Ready for spring skiing? You know, this glorious season of cold mornings, warm afternoons, unexpected flurries and blue skies galore?
While spring skiing isn’t really that different from skiing at other times during the winter, it does require a smart approach to temperature management.
So today, a few suggestions for what to wear for spring skiing.
Lose a Layer and Other Tips for Spring Skiing
Dressing in layers is always important when skiing, especially for kids. During the spring, these layers will change from what you might wear during the heart of winter.
Tip 1: Switch out your ski jacket for a shell. If you have a 3-in-1 jacket, zip out the liner. If you don’t have a shell, wear your jacket over your base layer top and forego the midlayer.
Tip 2: Subtract a layer, add an insulator. Yes, we’re talking about losing layers, but on cold spring mornings, a down vest under a lightweight jacket can mean the difference between comfort and cold. A vest will keep you warm before the temperatures rise. Come afternoon, shed the jacket or shed the vest depending upon the weather.
Tip 3: Wear cotton. During most of the ski season, I beat the “no cotton” drum. Items like cotton socks and cotton long underwear are terrible choices for snowsports at any time of year. However, on really warm days, a hoodie, a flannel shirt or a t-shirt may be all you need. These are the only cotton items that I can think of for skiing.
Tip 4: Skip the ski pants. Just because you’re skiing doesn’t mean you have to wear ski pants. If it’s really warm, you may find yourself celebrating spring by pulling on shorts or an après skirt over your baselayers. Or maybe you strip down to a bikini. It’s a matter of style and preference.
Tip 5: Lightweight gloves. While it’s tempting to skip the gloves and mittens, it’s better to substitute lightweight gloves or even liners. If you hit the snow, you’ll want your hands covered.
Tip 6: Open the vents on ski pants, your jacket and your helmet to let in more air. No more explanation needed.
Tip 7: Be sun smart and sun safe. Switch from goggles to sunglasses on extra-sunny days. Wear plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply.
Tip 8: Bring extra layers, just in case. The weather can change rapidly and that lovely spring morning can easily morph into a windy lunchtime and a wintery afternoon. Be prepared.
WinterKids.com Giveaway
In celebration of spring, we’re excited to announce our final giveaway of this ski season.
But before we do that, here is a huge THANK YOU to WinterWomen.com and WinterKids.com for sponsoring so many terrific, generous giveaways this winter.
Right now, spring sales are happening at both WinterWomen and WinterKids. It’s a great time to shop for the end of this ski season or to score big deals in preparation for next winter!
Now, for our giveaway.
WinterKids.com is offering a Zemu 1/4 Zip Fleece Top for boys or girls. Available for Little Boys (sizes 3-7), Little Girls (sizes 3-7), Junior Boys (sizes S-XL), and Junior Girls (sizes S-XL), this fleece top is cozy enough for spring skiing sans jacket, as well as a perfect midlayer on cold winter days.
One winner will be chosen in a random drawing and will receive their choice of Zemu 1/4 Zip Fleece Tops from available colors and sizes.
This giveaway is open to those with US addresses only.
WinterKids.com Giveaway (Zemu Fleece 1/4 Zip for Girls or Boys)
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Fairlight says
I found a good 3-in-1 as an additional ski jacket for my older son next winter. Nice thing about the hard shell is that it can double as a rain jacket. The fleece 1/4 zip looks great!
braveskimom says
So true! Getting multiple uses out of any type of ski/outdoor clothing is key!
Misty G says
These would be a perfect layer for my daughter! Also need a good shell for spring skiing for her, looking at winter kids now..
braveskimom says
Good sales going on! And at least here in Colorado, the second half of March is shaping up for some great skiing and more storms. Hope you find something! Thanks for entering.
Jackie E says
My kids are so hard to dress for skiing. They always say they are hot, no matter what they wear, maybe I just need to find different layers
braveskimom says
They may just run hot! Maybe one less layer?
Marie-Pier René says
Nice timing for this article. Button down plaid shirts over thermals is good. Our ski racers like it because it is such a World Cup FIS look. Good job on that topic, the article is a good ressource for us !
braveskimom says
Thank you! Yes the plaid shirts are a spring skiing must
Sarah S says
Great tips!
braveskimom says
Thanks. Good luck!
Sherry Hart says
Thank you for this post!
braveskimom says
Of course! Good luck!
Kimberly says
Great Tips!! Thanks – hoping for a few more ski trips b4 season over!
braveskimom says
Exactly! Don’t let the season end!
Scott McGee says
Always wear your sunglasses…on your eyes, around your neck or on your hat. This is a proven method to keep your eyewear cleaner, handy, and unlikely to get stepped on or forgotten.
braveskimom says
Outstanding suggestions! Thank you.