It's here. That annual moment in time when the weather turns warmer, when the base of snow on the big ski mountains hasn't melted, and when you can ski your favorite slopes in nothing but jeans and a T-shirt. Ah, spring skiing. With the last snowfalls of the season coming down in-between foreshadows of sunny days with temperatures in the 60s, it's no wonder skiers are flocking to mountain ranges all over the country to get in their last downhill runs and snowboarding frolics. From Salt Lake City to Maine and Vermont, these last minute ski deals won't kill your spring wardrobe budget.
United Vacations (tel. 888/328-6877; www.unitedvacations.com) has some solid last minute ski deals to some Western ski areas. A three-night trip to Salt Lake City from Dallas, Los Angeles or Seattle with air, hotel and a Salt Lake Super Pass lift ticket that allows you ski privileges at a number of area slopes starts from costs $499. With accommodations at the Crystal Inn Midvalley and two breakfasts thrown in, this trip is a quick-ski getaway. Travel for this trip is good from April 4 to April 11, 2005 with a Monday or Tuesday departure.
United Vacations has other ski deals as well. From Detroit or Los Angeles, a four-night trip to Breckenridge, Colorado with travel good from April 4 to April 8 with a Monday, Thursday or Friday departure costs only $639 per person for double occupancy. The air-land-lift ticket inclusive trip puts you up at Trails End, a condominium hotel facility located at the base of Peak 9 with ski in and ski out capabilities. You get a large living room with a small kitchen that comes in handy, as Trails End doesn't have an on-site restaurant or cafeteria. It is close to local restaurants and pizza delivery is always an option. See the United Vacations site for details and other late-season ski deals.
Out east in Maine, small inns provide a welcome break to the monstrous ski lodges. At the Peace With-Inn Bed and Breakfast (tel. 877/935-7322; www.peacewithinn.com/specials.htm) in Fryeburg, Maine near New England's White Mountains and outlet-happy Conway, New Hampshire. The quaint inn complete with a reading room, wood burning fireplace and one of the best local breakfasts, offers some great end of ski season rates. Starting at only $90 per night based on double occupancy, the Inn has a two-night special with a "ski-free" pass at nearby Shawnee Peak. An even better deal for people skiing in big groups or who want to throw a little Maine ski part is a "Ski with the Whole Gang" special where you can reserve the entire inn for just $500 per night. With accommodations for up to 12 guests, the entire inn is a great backdrop for a birthday bash or a special wedding anniversary ski jamboree. If skiing isn't your thing, snowshoe rentals cost only $20 per day. The inn has some quirky specials as well, including an "Oh Canada Special" where Canadian residents pay for their room in Canadian dollars exchanged at an even rate for American greenbacks making their stay even less expensive.
Over in Vermont at well-known Sugarbush, late season deals are available for big groups. Starting from March 20, 2005, the Bridges Family Resort and Tennis Club (tel. 800/453.2922; www.bridgesresort.com/winter.htm) has specials for two-nights in a three-bedroom ski loft for up to eight people with daily lift-tickets and use of the resort's fitness center that costs $209 per person plus tax. There's an on premises hot tub available for those extra warm nights as well as extensive tennis facilities.
And don't forget your sun tan lotion and skin care. Because of elevation, the sun can burn you faster than any beach vacation. Just ask the National Ski Patrol. They began distributing St. Ives skin packages to wind-whipped skiers this past winter to promote better skin care. Apparently, sunburns and skin problems were keeping serious skiers from hitting the slopes. Don't let this happen to you. Check out www.stives.com for some helpful hints on skin care for skiing the sun. Okay, now you're good and ready for spring skiing.
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