The A-Basin “Lake Reveal” | Image: POWDER Magazine

Spring is a time when the snow softens, the layers come off, and ski culture shows its most playful side. Closing weekends are not just about wrapping up the season, they are about celebrating everything that makes skiing fun. From costumes to concerts, these traditions bring people together one last time before summer takes over.

Here are five of the best spring skiing traditions you can experience at resorts across North America.

5. Costumes and Theme Parties

When the snow softens, the outfits get louder. Costumes and theme days are staples of spring skiing. Expect to see denim shorts, neon onesies, cowboy hats, superhero suits, and plenty of retro ski gear flying down the hill. These events capture the spirit of the sport, fun, carefree, and all about community. Whether it is a weekly theme day or an annual favorite like “The Frank,” the vibe is unmatched.

4. Races and Friendly Competitions

Spring is when skiers and riders trade serious competition for quirky contests. Resorts host cardboard boat races, rail jams, and end-of-season slalom events that invite everyone to join. Prizes and raffles add to the energy, but the real reward is laughing with friends while trying something new. It is a reminder that skiing is as much about connection as it is about carving turns.

3. Pond Skims

Pond skims have become the defining spring tradition. Skiers and riders fly down a slope, hoping to glide across a man-made pond without sinking. Outrageous costumes, loud cheers, and unexpected wipeouts make it unforgettable. Some skims span 100 feet while others use natural lakes, but all share the same energy, daring runs, hilarious fails, and pure joy at the edge of winter and summer.

2. Concerts and Festivals

Long days of sunshine and slushy snow call for music. Many resorts host concerts and spring festivals that transform the base area into an outdoor stage. From DJs spinning mid-afternoon to full weekend events that draw crowds from across the country, the music creates a perfect soundtrack for skiing’s final days. Nothing pairs better with a bluebird day than live music echoing through the mountains.

1. Bonus Days and Season Extensions

Sometimes resorts surprise skiers with bonus days or extended seasons. A closing day announcement can turn into another week of skiing, or even a rare three-sport day, skiing in the morning, biking in the afternoon, and golfing before sunset. These extensions are treasured gifts, offering one last chance to keep the season alive before the lifts finally stop.

Shredder’s Take

Traditions like pond skims and closing day parties keep the spirit of skiing alive long after the snow melts. Just as these celebrations bring people together, Shredder helps skiers connect year-round with updates, resort info, and a place to share their stories. Even when the lifts stop, Shredder keeps the stoke going until the first flakes fall again.