There’s nothing quite like spring on the mountain. The bitter cold of January is gone, replaced by bluebird skies, soft slushy snow, and good vibes in the lift line. Whether you're lapping the park or cruising the groomers, spring skiing and snowboarding are all about having fun.
But there’s a catch: dressing for spring conditions can be tricky. If you show up in your heavy insulated jacket, you’ll be sweating by your second run. If you strip down to a cotton t-shirt, one yard sale in the slush will leave you soaked and freezing when the afternoon shadows hit.
Here is your official Blauer Board Shop guide to transitioning your winter wardrobe and dressing perfectly for spring skiing.
1. Ditch the Heavy Coat: Enter the Shells and Hoodies
The golden rule of spring riding is simple: breathability and waterproofing. You want to stay dry from the melting snow without overheating in the sun.
- The Lightweight Shell: Pack away that heavy puffer jacket. A high-quality, uninsulated shell jacket is your best friend now. It blocks wind and keeps slush out, while letting your body breathe.
- The Riding Hoodie: If you want to embrace the spring aesthetic, a technical riding hoodie is the move. Unlike a standard cotton hoodie, which acts like a sponge when you fall, riding hoodies are treated with a Durable Water Repellent coating. You get casual street style with outerwear performance.
- Keep Your Base Layers Light: Swap heavy thermal underwear for a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer. Choose materials that pull sweat from your skin so you stay dry underneath.
Gear Up: Check out our latest selection of lightweight shells and technical riding hoodies at blauerboardshop.com. We’ve got the perfect mid-layers to keep you looking fresh and feeling comfortable.
2. Protect Your Peepers: Sunglasses and Goggles
It might feel like a day at the beach, but the sun on the mountain is intense. High-altitude UV rays are no joke, and the white snow acts like a mirror, reflecting up to 80% of the sun's rays back at your face.
- Spring Goggle Lenses: If you prefer riding in goggles, make sure you swap out your low-light/storm lens for a dark, mirrored lens. Brands like Anon offer incredible contrast to help you see the contours of the slush while completely blocking out the glare.
- Mountain Sunglasses: On warm, windless days, ditching the goggles for a solid pair of shades is the ultimate spring flex. Just make sure they offer 100% UV protection and sit securely on your face.
Gear Up: Need a lens swap or a new pair of shades? Browse our Goggles and Accessories to find the perfect tint for those blindingly beautiful bluebird days.
3. Lather Up: Sunscreen is Mandatory
We love a good goggle tan as much as the next shop, but skin damage can ruin your weekend. With the altitude and snow’s reflection, you can get sunburned twice as fast on the slopes as at sea level—even under your chin!
- Apply Early and Often: Put on a high-SPF, sweat-resistant sunscreen before you hit the lift, and reapply it when you stop for lunch.
- Don't forget the Lips: Sunburned, wind-chapped lips are brutal. Keep an SPF lip balm in your jacket pocket and use it on every lift ride.
4. Open the Vents on Your Pants and Bibs
You might not need to buy specific spring pants, but you do need to manage your heat. Unzip the inner-thigh vents on your snow pants or bibs to let cool air flow through as you ride. If you are shopping for new bottoms, an uninsulated shell bib is ideal. It keeps slush out of your waist if you take a tumble, but won't roast your legs on a 50-degree day.
Ready for Spring Laps?
Spring riding is all about adapting. Shed the heavy layers, throw on a water-resistant hoodie, protect your eyes, and slather on that sunscreen.
Whether you're hitting the local trails here in Big Bear or traveling to find the last of the snow, Blauer Board Shop has everything you need to dial in your spring kit. Drop by the shop or grab your gear online today!