Follow the Sun

One of the big misconceptions about spring skiing is that it is either too icy or too slushy. Savvy skiers know to follow the sun for spring skiing. Spring Skiing means warm sunny days and clear, cold nights. This combination produces “corn snow.” Corn snow occurs when we get multiple days of a freeze-thaw cycle. What I mean by this is, during the day, the snow melts, re-freezes again at night, and re-melts again the next day. This cycle breaks down the snow crystals into a corn kernel shape. The first thing in the morning, on east and southerly-facing slopes, the warm spring sun thaws the surface and produces a soft and creamy ski texture. Good corn snow can be equally as pleasurable as deep powder. During the day, as the sun rises and temperatures warm, knowledgeable skiers move from the east-facing slopes to the west and then finally to the north faces. If you know how to do this, skiers can find terrific snow and skiing all day, even on the warmest days. Typical of spring, the weather tends to vary greatly, with some days being very warm, followed by cold fronts which freeze the snow surface solid. On those days, we stay to the south and east facing slopes exclusively. With a little bit of knowledge and route-picking, spring skiing can be one of the most pleasurable experiences a skier can experience.

Springtime at a ski resort brings out the end of the season festivities. Outdoor music, concerts on the plazas, and everybody outside enjoying the sunshine. The Canyons resort, here in Park City, features a spring concert season each weekend, bringing in musicians from all over the country for free outdoor concerts at their base village. There’s nothing quite like a great day of skiing, followed by wonderful music on the plaza. Park City resort features music at the Legacy Lodge where everyone gathers at the end of the day to relax, catch up with old friends, and tell tales about the winter. Weekend afternoons at Deer Valley are spent on McHenry’s beach at Silver Lake. This is an area in front of the Silver Lake Lodge where Deer Valley puts out beach chairs and around noon, the party begins and lasts throughout the afternoon. These are times when we take skiing a little less seriously and warm up our bones after a cold winter. Come out, experience spring skiing in the Rockies, and partake in the revelry. For more information on the skiing activities and/or real estate opportunities here in the area, contact me.