The Case for Spring Skiing: Softer Snow, Shorter Lines, & Happier Kids

If you've been skiing with kids in the middle of winter and wondering why it feels so hard, this episode is going to change how you plan your ski season. Jessica breaks down exactly why spring is the single best time of year for a ski parent to take their family to the mountain — and what you need to do differently to make the most of it.

What You'll Learn

• Why spring conditions — softer snow, warmer temps, and smaller crowds — make it dramatically easier to teach kids to ski and build real confidence on the mountain
• The one timing mistake most families make on spring ski days (and the simple fix that transforms how children learning to ski experience their first runs)
• How to layer your kids for fluctuating spring temps so they stay comfortable all day — because a cold, wet kid is a done kid
• The family skiing tips that turn a regular ski day into a core memory: tailgate lunches, costumes, resort events, and why they matter more than extra vertical feet
• Why getting a spring wax and following the sun are two of the most overlooked how to ski with kids strategies that actually affect how your kids feel on their skis

Learn More

Learn more about spring skiing on this article, and get some get some recommendations for great spring skiing resorts for families all on skiingkid.com

Key Takeaway

"Enjoyment is what creates skiers for life. The mountain in March — with your kid in a cape, eating soup out of a thermos, smiling in the sunshine after their best run of the season? That's what all of this is for."

Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.

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Free Guide for Ski Parents

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The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them)
https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squub
This quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain.

