Top 5 Reasons We Love Spring Skiing in Colorado

Top 5 Reasons We Love Spring Skiing in Colorado

Who doesn't love spring skiing? While January and February can be a dream for powder lovers in strong snow years, March and April deliver smooth, forgiving conditions that make skiing and riding enjoyable for everyone. Here are the top 5 reasons why we love spring skiing in Beaver Creek and Vail.

1. More Sunshine

If you love chasing first chair on a powder day, wait until you experience last chair on a sunny spring afternoon. With longer days and softer snow, you can linger for the views, enjoy quieter runs, and pick a perfectly sun-kissed line down. Finish the day skiing straight to your favorite après spot and toast to spring skiing in the Colorado Rockies.

2. Deck Days

Soak up the sunshine and mountain views at Colorado’s top ski resorts, where spring skiing means blue skies, scenic runs, and time to relax slopeside. Taking a break in your ski boots for lunch or après on a sunny deck is one of the highlights of a spring day on the hill.

Best Decks on Vail Mountain

Windows Deck – A scenic sunny deck tucked in the woods with views of Mount of the Holy Cross and Sun Down Bowl — perfect for a mid-ski picnic or sunny break on bluebird days. But keep in mind the only way out is on advanced/expert terrain.

Jebbie’s Deck – Classic sunny spot beneath the Avanti Express Lift with picnic tables — easy access and a favorite for groups and families. Keep your speed to reach the deck as the terrain becomes flat just before you reach this iconic spot.

Best Decks on Beaver Creek Mountain

Spruce Saddle Lodge Deck – Situated mid-mountain, this sunny spot with expansive views is a classic spring skiing stop for anyone that wants to ride up Centennial Express Lift to capture that perfect Instagrammable moment.

Rose Bowl Deck – Just at the top of Rose Bowl, this deck offers sun-soaked spring skiing vibes, scenic mountain views, laid-back lunches, and one of Beaver Creek’s best on-mountain après stops. But get there early as it's one of the easiest decks to find, just below Spruce Saddle.

3. Less Cold, More Fun

Spring skiing in Vail and Beaver Creek means warmer days that keep everyone happy — kids aren’t freezing, no one’s hunting for boot heaters or hand warmers, and there’s no need for a two-hour hot chocolate break. Beginners especially love spring conditions, with softer snow, cobalt blue skies, and a more relaxed pace on the mountain. Even if a few runs feel humbling, everyone heads home with a goggle tan, big smiles, and memories of a great day.

4. Spring Events

Spring in the Vail Valley isn’t just about great skiing — it’s also festival season. Each April, the Taste of Vail food and wine festival brings world-class culinary experiences to town, from street-side après tastings and chef competitions to mountaintop wine samplings and grand gala events that celebrate the best bites and sips against a stunning alpine backdrop.

Just a short walk away, the Après at The Amp concert series at the iconic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater turns two nights in early April into a high-energy celebration of music, dancing and community with major DJs and performers. Around town you’ll also find spring après gatherings, live DJ sets in the village and curated cultural programming that extends the season’s energy off the slopes. In nearby Beaver Creek, year-round venues like the Vilar Performing Arts Center host concerts and shows throughout spring, adding another layer of entertainment to your mountain getaway.  

5. Après All Day

Après ski in the spring is a different kind of fun — and for many, it’s the best time of year to experience it. Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures mean après starts earlier and lasts longer, with no rush to warm up indoors. Ski boots stay on, sunglasses come out, and sunny decks fill with music, conversation, and laid-back energy. Instead of ducking inside to escape the cold, you can actually settle in and enjoy the moment.

For anyone deciding when to plan a ski trip, spring après offers a big advantage: flexibility. You can ski a few great runs, call it early, and still feel like you got the full mountain experience. Whether it’s a lively slopeside deck, village cocktails, or a relaxed gathering as the sun sets, spring après makes it easy to balance skiing, social time, and simple enjoyment—no heavy layers or packed schedules required.

Ready to book your next getaway? Explore our hand-picked selection of Beaver Creek and Vail vacation rentals and find the perfect home base for your mountain escape today.