The Best Times to go Skiing in 2024-2025
- jessicagreaux
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
When and where should you travel for the best skiing or snowboarding conditions and least crowds (most cost effective and budget friendly)
Whether you’re new to skiing, don’t ski at all or you’re an avid skier (or snowboarder) the slopes are a fun place to be at winter time. The parties, the outfits, the powdered slopes, it’s all a great experience. However, we could do without the overcrowded lifts and the overly expensive hotels or flights. So I’m going to help you decide where and when to go to have the best time no matter what you’re into.
Disclaimer, I am no ski expert, but I do try a lot of things. These are all my opinion with some help tagged below.
When to Ski for Optimal Slope Conditions
The best time of the year for the optimal skiing conditions is anywhere between mid-January to early March. The snow is powdery and perfect, but the weather is ever changing and this isn't a guarantee. So here's how to ensure a good slope session is in your future:
Check the ski resort's snow history (which months have been great for snow in the past)
Check the current weather conditions and snow fall
Check upcoming weather conditions (is there a snow storm in the works etc.)
Where to Visit for the Best Après ski
There are plenty of options for the best after parties on a ski trip. There are amazing options from America to Europe. If you are more into enjoying the scenes and the snow from the warm indoors and then partying it up at the end of the day, these are some of the places for you:
Least Expensive or Crowded Locations
Prices are always cheaper outside of peak season. Do some research for the state or country you plan to visit and find out when their off-season is. Purchasing lift tickets and snow equipment (like gloves, goggles, scarves etc.) will also be cheaper outside of the resort. Make sure to pack everything you need to avoid extra costs on the trip. Things to keep in mind:
Check for major holidays, school breaks etc.
Research winter festivals and avoid going at that time
Research any resort events that might make prices higher than normal
Some places that are not very crowded and are great to look into:
Park City, Utah - early March (in my opinion, when I visited during this time the slopes weren't overly packed and the snow was in its prime. We got lucky and they had the most snow they ever received in almost a decade)
Donner Ski Ranch - Lake Tahoe, California
Purgatory Resort - Durango Colorado
Bridger Bowl - Montana
Gore Mountain - North Creek New York
Important Things to Note Before You Go
Elevation sickness is a real thing - Drink lots of water and rest when you don’t feel well. Don’t overdo it by thinking it won’t affect you. It most likely will, it’s just a matter of how badly.
Take a lesson if it’s your first time - Nothing wrong with getting a little help so you can get on the black diamond in no time.
You can rent equipment while you're there - If you're not a fulltime skier, do some research and rent from a place nearby. The equipment is good and it saves you the hassle of lugging with it and purchasing potentially the wrong things.
Pack lots of lotion - Nobody wants to be ashy and have dry skin in the dry conditions. You can never pack too much.
Drink excessive amounts of water - It's cold so you might not feel thirsty, but remember this is a workout and your body will be sweating. Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water.
Watch out for other skiers on the slopes and have fun!
Now I'm no ski expert (yet), but these are some of my recommendations from my experience and past trip. If you have other tips to include feel free to comment and let me know below. Happy Skiizn!
Thanks for reading,
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