BASICS~ Your Guide To Spring Skiing

Grab the sunscreen, outfits, and wax those skis- Spring Skiing has SPRUNG!

Spring skiing also known as second season is here! Time to shed the insulation grab the sunscreen and get ready for those bumps to form. Spring skiing is a ski bum tradition. Just because it's warm doesn't mean it's time to ditch the skis- yet.

Bluebird skis, silly outfits, google tans, and bumps are all timeless traditions. No new snow? No problem, get ready to harvest the corn (when the snow goes through a freeze-melt cycle it turns into this sweet consistency) and get out there and feel those slushy turns.

New to spring skiing? Check out your guide to spring skiing below!

The early skier gets the best turns... at least when you are searching for spring corn

1. Focus On Your Timing

   
   

   While some of us have a habit of showing up at the resort at 11 AM (okay fine noon) during spring skiing that luxury is now gone unless you're into mash potato snow and some serious sticky grabbing snow. Thanks to warmer weather conditions tend to change quickly. If you are searching for the best snow get out early for your best shot of some nice corn snow. Pro tip: Search for spots that are typically icy, these usually offer the most stable snow when things warm up.

   
   
   
   

   

   Don't shy away from steeper terrain. The slushy snow slows you down and allows for some awesome turns. Make sure to ski within your ability. Line: Granite Chief Peaks, Olympic Valley

   
   

2. Switch Up Your Terrain Up

   
   

   We all have our go-to runs that make us feel like we are the best skiers on the mountain. With the spring slush depending on the angle of the terrain, your safety runs may start to have you second-guessing if have ever skied before. Don't stress mix things up a bit. Park and spring skiing are synonymous. Take a few laps around the park and work on a different set of skills. Make sure to start small and work your way up on larger features. Pro tip: the park snow rides more consistently compared to the rest of the resort.

   
   

   Looking to stay out of the park? Try steeper terrain. While spring skiing is a blast you'll find lower-angle terrain to be a bit slow forcing you into the back seat. A good way to avoid that quad burn is to seek steeper terrain where gravity does its job for you.

   
   
   
   

   

   Lather up, while some of us are proud to rock a goggle tan sunburn and wrinkles are never wanted.

   
   
   
   

3. Grab The Sunscreen

   
   

April and May's sun is far stronger than the winter UV rays (thanks to the tilt in the rotation of the earth) as the days get longer the sun gets stronger. While some of us embrace or reject the goggle tan (depending on what team you land on) either way sunscreen is essential. Not only to avoid strong sun rays and a burn but to keep that skin healthy and wrinkle-free.

The Head Kore 97 is an excellent spring ski due to its lighter construction. Swamp the heavy skis for lighter and wider sticks to make the most out of your day.

4. Switch To Lighter Skis

   
   

Is your daily driver a stiff ski with tons of metal? Consider switching to a wider and lighter ski. As the snow deteriorates throughout the day the snow becomes slushy and sticky. A wider ski allows you to have more "float" on slush. While a lighter ski allows you to not get those edges stuck as the snow becomes sticky it becomes like to "grab". Pro tip: skis with carbon and lighter materials work best.

Do your skis look like this? It is time for a wax job ASAP

5. Wax Your Gear

   
   

Sure, we all know the importance of gear maintenance for safety and longevity. During the spring though reach for that wax more frequently. The spring snow creates more friction between your skis and base making you go through that wax at much higher rate. Add that with spring slush and no wax and what do you get? Very sticky sticks that like to grab and jerk you. Save your knees and your day, wax up.

Bring out the sparkle, Hawaiian shirts, tutus or whatever your personal flare and style is

6. Get Those Outfits Out!

Want to truly immerse yourself in spring ski culture? Get your loudest outfit and go shred! A tradition full of fun and a great way to express your own personal flare! There is only one rule when it comes to spring ski outfits... HAVE FUN! Feel free to get as outlandish and silly as you want. Just keep in mind your skill level so if you take a tumble, it will be less painful and less bloody.

Don't forget the glitter!

Join She-Shredz and The Ski Retreat for a ladies' spring ski shred day on 4/25 at Palisades Tahoe. Want to join? More info on events page

7. Check Out Spring Events-

   
   

   While you may think the resorts are winding down, you may be surprised to the events taking place. From pond skims, shred days, and music festivals your local resort may be buzzing full of fun things to do.

   Looking to join some spring skiing fun? Join She-Shredz and The Ski Retreat for Spring Ski Ladies Shred Day! For more info click here.