Spring skiing is hard to beat! The days are getting longer, you're practically guaranteed sunshine and the mountain terraces are in full swing. But in order to make your spring ski holidays a success, it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Keep reading for our tips on how to have the best spring ski holidays ever this year!
You don't want to worry about closed pistes or dramatic snow conditions once you arrive at your ski resort. Save yourself the stress and do some research before deciding on a ski resort for your spring ski holidays. Take things like altitude, latitude, snow forecast and opening times into consideration when you're deciding.
If you're bringing your own skis, remember that you'll have to prepare them for spring skiing conditions. Razor-sharp edges are less important now than the appropriate kind of wax. Choose a wax that's suitable for warm temperatures so you don't get stuck in the softer spring snow.
Unlike in winter, it's not necessarily a crime to sleep in and get a later start to your ski day in the spring. Mornings can bring icy pistes, since all the slushy snow from the day before will have frozen overnight. The late morning when the sun has softened the snow is the best time to hit the slopes, with the snow getting mushy again as the afternoon wears on. If you time it right, you can enjoy more-than-decent snow conditions late into the spring.
Whew, it gets warm on the slopes with the sun beating down! When packing for your spring ski holiday, you can choose lighter clothing. Leave the scarf at home and maybe even opt for sunglasses instead of goggles!
Follow the sun as much as possible. This will earn you the best snow possible throughout the day. When the snow starts to soften after lunch, you can head to the other side of the mountain and ski on the snow that's just come out of the shade. Remember that overall, the snow will get softer and softer all day, so it pays to get up early and hit the slopes as soon as they open.
The least exciting but arguably the most important part of your day: don't forget to wear sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day! Goggle tans are sexy but you'll regret it when your face starts peeling on your return to the office.
Just as important as sunscreen is drinking. And no, not that kind - it's important to keep hydrated, preferably with water, if you want to avoid getting dehydrated from the heat and exercise. We're not forbidding you from enjoying a pint on a nice mountain terrace, but drink a few glasses of water at the same time. Don't end your ski day early with a pounding headache!
Spring skiing means adopting a completely different technique from the winter, where you'd usually be skiing in powder, ice or firm snow. In the spring, the snow will usually be soft and somewhat heavy, and it can require more effort to control your skis. Adjust your speed accordingly (not too slow or you'll come to a full stop!), keep pressure on both skis and focus on keeping your balance, with an eye out for icy patches.
That piste that was so fantastic yesterday might have developed huge moguls today, or exposed rocks from the melting snow. Perhaps even more than in the winter, it's important to be wary of the terrain and keep an eye out for variable snow conditions.
Spring skiing is synonymous with enjoying a cold drink in the sunshine. Don't hesitate to stop skiing when the snow starts getting soft, and kick-start your après-ski session in the early afternoon. Find a comfortable chair, kick back and relax as you drink in the mountian views. This is spring skiing at its finest!
It's inching towards summer and the days are noticeably longer compared with the winter ski season. This means you have time after your ski day to indulge in other activities like paragliding, winter hiking or trying out a ride on a snowcat. This is your chance to explore the rest of the ski resort in the lovely weather!
Alas, spring skiing signals the imminent end of ski season in most ski resorts, so seize your chance to enjoy every last minute of your time on the slopes! If you find yourself unable to face the prospect of another ski-less summer, check out these resorts for year-round skiing >
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
