Club Colorado  

This blog post comes to CSCUSA from Amber Johnson, editor of MileHighMamas.

I’ll admit it: I wasn’t a fan of Spring Skiing until recently. I had previously viewed it as a hot, slushy mess but at the end of last season, I looked at the bluebird sky, basked in the balmy temperatures, sailed down the mountain in my t-shirt (sorry, no bikinis here) and thought, “How have I missed out on this all these years?

Spring on the slopes is a non-stop party as temperatures and people thaw. If that is not enough of a draw, here are some tips for making the most of your spring skiing experience.

1). Sunscreen. If you weren’t slathering your sun protection on your face before, do it now. The sun is exponentially more intense and if you’re like me, your winter tan a.k.a. bone-white skin is highly susceptible to burning.

2) Layers. I’ll admit it: I packed for my spring ski trip the same way I would have in the dead of winter with long johns and my warm clothing. Ditch the heavy stuff but keep in mind it’s still chilly in the morning. By afternoon, you’ll be removing most of it.

3) Hydrate. Between the blazing sun, the altitude and the dry air, you’ll be surprised how quickly you fall victim to dehydration.

4) Gotta wear shades. For me, my goggles get waaaay too hot in the spring. Whether you stick with them or opt for sunglasses, remember your eyes need to be more protected than ever out there.

5) Change your skiing style. The snow is heavier in the spring so keep your weight more balanced on each foot. Don’t push through the snow and instead slice through it like a knife. Be sure to go a bit faster so you don’t get weighed down.

6) Speaking of skis, make they are tuned correctly.  A warmer-temperature wax will keep your skis from sticking to the snow.

7) Here comes the sun. We worship the sun during spring skiing so be sure to follow it around the mountain. The best runs have full sun exposure to soften up the slopes for epic carving conditions.

Today, April 13, 2013, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will hold its 5^th annual Save Our Snow celebration to promote sustainable practices and offer information about how guests can reduce their impact on the environment. All proceeds from this event benefit the High Country Conservation Center in Frisco, Colorado.

Arapahoe Basin

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Schneetag, the last official Aspen/Snowmass event of the 2012 – 2013 season, will bring plenty of laughs to Snowmass on Sunday, April 14, as both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass will feature closing day fun.

Aspen_Jeremy Swanson

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As the winter season comes to a close the tradition of celebrating spring skiing and riding continues with Sunsation at Copper Mountain. The two-day festival includes live music, off-the-wall competitions and plenty of great conditions and sunshine to go around.

Copper Mountain_Tripp Fay

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Colorado Ski Country USA resorts embraced the latest snowstorm to sweep through the state, welcoming April snow showers that picked up where a snow-laden March left off. The ongoing snowfall enabled several Colorado resorts to re-open recently on select weekends after their official closing dates, and the past couple of days have left further powder deposits for guests to enjoy.

AspenSnowmass_Jason Schnissel

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One of Wolf Creek Ski Area’s Ski Patrollers has some particularly bad breath. I’ve just watched Rico execute a rescue of a buried avalanche victim in a training drill put on by Wolf Creek, and as I congratulate him on a job well done, Rico’s halitosis washes over me and I’m struggling for fresh air, much like the simulated avalanche victim he just rescued. I can’t help but wonder what he had for breakfast.

Having smelled Rico’s breath, my guess would be dog food. And I’d be right, because Rico is one of Wolf Creek Ski Area’s avalanche dogs.

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Arapahoe Basin Ski Area announced it has added another certified avalanche dog to Ski Patrol – a Golden Retriever named RIO!

Rio the Avalanche Dog

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