I think April is the most underrated month to ski. Maybe not for us spring die-hards, but the visitation stats typically tell us that many of you call it quits this time of year. I get it, it might be hot in Burlington, Boston, or New York, there’s no snow to inspire you, kids spring sports are starting…there are plenty of excuses. But as a lover of corn snow, warm sun, and cold deck beers, I’m here to tell you April turns are some of my favorites all year, if not the favorite.
Honestly, it’s practically a different sport from those mid-winter turns the world tends to equate with skiing. You get to wear less layers. You can actually enjoy sitting outside for drink or après snack. And if you love soft pow turns mid-winter, spring skiing has it’s form of soft, albeit with a little more water content in the snow. Too few people get to enjoy it. Don’t be one of them. Oh, and if you need more inspiration to come ski, have you seen our latest promo for Ikon Pass holders?
You’ll get to experience the spring love if you’re making it up here this weekend for our Spring Fling concert. Forecasts right now are calling for temps mid 40s tomorrow and upper 40s Sunday with plenty of Saturday sun and more clouds on Sunday. If those predictions land then it will easily be the best weather we’ve had for a Spring Fling yet. The Courtyard is ready to roll with the big stage, multiple bar locations, Athletic Brewing tastings, and the Ikon Pass tent. Local favorites The Grift hit the stage at 12:30 PM with headliner Andy Frasco & The U.N. starting at 2:30 PM. We’re expecting plenty of skiers and non-skiers alike tomorrow, so get here early, take some turns, or carve out a spot in the Courtyard before everyone else shows up. Plus, don’t forget to bring a donation item for the Mad River Valley Community Pantry. We’ll have boxes you can drop items at both The General Store and at Guest Services. On Sunday, we’re also stoked to host the final leg of The Mad Triathlon at Mt. Ellen in collaboration with our partners at Friends of the Mad River, Mad River Path, Mad River Riders, and Mad River Valley Backcountry Coalition.
Once we get through the weekend we will be phasing down some of our terrain as we do every year. After Sunday we will be closing Gate House, North Lynx, and Village with Heaven’s Gate, Super Bravo, and Valley House (as needed on weekends or once Bravo closes) spinning moving forward. We’ll continue operating daily through April 26th with the plan to then close midweek and reopen May 2nd and 3rd. Of course, we know Mother Nature throws plenty of curveballs, so that all remains weather permitting, but as of right now that’s our plan. We’ll also be shifting our on-mountain dining operations to just Rumble’s and The Tucker open beginning Monday (and Paradise off-mountain). But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to find breakfast or lunch at one of those restaurants daily!
So let’s all help make April just a little less underrated. Come on up, enjoy the free concert, and get in some soft turns. Bring the friends and fam. I’d get here sooner than later, enjoy all the terrain and soft snow you can, and make the most of spring before this season’s gone for good.
See you on the mountain.