As winter rolls over into spring, the sun feels warm again, the sky turns brighter and birds start singing. On slopes farther south, spring also brings the ski season to a halt, but up in Alberta, Canada, the snow still clings stubbornly to the mountainsides well into the last weeks in May. You can hit the slopes in the morning and go golfing in the afternoon.
We partnered with Travel Alberta to uncover all the activities you didn't know are keeping your favorite ski destinations buzzing all spring long. So shed a layer (or two) and get ready to enjoy the "warm" part of winter.
Spring Skiing:
Those who've gone spring skiing know, it's a life-changing experience to race downhill in a T-shirt and no gloves while the sun shines warm and bright. You get all the thrills of wintertime skiing with half of the clothing. One of the world's longest ski seasons takes place in Alberta, where hills across the province stay open well past winter. Sunshine Village, a ski resort located in Banff, offers carvable runs right up to the middle of May. Just take note of the name and don't forget your sunscreen. (Seriously, you'll look like a raccoon.)
Dogsledding:
A truly authentic outdoor experience reconnects you to the natural world. And for that one-with-the-wild rush, there's nothing quite like the thrill of dogsledding. Plus, having a team of huskies pull you through the forest is, on a visit to Alberta, Canada, about as local as it gets. There are several dogsled tour operators in the Canmore/Banff region, as well as one further north in Rocky Mountain House, that continue to mush until the winter snow turns soft.
Camping:
Camping in winter may be tough, but with the right gear, sunny spring days in the wilderness are hard to beat. This is especially true at the sweet spot in the transition between winter and spring, when Canadian provincial parks, such as those in Alberta, may offer activities ranging from ice fishing and snowshoeing to hiking, all at the same time. Check the park service for a list of campgrounds open year round.
Fat Biking:
For two-wheel enthusiasts who just can't get enough saddle time, a fat bike offers the freedom and stability to cruise over snow, thanks to its really wide, soft tires. Fat biking has taken off in a big way in Alberta: The Canmore Nordic Centre offers dedicated fat bike trails and bikes can be rented in town. But special trails aren't a necessity; fat bikes are great on just about any cross-country mountain bike trail you can find. Check in with a local bike shop to learn where you find the best winter riding.
Glacier Tours:
Glaciers are majestic and awe-inspiring ... or so you've heard. See for yourself with a trek out to the Columbia Icefields. Specially designed transport buses with extra wide tires can take you there. Then step out onto the surface of the magnificent Athabaska Glacier and rejoice in this 10,000 year-old wonder of nature. If you're interested in getting a little more adventurous, guided ice walks are available, too. The season starts in mid-April and runs until mid-October. It's an easy way to get into the mountains.
Heli Snowshoeing:
When winter has largely left its mark and gone from a mountain region's low-lying areas, pristine powder typically still lurks up high. Unreachable? Not when your ride is a helicopter. To sample this extreme adventure, toss a pair of snowshoes into the back of a chopper and head for the hills in southern Alberta's Kananaskis Country. After an incredible 10-minute flight, you're plunked into a breathtaking winter oasis where you set off for an hour-long snowshoe tour led by the pilot, who doubles as your guide. Fortify yourself, alpine style, with a thermos of complimentary spiked hot chocolate before flying back.
Sunshine Slush:
Alas, the ski season does eventually come to an end, even in Canada. But that's when festival season kicks off. Take Sunshine Village's annual season wrap-up party; this weekend-long festival features beer gardens, an outdoor concert called Snowchella, a scantily clad breast cancer fundraising race called Bikinis and Boardshorts, and the ever-popular Slush Cup, where skiers and boarders attempt to skim across a slushy pond. In fact, this year's event includes the first Pond Skimming World Cup. Because waterskiing is the next best thing to the downhill variety.
When the winter sports season ends before you're ready, travel north to the quintessential outdoor paradise of Alberta, Canada.