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TIP: Spring Corn - AHHHHHH...
Get the most out of it!
We
had an e-mail the other day from someone traveling up to Tahoe over Easter break.
They wondered if there would be any snow left. With all the warm weather the west
has seen, it's hard to believe that there's still lots of snow up in the mountains!
While at lake level the snow is on the way out, at higher elevations there is
still ten to twenty feet of snow. And that makes for some great spring skiing
and boarding.
Skiing and boarding doesn't have to end with Easter. Most Western areas are shooting to have sliding through May, some in to June. So don't put away those boards just yet.
There's still plenty of time to make tracks. Here's a primer on spring skiing…
Choose a mountain that has
plenty of snow. Most resort websites have that info. Arrive early to maximize
the harder snow. Follow the sun. South facing slopes get hit early. The snow softens
there first. Then move with the sun, discovering north facing slopes in the afternoon.
Dress
accordingly. Spring skiing or boarding can be deceptive. Layers are your best
bet. A tee shirt, sweatshirt and shell work best. It may be warm on the bottom
of the mountain, but windy on top. Don't ski in shorts or even short sleeves.
A fall on morning ice or slush will beat any road rash you've ever had. Forego
the bathing suit top or shorts until you hit the deck after skiing.
Sunscreen! Don't
even think about leaving the house without it. Apply liberally and often. High
altitude sun reflecting off of the snow can burn within minutes.
Hat! A baseball
hat or other brimmed hat works well. Kids should still wear helmets (yes they
are hot, but newer models with more vents are great for springtime shredding).
Look for "lid locks" that attach your collar with hat so it doesn't fly off with
high speed.
Look for breathable
fabrics. Shell pants without long underwear are great, even windpants. Spring
gloves keep hands dry, yet cool. Gardening or work gloves work good too.
Hydrate often. Resorts
are doing a better job of keeping water and cups handy. The doctor says drink
eight glasses of water during the day! For maximum hydration consider a Camelbak,
that straps on to your back - you'll never take a break! See KidzStore
for ordering info.
Think about putting the
kids in ski or snowboard school. They are oftentimes less crowded and that means
more personal attention. Kids seem to do better in the spring. The weather is
better, the attitude lighter, and the soft snow makes learning easy. Avoid the
temptation to wait for next year. Little ones especially will love the intro and
look forward to learning more.
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