Spring skiing deals and events

If you’re a thrifty skier or rider, there’s no better time to hit the slopes than in the spring, when New England ski resorts offer a multitude of discounts, deals, and a long calendar of events to keep you busy through April, and this year, thanks to a solid base of snow, maybe even deep into May. Here’s a look at some of the many things to expect this season as we hit the stretch run.

The Dumont Cup at Sunday River

Sunday River has a busy slate of events this spring, including the Fifth Annual Dumont Cup, March 29-30, when popular extreme skier, and Maine native Simon Dumont, visits Newry, Maine, along with a host of competitors. April brings the annual Parrothead Festival (April 5-7), celebrating the music of Jimmy Buffett, complete with pond-skimming and painkiller drinks.

Gold at Mount Snow

In addition to $29 lift tickets on Good Friday, Mounts Snow will host an Easter egg hunt on Sunday. The person who finds the golden egg will win a season pass for 2013-14.

Easter morning at Stowe

Stowe Mountain Resort will host its 59th Annual Easter sunrise service and egg hunt on March 31. The service, which takes place atop Mount Mansfield, is nondenominational, and visitors can access the summit via free lift rides from 5-6 a.m. The egg hunt follows the ceremony in Spruce Plaza.

Bodefest at Cannon Mountain

Former World Cup champion Bode Miller returns to his native New Hampshire during the annual Bodefest on April 6 at Cannon Mountain, where the ski area will host a fun race, in addition to an autograph signing with Miller. Cost of entry is $49, and includes racing bib, T-shirt, and lunch. Register online beginning March 6.

Reggaefest at Sugarloaf

Few local spring skiing events are more notable than Sugarloaf’s Reggae Festival (April 11-14), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. This year’s lineup includes headliner John Brown’s Body, in addition to Mighty Mystic and Gorilla Finger Dub Band. Tickets for the headlining show on Saturday night are $19 in advance, $25 at the door.

April Fool’s Day deals

It’s no joke. Ski Waterville Valley for, yes, only $1 on April Fool’s Day. Also on April 1, Mad River Glen invites skiers to act like a fool in the ticket booth in order to score 2-for-1 lift tickets.

Nines wild at Wildcat, Attitash

Lift tickets at Wildcat (left) and Attitash Mountain Resort will also only be $9 on April 1.

Food drive at Okemo

Okemo’s annual food drive takes place March 30, when skiers and riders can purchase a lift ticket for $39 with the donation of at least five nonperishable food items (or, believe it or not, 100 packages of Ramen noodles) in addition to a children’s toy or item of clothing.

Chalet Shakedown at Jay Peak

In addition to this weekend’s beach party at the Pump House (March 30, 3-6 p.m.), Jay Peak will say goodbye to an institution at the resort when it holds the “Chalet Shakedown” at Stateside Lodge, which will be cleared in the offseason for a new hotel. Share your favorite Stateside memories at www.jaypeakresort.com, and the resort will choose 20 submissions to receive free BBQ and drink tickets for the party, as well as discounted lodging.