I love springtime on the slopes. The sun is out, lift ticket and retail prices drop, temperatures are finally enjoyable and the hill turns into a giant party during afternoons and weekends. Here are five tips I have for you to make the best of your spring days on the slopes.
1. WEAR SUNSCREEN
The sun is strong in the mountains, especially when it reflects off the snow. Don’t want a sexy goggle tan/sunburn? Neither do I. Nor do I want skin cancer. Make sure to cover your face (and arms if you follow the suns-out-guns-out rule) with plenty of SPF before you hit the slopes. It doesn’t hurt to reapply as the day goes on either. And don’t forget your chapstick!
2. BRING LAYERS
Mornings can be chilly, and afternoons are typically sunny and warm. I always wear my jacket in the morning and rock my base layer (or hell, even a tank top) in the afternoon.
You will also be thankful you brought a jacket, as temperatures drop in the evenings. If you are planning to stay longer and attend some fun après events, I suggest you bring some backup layers.
3. START YOUR DAY LATER
Not a morning person? Spring skiing is just for you! I find that by around 10 or 11 am is when the snow starts to soften up. Keep in mind that even though the daytime temperatures are warmer, snow typically freezes during the night. And nobody enjoys skiing or snowboarding on ice.
4. FOLLOW THE PARTY
Spring après is the best. I’m talking fun afternoon concerts, contests, themed parties and more. You won’t want to leave the resort when they shut the lifts down. Stay awhile. Make some friends, listen to some good local music and enjoy the food and drinks (make sure to always drink lots of water on the mountain).
5. WATCH FOR SPRING GEAR SALES
Let’s face it. Skiing and snowboarding aren’t cheap sports. Luckily, the resorts (and local and online outdoor retail stores) have killer spring deals. The season is over, and it’s time to get rid of the year’s inventory. I love stocking up on apparel and gear during this time. Check out demo gear for even better deals.
Founder and main contributor to This Adventure Life, Kirsten Alexis has passion for all things adventure and the outdoors. She is an avid participant in action sports, such as skydiving, paragliding, snowboarding, high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, surfing and more. She is passionate about inspiring others to live their wildest dreams as well as conserving the environment for others to enjoy for years to come.