You either love to ski or you hate it because of the conditions: cold weather, long lines and uncontrollable travel delays. For those who fall within the latter category, there is something to be said about spring skiing, which gives a whole new meaning to March Madness. The days are longer, crowds are smaller and the sun is brighter. There is a certain rush you get zooming down a mountain when the frost isn’t nipping away at your toes.

Avid ski fans know that the best days and deals of the season are yet to come.  For those aching to hit the slopes, here are some special offers that will help you plan your snow vacation:

Stratton Mountain Resort: Now considered the birthplace of snowboarding, Stratton Mountain Resort in Southern Vermont has earned its reputation for good skiing in a party atmosphere at the resort’s hillside village.  But being part of the party does not have to be pricey. For starters, Stratton has a ‘Just Because’ package that includes lift ticket, lodging, lunch, rental gear, and a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Bentley’s, starting at $135 per person. The Stratton’s X2 discount card is also a steal at $79, and gives card holders discounts through the season. Discounts are $30 off non-holiday weekday lift tickets, $20 off non-holiday weekend lift tickets, and $10 off holiday lift tickets, plus a free day of skiing.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: If you’re headed out West, the last weekend in March is when you want to be at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As in the past the mountain puts together its annual festival, complete with skiing and snowboarding events, live music and lots of spring sunshine.  The resort is offering a Mountain Festival Package from March 25-27 which includes 2 two days of lift tickets, lodging in a two-bedroom condo, and lunch at Nick Wilson’s Cowboy Café. Rates start at $99 per person per night, based on quad occupancy and a two-night minimum stay.

Whistler Blackomb Resort: This chic ski destination in the Canadian Rockies has recently announced it will be cleaning up its high-price reputation, making efforts to “combat “misconceptions” that Whistler’s world-class offerings only come at world-class prices.” To make amends the resort is offering a 3 night and 2 days package which includes lift tickets starting at  $126 per person, per night. If you’re new to the sport or simply want to brush up on your solemn skills from March 26 – April 10, 2011 you can save 30% on Snow School programs, both full and half day lessons.