Spring skiing and snowboarding may be the best of the season, thanks to longer days, warmer temps and ski resorts that celebrate with happy rites of spring.
Spring has sprung. Skiers and snowboarders rejoice.
The clocks have moved forward (although I have no idea why they must move forward sooner).
On Sunday, we skied in temperatures that pushed into the high 40s.
The sun is higher in the sky, and sticks around later in the day.
That warms the snow into a forgiving texture that makes everyone ski and ride better. We call it hero snow.
Indeed, spring skiing/snowboarding makes heroes of us all.
- The limbs are more limber.
- The clothes less encumbering.
- The spirit more elevated.
- The skiing/riding just plain more fun.
Okay, yeah, you do have to wait a bit longer to get out there in the morning. That soft snow crusts over during the night.
And, yeah, you're less likely to see fluffy powder dumps. More likely to see heavy, damp snowfall.
But, hey, remember this: March is traditionally the month in which the mountains get the most snow. We win both ways - warmer, sunnier weather and more snow.
I know, I know. We all tend to want to doff the skiwear for shorts and t-shirts as soon as possible. (Even this winter-lover will admit to that.) But, c'mon. This winter was so late in arriving (except, I guess, in the Pacific Northwest, where they may be digging out til next winter), I think the least we snow sliders can ask is an extra month here at the end.
So, put that tennis racket back in the closet. Stow those golf clubs awhile. Return the mountain bike to the garage.
Go skiing.
Go snowboarding.
And, remember this, too. Some ski resorts blossom most beautifully in spring. Such as?
- Killington, where bump contests reign, and the skiing and snowboarding have been known to stretch to Memorial Day.
- Sunday River, where you ski/ride free on May first.
- Arapahoe Basin, where barbecuing in the parking lot has become a lifestyle.
- Whistler, where the snowsliding continues almost all summer.
- Mt. Hood, same thing.
- And, Mammoth and Squaw Valley, where July 4 skiing is not unheard of.
Ski on! Ride on! Right on!
