UNITED STATES – Ski season is over, yes. But many of us committing to the idea of sliding around on snow just don’t have it in us to give it up for a few months. So we’re forced to go higher, walk up to some snow, or head inside. The important thing is, there’s still snow skiing to be had in the United States.
Big SNOW American Dream, New Jersey
The off-season doesn’t exist at Big SNOW in New Jersey. As one of the few places in the world where you can ski inside, it’s just a matter of how you can get there, not when you can get there. Open from 1pm-8pm Monday-Thursday, 1pm-9pm on Fridays, 10am-9pm on Saturdays, and 10am-8pm on Sundays, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy three trails and a park all year long, costing $$59.99 for a two hour access pass.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
There may be no actively running lifts for skiers at Copper Mountain, but the hike-to park is still going strong. Open from 10am-5pm Friday-Sunday, park fans can take advantage of several rails for just $25, right in Center Village. Plus, the resort’s first rail jam of the season is going down next Friday, on June 5. It’s just $25 to register, and there are $100 Copper Cards up for grabs.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Summer riding on Palmer Snowfield continues, with the Palmer Express available to skiers and snowboarders at Timberline Lodge. Much of the area will be taken up by summer camps and training throughout the week, but a public lane will always be open to those who just can’t let things come to an end. And while they haven’t gotten any snow in a bit, the base is still at a healthy 47″.
Hike somewhere!
I don’t mean to point out the obvious, but there’s still snow at high altitudes across the west (sorry East Coasters, do a little digging and you might be able to find a strip somewhere) (though probably not). Now obviously backcountry skiing has its risks, so don’t try it unless you actually know what you’re doing. But I know for a fact that skiing is still possible if you’re willing and able to hike high enough. It might not be the best quality, but turns are turns!
