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<b>Maggie</b> aka <i>"The Turninator"</i>
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Maggie aka "The Turninator"

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit?

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Any month of the winter season can be a great time to ski or ride at Sugar Bowl. Here’s a little preview of the typical conditions we get throughout the season.

Sweet Tips

  • Choose midweek/non-holidays if possible to take advantage of a more relaxed environment.
  • If you want to ski & ride as much powder as possible this season, sign up for the powder planner email. We’ll email you when there’s a storm on the horizon so you can plan your trip.
Snowboarder carving a turn on fresh corduroy.

Late-November through early-December

Every year is different, but sometimes early-season operations involve limited terrain until we get enough snow to open up additional areas. As more and more terrain opens for the season, skiers and rider go wild with stoke. After a long summer, we’re just excited to be back at it!

Events to look out for: Opening Day Celebration, Toys 4 Tots drive, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Royal Gorge Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

A father and son skiing powder on a bluebird morning.

Late December

The holidays are typically our busiest time of the season— for good reason! Spending the holidays at Sugar Bowl is a great way to enjoy your time with friends and family. Let us show you what happens when you mix great skiing & riding with holiday cheer.

Events to look out for: Santa on the Slopes, Wine & Shop

Picnic tables covered in snow.

January, February, and early March

Typically our snowiest & coldest times of year. These months are your best chance to score the “authentic winter experience.” i.e. sweet powder skiing. If you want to optimize your powder turns this season, sign up for the powder planner email. We’re always watching the weather and we’ll alert you when there is an upcoming storm so you can plan accordingly.

Events to look out for: Mac & Cheese Festival, Poker Run, Wine & Shop, Demo Days, Banked Slalom, Mardi Gras

Snowboarder launching off of a rail in the terrain park.
A young child learning to ski.

Late-March & April

The springtime ski scene at Sugar Bowl is all about leaving your jacket in the car and seeking out great corn skiing in the warm California sun. With softer, more forgiving snow, it’s a great time to progress, whether that means learning a new trick in the park or trying skiing/riding for the first time. You can expect spirited après on the sundecks outside of both lodges. Driving to and from the mountains is typically simpler (but storms still do happen!) Look for late-season lift ticket specials in April. 

Events to look out for: Mini-Pipe Meltdown, Tiki Pond Skim

Sunlight filtering through snowy trees.

More tools to help you plan your trip

Use these handy links to:

FOMO Inducing Visuals
Do you want to see how good the powder is skiing while you’re stuck at work? You know you’ll want to see for yourself if there is any new snow on the ground. Que the FOMO!