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How to Dress for Spring Skiing

Spring Skiing Tips

By Mike Doyle, About.com

Backcountry Spring Skiing

Copyright Mike Doyle
Layering is the key word for spring skiing attire. Forget the down jacket and heavy insulated snow pants, you should travel light to really enjoy a full day on spring snow. Think of the corn snow freeze/melt cycle and you will have all the temps covered. The natural nighttime cold can linger well into the morning and may be accompanied by a chilly wind that feels really cold in shadows.

Layers for Spring Skiing A good wicking base layer, and a warm midlayer will keep body heat in during the cold period - even if it lasts all day. As the temperatures rise you can remove the midlayer if overheating. Or, open the armpit zippers now common on most outer shells.

For an outer layer you'll need a waterproof shell. Weather in the spring can be fickle - think about periods of possible wet snow or rain falling any time during the day and think about maybe even you falling in the wet snow or rain puddles. if the jacket has a hood, use it or it can catch the wet stuff and empty it down your back when you least expect it. If the hood detaches, remove it if you aren't using it.

Ski Pants

Make sure your ski pants have gaiters with elastic or good tight snaps. Prefererably, they should have inside and/or outside leg zippers to exhaust heat. Sealed seamed pockets will protect wallets and papers best. Pants with overlapped or covered zippers are a good second choice.

Ski Boots

Ski boots can be a problem in wet snow if they leak in water. Usually, this is around the buckles and can be fixed by tightening the micro adjustments now available on most ski boot buckles. Tighten just enough to give a good closure and not so overly tight that it creates uncomfortable or painful pressure points. If the leak problem persists see a reputable bootfitter for a rain cover or interior boot work.

Spring skiing is great fun - Just dress right and take whatever Mother Nature gives us.

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