Your best season on the slopes is here 

Spring skiing is like your cool uncle who exclusively wears Hawaiian shirts; easy going, low-pressure, and tons of fun. Unlike the colder, darker months of winter, spring offers warmer temperatures, extra hours of daylight, and whole new terrain that transforms with the season. This is the perfect time for beginners to get in on the sport, as a warmer climate takes out the math game of how many layers you need to wear (yes, you still need to bundle up). 

With all the snow we get in winter, the spring “meltdown” season can last a long time! Spring skiing technically kicks off March 20, meaning downhill enthusiasts can get a good three to four weeks in before the mountain closes for the year. So, shed a few layers and learn how to make the most of your spring ski season. 

It's a party on and off the mountain

International Pond Skimming Competition

In the Whiteface Region, most of our traditions involve snow, and its no different for our beloved ski mountain. The International Pond Skimming Competition is the perfect opportunity to test your warm-weather ski skills. Competitors glide downhill (preferrably in costume) into a pond where they will either splash or skim the surface in glory. After the competition, hang back at the Cloudspin Deck to keep the party going. A date is yet to be announced, so set your eyes on our events calendar for updates!

Après-ski (French for "after-ski") is the afters to skiing, known in ski towns around the world as the “social, entertainment, and leisure activities that take place immediately after a day of skiing or snowboarding.” It's no different for the Whiteface Region, where the party starts on-mountain and moves from restaurants to lounges and beyond. 

Swap bundling up in lodges for lounging mountain-side between runs at outdoor firepits and mountain-top patios. You can even take off those jackets and mittens, making rests between runs all the more comfortable. Away from the mountain, the rest of the region keeps the festivities going. 

Craft cocktails: Summit and Spice at NewVida Restaurant and Craft Bar 

Keep an eye on your precious mountain, with good drinks and a warm hearth, at Summit and Spice, the perfect lounge to call home after the slopes. Their extensive craft bar and food menu aside, the views from the A-frame dining room will be enough to convince your party to spend a few hours here. 

Fine dining: Hungry Trout Restaurant 

For a sophisticated end to a ski day, the Hungry Trout Restaurant brings elevated dishes with Adirondack twists just one mile from the slopes of Whiteface Mountain. Lighted waterfalls, majestic mountain views, and candlelit dinners characterize this staple. As the name implies, you’re in for unique trout creations, in addition to their impressive seafood and steak selection. 

Find a friendly pub: 20 Main 

If you're in need of a cold beer, a quick mixed drink, and great local company, set your sights on 20 Main, Au Sable Forks' own "Friendly Neighborhood Pub." The laid back environment will draw you in, with guitars hanging on the walls and a pool table ready for weary skiers. Grab a table and recap the day with your ski buds, and bump shoulders with locals and other adventurers alike. Note: 20 Main is a hotspot for events and live music. Check their current schedule here. 

Spring adventures

While the top of Whiteface may still be a chilly tundra, the rest of the world down below will start experiencing spring! This is the perfect time to start adventuring off-mountain, and witness the first signs of regrowth in the Adirondacks. 

Waterfall hikes at High Falls Gorge 

High Falls Gorge is the Adirondacks’ most breathtaking, year-round, 30-minute walk. Waterfalls are where you'll find the most dramatic signs of spring meltdown, with all that extra rushing water knocking down ice walls and flows making for an awesome sight. High Falls Gorge houses four majestic waterfalls cascading over rocks into a deep crevice carved a billion years ago. Here you can learn about the falls, take in the views, and check out their bustling gift shop on your way out. 

Explore local shops 

The Whiteface Region's charming main streets and hidden gems off the beaten path bring an eclectic and artsy twist to the region. Local makers and businesses offer just the thing you're looking for in antique and gift stores, art galleries, farm shops, and outdoor outfitters.

Young's Studio and Gallery features the work of Sue Young and other local and regional artisans, with hand-made gifts, mugs and teapots, and works of art perfect for remembering your trip to the Whiteface Region. Unicorn Square is perfect for a much-needed dose of spring whimsy, and Adirondack Chocolates will satisfy any sweet tooth. 

Combine your skiing and fly fishing trips in one!

Yes, you can combine two of your favorite things in one trip! Many anglers dedicate entire trips in the Whiteface Region to fishing our rushing streams and rivers. However, when there's still snow on the mountain, why limit your fun to just one activity? Whether your main draw to the region is the skiing or the bountiful harvest of fly fishing spots, add some cross-activity fun to your itinerary. Don't let arriving without the necessary gear stop you, either. Simply head over to Hungry Trout Fly Shop for all the gear and guides you need. 

Just one more run!

Spring skiing takes advantage of the shoulder season in the best ways. You'll find fun gliding the slopes, then touch down to earth with eclectic shops and regional attractions to discover (there's nothing quite like High Falls Gorge coming out of hibernation). Whether you're spending your days committed to après plans or you're on a mission to blend our premier fishing and skiing, there's no telling how you'll round out your spring ski trip.