Colorado resorts staying open longer this spring, thanks to bountiful snow

ASPEN, Colo. — With above-average levels of snow in some parts of the country this winter, a few ski resorts are taking advantage by staying open longer.

Aspen Skiing Co. announced Aspen Highlands in Colorado will stay open until April 27, making that area the fourth in Colorado to announce an extended ski season this spring. .

Elsewhere in Colorado, Purgatory at Durango Mountain moved its closing date from March 30 to April 6; Monarch extended its season from April 6 to April 13 and Wolf Creek will stay open until April 27.

The state's snowpack was at 125 percent of its 30-year historical average.

In Utah, a "Spring Stay & Ski" program offers a third night free if you book two nights at one of the participating lodging properties in Park City, 35 miles from the Salt Lake City airport. Visitors can also ski free the day they arrive by converting their airplane boarding passes into lift passes. Park City is expected to have good skiing through mid-April with record snow cover this year. Details at www.parkcityinfo.com