs will reach the 50s and possibly low 60s, accelerating the spring melt.

WEST COAST REPORT

Around half a dozen ski areas remain open on the West Coast. In Oregon, Willamette Pass will remain open through May 11, marking its longest season ever, alongside Timberline (40/148” / 100/370cm) and Mt. Bachelor (12/104” / 30/260cm). In California, Mammoth (64/120” / 160/300cm) and The Palisades (4/130” / 10/325cm) remain open daily, with Donner Ski Ranch considering weekend openings based on snow conditions. In Washington state, Crystal Mountain (20/72” / 50/180cm) remains open. California experienced stormy weather over the weekend, with rain and occasional high-altitude snow, leading to closures at Mammoth on Saturday due to lightning risks. Conditions have been sunnier and dry since Monday, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s.

WEST COAST FORECAST

Dry and sunny conditions are expected throughout the week, with temperatures gradually rising. High slopes will still drop below freezing at night, but daytime highs will reach the 50s and potentially 60s.

MIDWEST REPORT

Most ski areas have closed in the Midwest, with temperatures climbing into the 80s and 90s. However, Boyne Mountain in Michigan is aiming to remain open through the Memorial Day holiday weekend, leveraging their accumulated snow depth. Norway Mountain, another Michigan area, briefly reopened last Saturday, offering a single day of skiing.

MIDWEST FORECAST

Temperatures will mainly range from the 40s to 60s, with plenty of sunshine and the possibility of some rain showers.

EAST COAST REPORT 

Killington appears to be the only ski area still open on the East Coast. Jay Peak in Vermont was open last weekend and may decide to reopen on a weekend-by-weekend basis. New Hampshire’s Black Mountain managed to open last weekend but is now closed for the season. The past week brought up to six inches (15 cm) of snow, along with some rain showers, with temperatures mostly in the 40s to low 60s.

EAST COAST FORECAST

Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing, with lows in the high 30s or low 40s and highs in the high 40s to low 50s. Light showers are still possible.

CANADA REPORT

With Jasper’s Marmot Basin and Lake Louise near Banff concluding their seasons last weekend, the remaining open areas include Sunshine Village in Banff, Blackcomb Mountain above Whistler, and Sommet St-Sauveur in Quebec. Spring weather has brought occasional light snowfall at high elevations, but temperatures are generally above freezing.

CANADA FORECAST

Mostly sunny conditions are expected, with occasional light rain showers. Afternoon temperatures may reach +20°C at ground level in Whistler, while upper mountain temperatures will range from -5 to +10°C, maintaining freeze-thaw conditions on open slopes.