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.
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What 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.
Spring Skiing Curveballs: 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.
Spring Base Layers: Keep It Light, Keep It Dialed
- Cold mornings, temps staying below freezing: Midweight Base Layer (250 g/m) – Smartwool Classic Thermal
- Freezing start (upper 20’s), warming into 40s: 150 g/m Base Layer – Smartwool Classic All-Season
- Full on warm spring day (already in the 30s when you start peaking in the 50s / 60s): Smartwool Activewear
For most of the season, I’m rocking a midweight base layer like the Smartwool Classic Thermal. It’s the go to when temps are cold or hovering in that cool zone and you want something you can trust lap after lap. Once it starts pushing into the 40s though, it’s time to lighten the load. I’ll swap into a 150 Merino layer that can handle chilly mornings but won’t cook you by noon. That sweet spot of breathability and just enough warmth is key for spring missions. If it’s already starting in the 30s and forecasted to spike into the 50s or 60s, I’m going full lightweight. For example, Burton’s lightweight layers which are thin moisture wicking with zero insulation keep things breezy and comfortable when the sun is doing work. And yeah, when it gets that warm, don’t be surprised to see a few diehards out there lapping in shorts. Spring skiing hits different.
Ditch the Insulation: Spring Is About Shells and Wind Protection
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 like the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie.
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: Skip the Bulk
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.
Goggles and Sunscreen
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.
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!
Spring Weather Hacks: Layer Smart for Warm Mornings and Cold Afternoons
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.
A Gaiter 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.
If you follow our tips on what to wear for spring skiing, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
