Want to learn to ski or snowboard? Or maybe know somebody who does?
What most people forget is that the ski season doesn’t quite end when winter ends. Here’s why Spring is the PERFECT time to learn to ski or snowboard.
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1. Warmer temperatures & longer days
Let’s face it: discomfort makes it very hard to learn anything new. How can you be expected to focus on your carving technique and body positioning when you are shivering? Your muscles perform and grow much more effectively when they are warm, so enjoy the sunshine and work on your skills, and you will get stronger and be prepared for new challenges next winter.
PHOTO: Snowbird/MattCrawley
2. Crowds are less dense and aggressive
In the wintertime, expert skiers and beginners alike flock to the hill, and things can get a little tense. Sometimes powder-hungry skiers and riders can get a little impatient and aggressive with slower skiers. This is totally not cool and unacceptable, but it happens nonetheless…
During the spring things tend to mellow out, skiers and riders on the mountain are much more relaxed and patient. Also, it’s much easier to ski without having to avoid collision on every run! So if large crowds and rushing stresses you out, the spring would provide a much better environment for you to learn in.
3. Soft and forgiving snow
The winter storms and powder days might be behind us, but that leaves us with CORN. Yes, powder skiing is amazing and unparalleled, but deep snow can provide a huge challenge to beginning skiers. It makes wipeouts much harder to deal with, and involves an entirely different skiing technique, which is best learned after already mastering the basics of skiing on piste.
Corn snow is perfect to learn in: it is soft and forgiving, meaning it is easy to turn in and falling won’t be as painful as on an icy pitch or as difficult as trying to dig yourself and your gear out of deep powder. Practice enough on corn, and you will be skiing powder with ease come next winter!
4. Spring ski culture is in full swing
Part of learning to ski is also learning about the fun-loving culture that comes along with it! Although the snowy days are mostly passed, springtime arguably brings about the best ski culture of the year. Many resorts have events in the spring season, such as film festivals, music festivals, costume contests, pond skims, and many more. After a long day of learning, taking a few tumbles, and getting sore, you can reward yourself with a fun outing or spring party! Soon you will be familiar with skiing slang and have local friends who can show you all the best-kept secrets of the mountain.
PHOTO: Snowbrains
PHOTO: Squaw Valley
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