How to Dress for Spring Skiing

Layering is the key word for spring skiing attire. Forget the down jacket and heavy insulated snow pants, you should travel light to really enjoy a full day on spring snow. Think of the corn snow freeze/melt cycle and you will have all the temps covered. The natural nighttime cold can linger well into the morning and may be accompanied by a chilly wind that feels really cold in shadows.

A good wicking base layer and a warm mid layer will keep body heat in during the cold period - even if it lasts all day. As the temperatures rise you can remove the mid layer if overheating. Or, open the armpit zippers now common on most outer shells.

For an outer layer, you'll need a waterproof shell. Weather in the spring can be fickle - think about periods of possible wet snow or rain falling any time during the day and think about maybe even you falling in the wet snow or rain puddles. if the jacket has a hood, use it or it can catch the wet stuff and empty it down your back when you least expect it. If the hood detaches, remove it if you aren't using it.

Make sure your ski pants have gaiters with elastic or good tight snaps. Preferably, they should have inside and/or outside leg zippers to exhaust heat. Sealed seamed pockets will protect wallets and papers best. Pants with overlapped or covered zippers are a good second choice.

Ski boots can be a problem in wet snow if they leak in water. Usually, this is around the buckles and can be fixed by tightening the micro adjustments now available on most ski boot buckles. Tighten just enough to give a good closure and not so overly tight that it creates uncomfortable or painful pressure points. If the leak problem persists see a reputable boot fitter for a rain cover or interior boot work.

Spring skiing is great fun - Just dress right and take whatever Mother Nature gives us.