Vail’s the place when it comes to skiing in Colorado in March and April. Here’s why.

Vail’s beautiful mountain vistas, plentiful outdoor activities, and diverse shopping and dining opportunities make the resort town a coveted place to visit year-round. But the alpine destination — located in the majestic Gore Range less than 2 hours from Denver — is particularly lovely in March and April, when visitors can experience the best of the cold- and warm-weather seasons. That includes skiing in the sunshine (without hand warmers!), a bounty of exciting events and budget-friendly lodging prices. Read on to learn more.

1. Spring in Colorado means sunshine & soft snow.

Longer days and increasing temperatures give locals and visitors the first glimpses of springtime bliss starting in mid-March, though snow typically doesn’t stop falling until May. While weather in the high country can often be unpredictable, March and April temperatures in Vail range from about 20 to 45°F with bluebird skies and plenty of pristine powder for all your outdoor pursuits.

Four skiers wearing colorful jackets and helmets take a break on Vail Mountain in Vail, Colorado; they hug and laugh.

2. Take advantage of Vail hotel deals.

Because spring is a slower season in Vail, hotels and lodges often offer special offers, making it one of the most affordable times of year to book a trip. The values are ideal for groups of all sizes, from families enjoying spring break to friends embarking on late-winter adventures. To find the best deals on places to stay, check out our Vail Lodging page, where hotel specials are updated regularly.

3. There are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor splendor without the crowds.

The last day to ski at Vail Mountain is typically at the end of April, and many of the ski area’s 275 trails are open until then (depending on the weather). The 5,317 acres of terrain are also quieter this time of year — so you can get in more laps on your skis or board with shorter lift lines. Don’t miss tackling Vail Mountain’s famed Back Bowls (now easier to access from Lionshead Village via the new Sun Down lift), or admiring breathtaking sights of Mount of the Holy Cross as you cruise down the Lost Boy trail.

If downhill action isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other ways to take in the fresh air. Vail Nordic Center (Vail Golf Club in the summer months) offers access to more than 40 km of routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing plus skate skiing and fat biking. Equipment rentals are available on-site. Or explore the snow-blanketed landscape on a self-guided tour of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens — the world’s highest altitude botanical garden — on foot or snowshoes to learn about the mountain ecosystem. Sip a cup of steaming hot chocolate afterward while you check out exhibits at the education center.

Find the most up-to-date closing-day information here.

A group of four people — two adults and two children — pause before skiing down a scenic ski run with mountains in the background at Vail Mountain. The ski is a hazy blue with clouds above the mountain line.

4. Celebrate the season’s end.

Vail’s events calendar is always packed with fun festivities; check the calendar regularly for the most up-to-date listings. Highlights include the high energy Après at the Amp concerts, Taste of Vail and more Vail Après happenings. Taste of Vail, a food and wine festival, takes place annually at the beginning of April. At the event, attendees can pair bites from talented Vail chefs with wines from Colorado and across the world and enjoy immersive culinary seminars and multi-course dinners.

5. You don’t have to hit the slopes to have fun.

Prefer to stay indoors? Skiing and snowboarding Vail Mountain are optional when it comes to taking advantage of après-ski fun. Connect with loved ones over well-shaken cocktails or mocktails at Bad Kitty Lounge; nibble on tacos topped with slow-braised carnitas at El Segundo; dig into a platter of tender barbecued ribs, a comforting burger or other tavern fare at The Red Lion or order the tasty wienerschnitzel (fried veal cutlet) with a refreshing Austrian beer at Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar. Find a full list of Vail restaurants.

To learn more about Vail’s athletic past, visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum, where you can view exhibits on the 10th Mountain Division, World War II’s mountain troops, and tributes to ski-and-snowboard-industry icons. Strolls through Vail and Lionshead villages — which are lined with shops and restaurants and connected by pedestrian-friendly streets and a free shuttle system — are also a must.

• Check out the Vail nightlife scene.

• Let this perfect spring-skiing itinerary be your guide.

• Find Vail restaurants with decks and patios that are ideal for après.