Winter, spring, summer and fall: Which of these seasons brings to mind images of racing down a powdery slope and feeling the fresh, cold air on your face? Contrary to popular belief, you can actually go skiing any time of year and you don't have to head off to the Alps to do so. Check out the following resorts, depending on what time of the year you'll be traveling.

Winter

Ski resorts abound during the coldest, snowiest part of the year, so you can definitely take your pick. If you'll be in northwest Montana this winter, you won't want to miss the exhilarating experience of staying and skiing at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.

With over 3,000 acres of land and 105 marked trails, you'll be able to satisfy your craving for the type of skiing you desire. In addition to the trails (which include tree and bowl skiing), Whitefish offers five terrain parks of varying difficulty for those wanting to try jumps and sliding rails. When you're ready to take a break, stop by the Summit Nature Center located on-site.

You don't have to limit your skiing to the admittedly short wintertime daylight hours, either. Night skiing is available, as is a dining-by-moonlight package. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Glacier National Park while dining, then experience the exhilaration of skiing down the slope by the light of the full moon.

Spring

If March has turned into April and you haven't quenched your thirst for hitting the slopes, there's no need to worry: Sun Valley, a ski resort located in central Idaho, is open through the third week of April. Sun Valley packs a lot of charm into its resort. There are 75 trails and 21 lifts to explore, so you can certainly squeeze in a lot of skiing during your springtime visit.

Even better, rates are substantially lower and crowds are much thinner during the end of the season. Lodging at Sun Valley ranges from a rustic lodge to quaint cottages to luxurious condos. There have been some major renovations taking place recently, particularly in the lodge, where you'll find 94 new, roomy guestrooms and all new public areas, including a glass-enclosed pool. 

When you're not skiing, warm up in the on-site spa with a facial or massage. You might even try some acupuncture to relieve your sore muscles. There is also a fitness facility and a salon, so you can return home positively glowing. Have your hair cut or styled, or go a little crazy and get your eyelashes tinted.

Summer

When temperatures heat up over most of the United States, you might think it's time to kiss skiing goodbye for a few months. However, this is not the case at Timberline, a resort located on Mount Hood, Oregon's highest mountain. Mount Hood is located about 50 miles to the east of Portland.

In most years, the resort stays open for skiing through Labor Day, and it prides itself on being the only ski resort in the U.S. that's open through all 12 months. During the summer months, skiing is available until 2:00 p.m. The slopes close at that time, but you can enjoy other activities like biking, hiking and mountaineering.

If you're planning on getting married in the summer, Timberline makes a unique and unforgettable wedding venue. In addition to the skiing, the backdrop is spectacular and there are 11 venues from which to choose. Of course, other groups are welcome to take part in a non-traditional summer vacation, too. From family reunions to corporate events, a summer ski adventure might be just the thing you're looking for.

Fall

When the ski bug starts biting early in the season, you don't have to wait impatiently for the winter to come. Grand Targhee Ski Resort, located in Alta, Wyoming, opens for skiing in the fall when conditions permit. Travel insurance will keep you covered if conditions end up not permitting as early as you'd hoped. The good thing about Grand Targhee early-season skiing is that it's all on natural snow.

In addition to skiing, you'll be able to hone your sense of adventure with fat biking, snowmobile backcountry tours, snowshoeing and the resort's exclusive Snowcat Adventures. Since a Snowcat Adventure is limited to just 12 people per day, you can get a group together to enjoy some fall fun without the crowds. You'll also save on the cost because when you book a group trip for 12, you only pay for 10!

No matter what time of year you find yourself dreaming of powdery slopes, you can satisfy your need for adventure in the Northwest United States. You can also rely on Allianz Travel insurance  to keep your trip protected so you can focus on your skiing!

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