The beer is flowing like water, the sun is shining, and temps are hovering in the 40s (or higher). Yep, it’s that sweet spot – Spring Skiing season! There’s still a shot at a powder day, but now, it’s all about chasing that soft, sun-kissed goodness: corn! Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro looking to level up, we’ve got the tips you need on what to wear for spring skiing to maximize your day on the slopes.
A Quick Word About Spring Skiing
As we mentioned earlier, we L-O-V-E spring skiing and can’t stop preaching its gospel to anyone who’ll listen. A lot of skiers and snowboarders think that when temps rise above freezing, it’s all “slush” and that it’s “sticky.” Well, they couldn’t be more wrong. Just like powder days, it’s all about timing and having the right gear to make the most of those perfect conditions.
Want to know why spring skiing is our favorite season, where to find the best spring skiing spots in North America, and how to truly enjoy it? Be sure to check out our in-depth Spring Skiing Guide, packed with insights from our own experiences and lessons learned along the way.
Check the Forecast
No matter where you’re at—whether it’s the East Coast or the Rockies—spring weather can throw a curveball that even Sandy Koufax would tip his hat to. One day it’s all sunshine and blue skies, and the next? A winter storm warning with feet of snow on the way. So, before you head out, be sure to check the forecast and make sure you’ve got the right gear for whatever Mother Nature’s got in store.
What do We Mean by Spring Skiing?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s always good to lay down the basics so we’re all on the same page about what we mean by spring skiing. We’ve had TONS of powder days in April, May, and even June (yep, spring), where we’re rocking mid-winter gear. But, on the flip side, we’ve also seen those spring-like conditions pop up in the middle of winter, which calls for a whole different approach. For this article, we’re focusing on what to wear when temps start off below freezing in the morning, rise to the 40s or higher by the afternoon, and the sun is shining—maybe with a few clouds or some wind thrown in.
Lightweight Base Layer
For most of the season, I stick with a mid-weight base layer. It’s perfect when it’s chilly or cool, but once temps hit the 40s and beyond, I swap to the lightest base layers I’ve got. We keep it simple with a classic Merino thermal base layer. And if it’s starting out warm (like in the 30s) and the forecast calls for temps pushing into the 50s or even 60s, I’ll throw on my Burton lightweight layers. It’s basically just a moisture-wicking material with no insulation—keeps things breezy. Some of my friends even rock shorts when it’s that warm out!
Shell Pants And Jacket
I can’t stress this enough—leave the insulated coats at the cabin on a true spring day. And fleeces and puffies? Nah, not today! I’ve watched way too many friends literally melt in their winter jackets when the temps rise as if they’re the Wicked Witch of the West. What you need is an uninsulated shell jacket and pants. Personally, I go with my backcountry shell from Ortovox, and Jaime swears by her Norrøna as well as her newest find, the Mammut Taiss HS. Don’t want to drop the cash? No problem—just grab a zip hoodie, or even better, a windbreaker.
Wind is Your Enemy Not Cold
One thing we’ve noticed is that by spring, the higher sun angle makes it feel way warmer, no matter what the air temp says. Even if it’s in the upper 20s in the morning, it’ll feel a lot warmer than mid-winter. The real challenge isn’t the cold—it’s the wind. That’s where having a solid wind barrier comes in, and that’s why a good shell is essential.
Spring Gloves
Just like with shell jackets, gloves this time of year are all about blocking the wind and offering some water resistance. You want something lightly insulated, at most. On super warm days, we rock the Burton liners. But when the weather’s a bit more unpredictable, we go with a pair of leather gloves, like the FlyLow Tough Guy Gloves.
Sunny Lenses for Your Goggles
Just to drive it home—mid-winter sunshine isn’t too bad, but come late March, April, and even May, that sun gets way stronger, and you definitely want to protect those eyeballs. If you’re rocking sunglasses, make sure they block from the bottom and sides. Otherwise, keep it simple with a solid pair of ski goggles. When picking goggles, look for lenses with 100% UV protection (most modern goggles have this) and a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) of 25% or less. If you’re in the market for a new pair, check out our ski & snowboard goggle guide to get the lowdown on all the brands and how to pick the right ones.
A Gaitor is a GREAT Tool to Regulate
One piece of gear you might not think about but is super useful? A neck gaiter. An insulated gaiter can keep you warm if the morning starts off chilly, and as temps rise, you can just take it off and stuff it in your pocket. Simple, but effective.
What if it’s going to be Warm AND Cold?
As we mentioned, spring weather can be sneaky—starting off warm and sunny, then ending with a storm. On those days, layering is key. We still don’t wear an insulated jacket, but we do stick with a mid-weight base layer. To stay comfortable, we use the ventilation zips on our shell jacket and pants to stay cool, and if the temps drop, we just zip back up.
Sun Block!
You might skip sunscreen in mid-winter, but come spring, with that big glowing orb higher in the sky, the snow reflects those rays and will bake you! Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. So, don’t forget the sunscreen—unless you’re aiming for that raccoon tan!
If you follow our tips on what to wear for spring skiing, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
