This week’s weather will feature very different weather across the country. While the east deals with much above-average temperatures, a winter-like chill and snow take over the west.

Montana ski areas are opening over the next couple of weeks, and lift ticket deals are still available at several of them. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially help lower daily lift ticket costs. Check out early season specials and what's new around the state.

Montana’s Great Divide Ski Area is expanding with new terrain set to open this winter and future plans call for the addition of two new lifts.

A few Montana ski areas have already opened, and the rest follow in the next couple of weeks. Lift ticket deals are still available at several of the areas. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially help lower daily lift ticket costs.

We have arrived at the beginning of May, but there are still plenty of areas you can take in some turns! We take a look at who will hang onto the snow the longest.

Whitefish has received above average snowfall this season.

The ski season is winding down across Montana with the last day taking place at many this weekend, but a few are staying open later through Easter. At least one has extended their season with all the snow that has fallen this winter.

Big Sky offers big snow and big views. (Big Sky/Facebook)

The ski season is winding down across Montana with the last day taking place at many this weekend, but a few are staying open later through Easter. At least one has extended their season with all the snow that has fallen this winter.

Whitefish Mountain Resort has received more than 31 feet of snow so far this season. Conditions are prime spring skiing, but plans on closing after skiing and riding Saturday, April 8. Dummy Derby takes place this coming Saturday, April 1 as competitors compete for a $400 cash purse. The annual season-ending Pond Skim is scheduled for the closing Saturday. Lift and lodging packages start from $98 per person, per night and include breakfast and hot tub access.

Big Sky Resort remains open through April 16 affording a little more time to enjoy those spring conditions. The annual, spectator friendly Pond Skim takes place Saturday, April 15, with live music following at Whiskey Jacks. April lift and lodging packages offer 30 percent off select condos booked through central reservations. Tours of nearby Yellowstone National Park are also available, and this is an excellent time of year to tour the park. It’s a great time to catch the bison before they start moving to higher ground.

Red Lodge Mountain has extended its season through Easter to April 16 and lift and lodging packages start from $72 per person. It’s some of the best late season skiing and riding in recent years.

Discovery Ski Area remains open through April 9 and lift and lodging packages start from $128.

Great Divide plans on remaining open through April 9 and on weekends through the month as long as the snow remains skiable. They’ll pick the best weather day of each weekend, 10am-5pm. Lift tickets are $10 per hour or $30 for the day.

Whitefish Mountain powder day. (Whitefish)

It’s not too late to find lift ticket deals at several Montana ski resorts. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially lower your daily lift ticket cost. Check it out.

The time for season pass deals at Montana ski resorts may be over, but several lift ticket deals remain. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially lower your daily lift ticket cost. Check out these offers.

Season pass deals at Montana ski resorts may have ended, but several lift ticket deals remain. Frequent skier cards, packs and punch cards can substantially lower your daily lift ticket cost. Check them out.