“It’s like you’re at the beach, but you’re on the snow,” a 10-year-old skier at Smugglers Notch in Vermont told us when we asked how she liked spring skiing. Skiers here and at other New England ski mountains take a laid-back approach to spring, with informal tailgate parties in the parking lot and ski-in picnics on sun-warmed rock outcrops.
For those who love to ski, but don’t love the cold, it’s the best of both worlds. The warmer weather makes it more fun for little kids, and teens love sunbathing in the snow and skiing in T-shirts. Longer days mean most ski areas stay open a little later in the afternoon.
New England ski areas do their best to make spring skiing fun — even a little crazy, with events like pond skimming, bikini skiing and cardboard box races. Throw in the season’s best bargains on lifts and lodging, and spring skiing is irresistible for families.
Pond skimming contests are the universal way to celebrate the spring meltdown. Skiers and boarders race downhill and across a pool of water at the bottom, judged on the distance they go before sinking into the icy water. Spectators love it. This annual rite begins in late March.
Bromley has a Spring Fling March 24, featuring pond skimming, a duct tape derby, live music, a barbecue,and free turns on the Summer Adventure Trampoline.
King Pine, in Madison, N.H., celebrates spring skiing with its annual Cardboard Box Derby, Sunday, March 25, featuring “cars” made of cardboard boxes. These are judged on appearance, speed and whether they actually hold together long enough to reach the bottom of the hill. Wildcat and Attitash, also in New Hampshire’s Mt Washington Valley, celebrate Youth Day on Sunday, March 25, with all-day tickets at $17 for ages 7 to 17.

© 2harriet1946 | Dreamstime.com
Spring skiing will be in full swing by Easter, which lands on April 1. New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain begins the day at the summit with a non-denominational sunrise service, and candy-filled eggs are hidden around the resort for kids to find. Stowe, in Vermont, also begins the day with mountaintop Easter services and the gondola ride to the summit is free from 5–6 a.m.
Vermont’s Okemo sweetens the egg hunt with a golden egg, good for a pair of skis or snowboard; their pond-skimming party, the Slush Cup and Splash for Cash, is the following Saturday, April 7. Wildcat Mountain has an Easter Egg Hunt and, in honor of April Fool’s Day, which coincides with Easter this year, tickets are priced as low as $11. Their Pond Skim party is Saturday, April 14.
Waterville Valley, in New Hampshire, celebrates spring skiing Saturday, April 7, with a Hawai’ian luau with live music, pond skimming and a beach party. Snow melts later at Sugarloaf, in northern Maine, where the East Coast Pond Skimming Championship will be held April 21.
All this fun and games is, of course, just the frosting. Skiing is expected to still be in full swing, with the warmer weather to make it more enjoyable.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Mexico
Feb 12, 2025Discover Riviera Maya’s Newest Archaeological Site
It isn’t often a new archaeological site is unveiled for visitors to learn about the past, but that is the case in Riviera Maya. Well, new may not be the best word — after all, these structures date back thousands of years and have been undergoing excavation by archaeologists since the 1990s. But Ichkabal, a Mayan ruin located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo along the Mexican Riviera, is new for family travelers who are finally able to get a glimpse at this spectacular site.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Hotels
Feb 12, 2025Bring the Family to The Crane Resort Barbados
The Crane Resort Barbados offers endless fun for family travelers.
Dining/Entertainment
Feb 12, 2025Planet Hollywood Returns to New York City
Planet Hollywood New York officially opened its doors Feb. 3, allowing family travelers in New York City the chance to enjoy an evening in this beloved restaurant and entertainment venue. Redefining Hollywood glamor beneath a 360-degree canopy of state-of-the-art, high-definition screens, Planet Hollywood New York boasts more than 692 video tiles for an immersive dining experience.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Destinations / Europe
Feb 11, 20253 Family-Friendly Wine Tours in Tuscany, Italy
Wine tasting is part of the travel experience in Tuscany, and parents don’t need to miss it when traveling with children. These three Tuscan wineries and wine estates not only welcome family travelers but also provide special activities for young visitors.
ShareThis