Think ski season is over? Think again. Spring is one of the best-kept secrets in California skiing — and right now, with several major resorts still wide open and conditions holding strong, there's never been a better time to get a few last laps in before the lifts shut down for the summer.
Here's everything you need to know about spring skiing in California in 2026: where to go, what to expect, and how to dress for it.
Why Spring Skiing in California Slaps
Spring skiing is its own vibe entirely. The bone-chilling crowds of peak winter are long gone. Lift lines are shorter. Lodging is cheaper. And the snow? On a good spring day — especially after the freeze-thaw cycle works its magic overnight — you get what locals call corn snow: soft, grippy, perfectly carved-up groomers that feel like butter under your edges.
Add in longer days, warm sunshine, t-shirt-and-hoodie weather by midday, and the infamous California après energy, and you've got something really special. Spring skiing is when the true mountain heads come out to play.
Where to Ski in California This Spring (2026)
Mammoth Mountain — Open Through Memorial Day (at least)
Mammoth is the undisputed king of California spring skiing. With a summit at 11,053 feet and a season total of 243+ inches of snow, Mammoth has officially confirmed they'll be open through at least Memorial Day, May 26, 2026 — and knowing Mammoth, they may keep things going into June or beyond.
What to know for spring at Mammoth:
- Second Season kicks off April 20, with all lift access moving to Main Lodge as Canyon and Eagle Lodges close
- Operating hours shift to 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM in late April/early May — the key is hitting the mountain early before the afternoon slush sets in
- 10 terrain parks, including the iconic Unbound Main Park, are prime during spring when the jumps are massive and the landings are soft
- 24 of 25 lifts currently running with a 76-inch base depth as of early March
Mammoth's spring events are legendary too — pond skims, live music, and sunny deck parties are all part of the package.
Best Sno Cal gear for Mammoth spring days: A lightweight hoodie in the morning, sun hoodie or tee by midday. Don't forget sunscreen — the UV reflection off the snow at 11,000 feet is no joke.
Palisades Tahoe — Spring Legends
Palisades Tahoe (the combined Palisades and Alpine Meadows resort) is another elite spring destination. The resort's wide-open bowls and long vertical make for incredible corn snow runs when conditions line up. Afternoons in the Shirley Lake area and through the Granite Chief glades are a Tahoe rite of passage.
Palisades historically hosts its pond skim near the base of KT-22 in early May — one of the most entertaining events on the California ski calendar. Keep an eye on their event calendar for 2026 spring dates.
👉 Shop Palisades Tahoe / Alpine Meadows gear
Big Bear — Miracle March Keeps the Party Going
Down in SoCal, Big Bear Mountain Resort got a serious late-season boost from a snowy March and has committed to keeping the lifts running through April. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are both on the same pass, giving you options depending on whether you're into park riding or groomer cruising.
Big Bear's spring scene has a distinctly SoCal flavor — shorts on the chairlift, sunscreen mandatory, and everyone's in a good mood.
Heavenly — South Lake Tahoe Spring Vibes
Heavenly's unique position straddling the California-Nevada border means you get ridiculous views in every direction, and spring is when those views really shine. With 97 runs and a gondola that lifts you right from South Lake Tahoe, it's a great choice for skiers who want a resort day with easy access to the lake town below.
Spring Skiing Tips: How to Do It Right
1. Go early. Spring snow is best in the morning. The overnight freeze creates firm, fast conditions that soften into perfect corn snow by late morning. By 1–2 PM the sun has done its damage and it's time to call it and hit the deck.
2. Layer smart. Mornings can still be properly cold — especially at Mammoth's summit elevation. Start with a base layer and your favorite Sno Cal hoodie, then peel off to a tee as the day warms up. The goal is not freezing at first chair and not sweating by noon.
3. Sunscreen. Seriously. Solar radiation at 10,000+ feet with snow reflection is intense. SPF 50+ on your face, neck, and any exposed skin. Goggles, not just sunglasses, for the upper mountain.
4. Stay hydrated. Altitude + sun + physical activity = dehydration sneaks up fast. Mammoth provides free water stations at Main Lodge, Canyon, and the Mill. Use them.
5. Embrace the slush. If you're skiing afternoon groomers that have softened up, lean into it. Wider, more relaxed turns, a little extra edge pressure, and you'll have some of the most fun runs of the year.
Gear Up for Spring
Spring skiing calls for a specific kit — nothing too heavy, nothing too light. A good midlayer hoodie that you can throw on and tie around your waist when the sun comes out, a moisture-wicking tee for midday laps, and a beanie for first chair.
Rep your loCAL mountain while you do it. Whether you're heading to Mammoth, Heavenly, Palisades, or Big Bear — we've got resort-specific hoodies, tees, beanies, and stomp pads to show some love for the hill you call home.
👉 Shop Mammoth Mountain gear
👉 Shop Heavenly gear
👉 Shop Palisades Tahoe / Alpine Meadows gear
👉 Shop Big Bear gear
Season dates and conditions are subject to change — always check resort websites before you go. Now get out there and make the most of it.