The snow gods and goddesses have delivered a rare, but welcome, blessing this winter, blanketing most of the country's slopes with endless powder. All of Utah's resorts, for example, are poised to surpass their annual snowfall average. Alta Ski Area, just 25 miles from Salt Lake City, will hit the 500-inch mark, its annual average, before the end of February. Even the Northeast, which has been snow-starved in recent years, is enjoying great conditions. Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont has already seen 200 inches of snow. With a five-year annual average of 327 inches, Stowe is on track to have a great season and shake off the disappointment of the last few years.

Given the encouraging first half of the ski season, you can count on phenomenal spring conditions. Abundant snow coupled with an early Easter (March 23) creates the perfect storm for enticing deals at resorts around the country. This is the year to put off summer activities as long as possible and partake in the deals, events, and wacky traditions that mark the reluctant close of ski season.