Spring along the Front Range might be all
about blooming flowers, budding trees, and baby animals. But in the mountains,
it’s a final ode to snow. In fact, spring skiing in the Rockies is a favorite
among locals and tourists alike.
While spring skiing isn’t that different from
winter skiing (it’s still skiing, after all!), there are certain things you
need to consider when hitting the slopes as the weather warms.
Before you throw on your gear, consider the
following:
Layers are Your Best Friends
Every
good Coloradan knows to wear layers due to the drastic fluctuation in
temperature that happens seemingly every day. In the mountains, these swings
are even more dramatic. While the mornings are typically always cold, the
afternoons tend to warm into the high 30s and 40s. In other words, it’s gonna
get toasty if you’re covered head to toe in snow gear.
Wear Sunscreen
The high altitude combined with the sun’s rays
reflecting off the pearly white snow is a recipe for a killer sunburn. Not only
can a burn leave you with a raccoon-inspired goggle line, but it’s quite
uncomfortable, as well. Of course, it also increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly in avid skiers who never lather up.
To protect yourself, dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, but you might want to go higher if you’re not used to
skiing at elevation. Don’t forget your lips, either; a sunburnt mouth makes
happy hour less enjoyable.
Wear Sunglasses
As mentioned above, the Colorado sun can feel brutal when coupled
with a powder-covered mountain…and this makes sunglasses a must-wear. While
most people prefer goggles, some go with basic shades. Whatever your
preference, make sure you bring something to cover your baby blues, greens, and
browns. Even if it’s cloudy in the morning, don’t be fooled; it’s unlikely to
stay that way.
Stay Hydrated
Skiing in warm weather elicits more sweat than skiing in
freezing temps, making hydration even more important. A good way to tell if
you’re hydrated is to track your urine output; if you’ve been skiing all
morning and haven’t had to stand in line waiting for an open stall, chances are
you’re low on fluids. To be proactive, make sure to drink plenty of water
before going on your first run and stop and refill throughout the day.
Take Advantage of Sales
Buying ski gear in spring is kind of like
buying Christmas decorations on December 26th. In short, it’s a
chance to take advantage of sales. Many sporting goods companies
start clearing out their winter gear for the likes of kayaks and hiking boots
as soon as warm weather beckons. Taking advantage of these sales can leave you
skiing in style for the rest of the season and the ones to come.
Spring skiing offers the perfect mix of
mountains and sunny skies. To keep yourself as safe and comfortable as
possible, heed the above tips as you head for the hills.
The Piedmont Apartments in Avon, Colorado
offers luxurious, modern homes for residents that blend privacy with epic views
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apartments.