If you have a late-season ski trip coming up in the Western U.S., you may be concerned about the conditions on the slope — and rightfully so. Poor snowfall and unseasonably warm temperatures have led to icy and slushy conditions at many ski resorts, causing runs to close and lift lines to stretch even longer than usual.
While some popular ski destinations are finally getting some much-needed snow, it may not be enough to offset the effects of the West's winter-long drought. For example, a recent storm just dumped 14 inches on Jackson Hole, Wyoming, according to On the Snow, but the resort's total snow depth is still at just 21% of its average for early March. And while 99% of runs are now open at Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Mountain, Palisades Tahoe only has 41% of runs open.
The good news? You can book a backup trip to a nearby destination in case your ski dreams don't come true. Thanks to the snow shortage, hotels near Western ski resorts have wide-open availability and relatively low rates this March. If you book refundable travel, you could have two trips lined up — one for snow sports, the other not — and decide which to take based on the weather as you get closer.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
