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.
Here are some backup trips to consider booking if you’re heading to one of these top ski destinations, and how one TPGer did just that.
Park City, Utah
If you’re having second thoughts about a ski trip to Park City, Utah, there are several alternative options.
About a four-hour drive southeast of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Moab offers easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Meanwhile, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks are roughly a four-hour drive southwest. March is an ideal time to visit these parks; you’ll find thinner crowds and less oppressive temperatures (highs in the 50s and 60s) than in the summer.
Or, for a city vacation, stay in Salt Lake City for theater shows, breweries and the hub of the country’s craft chocolate scene.
TPG’s senior editorial director, Nick Ewen, originally planned an Easter weekend ski trip for his family of three to Park City. He booked nonstop flights to SLC with points and reserved a paid stay at the Hyatt Centric Park City, which he could cancel for no penalty up to a week before arrival.
Skiing toward the end of the season might have been a toss-up even in a good year, and as the drought wore on, Nick began to rethink his plans.
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“Since we did Moab last year, we started looking at accommodations down near Bryce and Zion for that same time. The thought was that we’d book a hotel there, keep the same flights, and then if the ski season wound up terrible, we’d cancel the reservation in Park City and simply pivot to spending a few days down there,” he explained. “So we grabbed the Hyatt Place Springdale on an amazing paid rate — and it’s looking more and more likely that we’ll be going this route than the ski route.”
Where to stay
- Hyatt Place Springdale/Zion National Park: For easy national park access and a year-round hot tub with stunning views, book a room here from $208 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night in March.
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection: This upscale hotel and full-service spa is ideally situated in downtown Moab, just a 10-minute drive from Arches and a half-hour from Canyonlands. Nightly rates start as low as $193 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points.
- Asher Adams, Autograph Collection: Built in downtown Salt Lake City’s historic Union Pacific Depot, this stylish Marriott Bonvoy property starts at $209 or 37,000 Marriott points per night.
Related: National park entry requirements are changing in 2026
Colorado
In Colorado, your chances of skiing success depend on where you go. For instance, at the time of writing, Arapahoe Basin in Keystone is only 50% open, while Wolf Creek Ski Area near Pagosa Springs is 100% open. Most other resorts are somewhere in between, but those numbers may change (for better or worse) as the season progresses.
If you plan to fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and drive to one of Colorado’s ski resorts, but your ski trip doesn’t pan out, skip the rental car and stay in the city.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the city’s eclectic selection of museums, from the interactive Museum of Illusions to the mind-blowing Meow Wolf Convergence Station. Meanwhile, craft beer aficionados and foodies won’t want to miss the Mile High Beer Festival (March 7) and Denver Restaurant Week (March 6-15).
If you’re flying into Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) near Steamboat Springs or Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) near Vail, consider Glenwood Springs for your backup trip.
Home to the fabulous Iron Mountain Hot Springs and the world’s largest hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, this idyllic mountain town makes for a relaxing retreat in a gorgeous setting. There’s also Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which opens March 6 and offers cave tours, alpine coasters and more family-friendly fun.
Where to stay
- The Art Hotel Denver: Perfect for art lovers and culture hounds, this fun property starts around $205 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night this spring.
- The Thompson Denver: You can get solid value from your Hyatt points at this upscale, centrally located option. Rooms start from $295 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
- Hampton Inn Glenwood Springs: Book a stay here (from $135 or 44,000 Hilton Honors points per night) for free hot breakfast and a year-round indoor pool.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
There aren’t many major cities within driving distance of Jackson Hole — just miles of spectacular scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. If you have a ski trip planned here, you most likely bought a ticket to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), and your best bet for a backup trip is to stay right here and seek other, less snowy pursuits.
Grand Teton National Park’s Moose entrance is just a few minutes up the road, and Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance is an hour and 15 minutes north. March is on the cusp between winter and spring at these national parks, meaning you can watch the first wildflowers emerge from the frosty ground, and maybe spot some animals emerging from hibernation, with almost no crowds.
Tour operators like Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures and Backcountry Safaris offer winter wildlife safaris, snowshoe treks, photography tours and more in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Where to stay
- Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, an SLH Hotel: Despite what its name may suggest, this luxury hotel in nearby Jackson, Wyoming, boasts a full-service spa and award-winning restaurant to help you unwind after a day of adventure. Rates start from $419 or 130,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jackson Hole: Centrally located near the boutiques, restaurants and shows of downtown Jackson, this all-suite property has rates as low as $197 or 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: How to plan an epic road trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks
Taos, New Mexico
Although only 61% of runs are open at Taos Ski Valley, with no snow in the forecast, Taos is a worthwhile travel destination in its own right.
Besides delicious food and easy access to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is home to a variety of hot springs, from rustic natural river pools to upscale spa resorts. And don’t miss UNESCO World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community with adobe homes continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
Taos is also just an hour and a half drive north of Santa Fe, a hub for art enthusiasts and spa-goers (and one of our top picks for solo travel). For outdoor adventures, try a hike in the awe-inspiring Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument or whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande — rafting season starts as early as mid-March.
Where to stay
- Hotel Willa: One of TPG’s most anticipated hotel openings of 2025, this new Mr & Mrs Smith property in Taos features local art and produce sourced from its on-site garden. It’s bookable from $160 or 16,500 World of Hyatt points per night in March.
- Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza: This historic points hotel, built in a 350-year-old hacienda in downtown Santa Fe, starts at $128 or 43,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Lake Tahoe, California
March is usually when Lake Tahoe receives its peak snowfall. But if that doesn’t come through this year, Lake Tahoe has plenty to do beyond the ski slopes.
Whether you’re planning to stay near Palisades on the lake’s northwestern side or Heavenly to the southeast, there’s no shortage of snow-free outdoor activities. March may be too cold for watersports, but it usually brings mild, sunny weather perfect for hiking or biking the Tahoe or Eldorado National Forests.
Carson City is within an hour’s drive east into Nevada and is a historical hot spot, with the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum and the Kit Carson Trail through the city’s historic district. And if you’re staying north of the lake, don’t miss Donner Memorial State Park in the nearby town of Truckee. You can see the Pioneer Monument, a tribute to those who perished in the infamous Donner Party, and learn about the region’s history at the park’s visitor center.
And of course, if casinos are your thing, there are plenty to be found from South Lake Tahoe to Carson City to Reno.
Where to stay
- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: With elevated dining concepts and a luxurious spa, this recently renovated Marriott Bonvoy property is a destination in itself — even if you don’t take advantage of its ski-in ski-out access to northwestern Tahoe’s Northstar resort. You can book a stay from $1,147 or 114,000 Marriott points per night this spring.
- Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe: On the lake’s southeast side, this highly walkable option puts you within reach of shopping, dining and gambling for as low as $135 or 21,000 IHG One Rewards points.
Related: 11 incredible hotels for a dreamy winter vacation
Bottom line
Booking refundable travel is always a smart choice, especially when your travel plans involve something as weather-dependent as snow sports. We love Nick’s idea of booking two hotel stays and cancelling one as you get closer — as long as you can cancel for free.
Another option is to book flights that you can cancel for a full refund or travel credit. That way, if your ski trip falls through, you could cancel your plane tickets and book another trip somewhere else. Our roundup of the best places to visit in March is a great place to start.
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