St. Paddy's Day - Green Snow, Green Beer, Spring Skiing

While spring offically starts this week on March 20, when I was growing up spring skiing season was traditionally kicked off on the weekend of St Patrick's Day. No matter if it was still only 10 above zero, it would be a weekend when certain ski areas would blow green colored man-made snow on a trail near the lodge, and many skiers would be pulling green pints of beer on the veranda.

Many of those activities have faded into the past, but, since it is St Paddy's Day, I'm going to stick to officially start talking about spring skiing - and I'm not the only one who wants to talk about this year's outlook for keeping the skis out of the closet for a while longer. With almost record breaking snowpacks across all of North America, the possibilty of skiing into the late spring seems to be a favorite topic everywhere.

I've been asked a lot what I thought about this epic winter in emails from skiers and by travel writers. What I say, basically, is let this be the year you really get out more than once or twice, or take a destination vacation for spring skiing - enjoy the warm sunny days, get a nice goggle tan to wear around the office, and make everybody jealous.

In the coming days, I'll be pointing out where to look for some great skiing. This spring is really the time to look to take the family to that resort you always dreamed of going to, but thought was a little too expensive. There will be great snow - March is historically the snowiest month in much of our ski country - and great package deals and, to make it easier to plan. Many resorts have already extended their season this year, with more to follow suit.

Spring Skiing

• Spring Skiing
• Spring Skiing Tips
• Men's Spring Skiing Jackets
• Women's Spring Skiing Jackets