Spring has sprung, or at least spring is springing, and we’re stoked for carefree laps in the sunshine. Spring riding is the best, well maybe next to powder, with warm temperatures and soft corn snow. While spring does signal the beginning of the end of the season, we like to push that out of our minds and focus on good times. Warm temps mean we skiers and snowboarders get to shed the layers and show that pasty-pale skin we’ve been hiding under the GoreTex all winter long. Careful if you’re baring skin though, the spring slush will leave a mark. We collected some of our favorite gear for riding in the glorious springtime, check out our picks here.
Burton Custom Flying V & Burton Feelgood Flying V
These boards, the men’s Custom and women’s Feelgood, are Burton’s invitation to a good time. Both are directional twintips with the Flying V camber profile that will glide through choppy slush, but also give riders some grip while the snow is still firm in the morning. Plus, the Feelgood’s topsheet is a nice match to a Hawaiian shirt, the best spring outerwear.
PHOTO CREDIT: Burton
PHOTO CREDIT: Burton
Armada Carmel Gloves
When the temperatures start climbing, you’ll want to switch to lighter weight mittens and gloves. That’s where these Armada gloves fit the bill perfectly. They are not heavily insulated, so your palms won’t be sweaty, but you’ll still be protected from the abrasive snow. Thanks to Gore Windstopper fabric, they’ll still offer some good protection.
PHOTO CREDIT: Armada
Atomic Backland FR 102
Spring skiing requires a ski that can stand up to harder snow conditions earlier in the day, and still be fun when the snow gets soft and mushy in the afternoon. Versatility is where the Atomic Backland FR 102 really shines. The 102mm waist width is fat enough to be fun in any spring powder, but also small enough to be nimble and grip on firm snow. For skiers looking to catch some air, the Backland FR 102 is poppy, playful, and nimble.
PHOTO CREDIT: Atomic
Orage Cath Shell Jacket
Layering is the name of the game. Step 1 is a great shell like the Orage Cath Shell Jacket. Its stretchy and water-resistant exterior makes it easy to take on tough weather, while cooling vents allow you to dump heat on warm days. Take control of your layering with the stylish and practical Orage Cath Shell Jacket.
PHOTO CREDIT: Orage
Blackstrap’s The Hood
After a long winter in hibernation, you might forget the damage that the giant fireball in the sky can inflict. Yes, we’re talking about the sun. Cover up so you don’t get burned this spring with Blackstrap’s The Hood balaclava. Made from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, The Hood features UPF 55+ sun protection and is anti-microbial treated, so stink can get lost. Four-way stretch means no restricted movement.
PHOTO CREDIT: Backstrap
Flylow Higgins Jacket
Wherever your mountain pursuits may lead, the Flylow Higgins Jacket will literally keep you covered and protected. This bare-bones, stretchy shell offers everything you need without the added bells and whistles. Softshells are great for the spring, because they’ll keep you nice and dry, protecting from the wet slush, while still being flexible and not too bulky.
PHOTO CREDIT: Flylow
Burton Cartel Bindings
While these bindings might not be spring-specific, they’ll give you a solid platform for year-round riding. The connection between you and your board rests in the hands of your bindings, so it’s perfectly natural to demand a solid, functional setup that’s durable and easy to use. Stay in command with the Cartel’s medium-stiff flex, superior cushioning and outstanding low-profile buckles and straps for an extra comfortable fit and feel. These bindings are the simple, powerful and durable workhorse bindings that’ll keep your boot/board connection 100% all season long.
PHOTO CREDIT: Burton
Smith Lowdown Sunglasses
Once the helmet and goggles come off, you’ll need some fresh shades to protect your eyes while you’re grillin, chillin, and apres skiing. The Smith Lowdown sunglasses offer great protection and classic style. Smith offers the Lowdown in several different frame sizes, and options to add a polarized lens, or their Chromapop lenses which “optimizes color and increases clarity, enabling you to see the outside world with an unparalleled level of vibrancy.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Smith Optics
Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
What is spring riding without tailgating? Maybe you’re in Colorado heading to Arapahoe Basin to the famed “Beach” parking lot, or just finding your own beach as the beer commercials suggest. Regardless, you’ll need something to keep your beverages and grilling supplies cool while you tear it up on the slopes. Enter the Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler. This guy will be your BBQ sidekick all spring long. Just remember to apres responsibly.
PHOTO CREDIT: Yeti
We are evo – a ski, snowboard, mountain bike, surf, wake, and skate retailer based in Seattle, Washington, USA, with stores located in Seattle, Portland, and Denver. We seek to bring our customers the highest quality outdoor gear all while creating an extraordinary customer experience, and giving back to the communities in which we work and play. evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips.
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