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Transcript

0:02

Welcome to Skiing with Kids. I'm your host Jessica, a ski instructor, mom of five, and someone who's seen just about every ski day meltdown that you can imagine. After 20 years of teaching kids on the mountain, I've learned that great ski days aren't about perfect technique. They're about confidence, connection, and knowing what actually works. And this podcast is where we break it all down. today, I wanna talk to you as someone who has very strong opinions about what time of year is actually the best time to take your kids skiing. And today I'm gonna tell you exactly what that is. It's spring. Truthfully, it's not even close. I know that Mo might surprise some of you. I think a lot of families think that ski season is a December through February thing, but if I could pick only one time of year to ski with young kids, it would be spring every single time. And by the end of this episode, hopefully I've convinced you to feel the same way. Let's chat. Now let's talk about why spring changes everything. Spring skiing, especially in the Rockies, is not slush fest survival mode. In fact, it's often some of the best snow of the entire season. The snow packet elevation is typically deepest in March and the beginning of April. You've got good coverage, warmer air, usually softer snow and sunshine on your face, and those things are all the norm. Now I also say this a bit tongue in cheek because as I'm recording this, we are in March of 2026 and we are having the worst snow year in Utah history. It actually is a slush fest right now, and our early March skiing feels more like conditions typically are at the end of April. Temperatures in Utah this year are about 20 to 30 degrees warmer than normal, and truthfully, I can't remember a year that's been this bad here in my entire life. So I still fully stand behind my premise that skiing, spring skiing is the best. And hopefully where you ski conditions are much better than what most of the Rockies are experiencing this winter. Now, barring all of the conditions that are going on right now, I still wanna convince you because you might not have a spring skiing trip planned right now, but I do want you to think ahead, because even if you're not skiing this spring, you should be skiing next spring. Here's the thing. During spring, like the whole vibe of the mountain shifts, there's like a party energy to spring skiing that I love, especially with kids. Everyone's out there happy, they're celebrating and they're like ringing out every last drop of the ski season and your kids are gonna feel that. They're also gonna feel that in the temperature, in the snow, under their skis, in the crowd energy. And that's something that's genuinely. Underrated right spring's less crowded than Christmas and winter break, sometimes dramatically less. Um, there are typically like a few days in there where like everyone's on spring break and you don't wanna ski those three days. But once that overall crowd thins out, um, you get considerably fewer crowds in March and April, which means shorter lift lines, less crowded runs, and definitely less chaos in the lodge. And for kids. All of that actually really matters. Now in a normal ski year, we regularly plan midweek spring ski days where we just pull our kids outta school, and I'm saying that without any guilt because the conditions are ideal then. So we want our kids to ski then. Now, how do you prepare for spring skiing? Because things are different and it requires a slightly different approach than like say, a midwinter ski trip. Now if you show up without adjusting. If you're gonna have a harder day than you need to. So I wanna talk about what actually matters. First of all, choose your spring skiing destination wisely. This is the most important thing that I can tell you before you even book a trip. Not all resorts are created equal in the spring, lower elevation or warmer climate resort. May have lost significant snow coverage by March, which means you're gonna have Pat Patchy runs, exposed rocks, um, that dreaded grass poking through the run. It's not a good experience for kids, especially when they're trying to build their confidence. So stay at Higher Elevation Resorts in the Rockies, um, you know, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, um, and in Canada, right? So what you wanna do is you wanna check the resort snowpack totals starting in January. And that'll kind of let you track whether they're above or below average. And it also helps to check their traditional closing date. Um, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado sometimes stays open till July 4th now. I mean, it's not good skiing on July 4th, but it is still skiing and they have a significantly longer season now. 10 minutes of early season homework can honestly save your family ski trip in March. Now. Next thing you need to do when you're doing spring skiing is timing your day. You do not want to rush to be the first one on the lift in the spring. I know every ski parent instinct says, get there early. Maximize your day. Get your money's worth. But here's the thing, spring nights are still cold, which means that the snow and slush is gonna freeze overnight. And early morning slopes can be really icy and crusty. And for kids, that honestly is one of the hardest conditions to build confidence in and to help them develop their skills. You guys, if the first run of the day is hard for your kids, um, you know that slick spring snow. They're gonna fill out of control. And once that gets set early and they get into that, I fill out of control, um, negative spiral. It can really be an uphill battle from there. So our, typically, our family typically starts skiing around 10:00 AM on ski days. That gives the sun some time to work on the snow for a couple hours. By then, um, any ice that's there has softened. And then the kids' first experience of the day is, I've got this. Instead of, oh my gosh, this is so terrifying. Start later. You're not losing the day, going a little later actually protects it. Now, you also want to follow the sun in the morning. East facing and south, south facing slopes are gonna warm up first, right? So start there and as the day goes on, shift to the north facing, facing slopes, and eventually go to the west facing runs. You are chasing the best snow conditions on the mountain all day by skiing where the sun hits. Now for kids, the difference between warmed softened spring snow and shaded icy terrain is enormous. So take a look at the trail map because most are going to indicate a little bit of the slope aspect. So take just five minutes to plan your day accordingly, right? Your kids will fill the difference even if they can't articulate why. Now when you go spring skiing, you also need to be really aware of how you are dressing because there can be a huge temperature swing during the day and a lot of days it's really unpredictable. I have had days that started at 18 degrees and hit 45 by the afternoon. I've also had days that started out, you know, fairly moderate in the morning and there's like a crazy spring storm that rolls in at noon. Now that variability, although it can feel annoying as a parent who's trying to prepare, it's part of the magic, right? Because you just never know exactly what you're gonna expect. But you do have to dress for it. Layers, layers, layers, always layers. Quality base layers. Um, a lightweight mid-layer. Um, if your kid has an insulated jacket, they might not even need a mid-layer. Mine typically don't ski with a mid-layer. Um, in spring skiing, if they have an insulated jacket. Um. But, and then they need something waterproof on the top. Um, if your kid just has a shell, a lightweight fleece underneath that is great. Um, if they have a full coat, I would just go with a lightweight base layer and an insulated coat. Now here's the critical spring strategy that parents often neglect, and that's that spring snow is really wet. Now, if your kids' gloves or snow pants are not truly waterproof, you're gonna know before lunch because your kid's gonna be soaked cold, wet hands, they never produce. Happy kids, I've seen it over and over again. Spend a little bit of time. Use the wash and Nick wax and re waterproof your gear before you go on your ski trip. It is also worth carrying a backpack with some extra layers and a space for kids to take off layers as they get too warm. Uh, you can also put your sunscreen, your snacks, spare pair of gloves, lip balm with SPF, all the things right now. The mountain is gonna be changing all throughout the day, and if you are ready to change with it, things will go smoother for you. In the spring, you also need to remember sunscreen is not optional. I just wanna shout from the rooftop rooftops. You are more likely to get a sunburn skiing in the spring than almost any other time of the year. The sun's angle is higher, the uvs more intense, and it's bouncing right off the snow, reflecting into your kids' faces. So they're getting hit from above and below. People underestimate this constantly, and I see horrific sunburns in the spring. Apply sunscreen before you leave the lodge, reapply it throughout the day. Um, having those like sunscreen sticks that kind of look like a glue stick or something, they just wipe on really easy. Those are the best because they don't freeze and they're really compact, so you can just throw 'em in the pocket. Um, I also cannot live without sunscreen in my, uh, lip balm. So make sure that you have like that little stick of sunscreen and also the lip balm sunscreen. Now also keep your goggles on even when it feels weird and it feels warm because your eyes can genuinely get sunburned from UV reflecting off the spring snow, and it really can affect your vision. And I've seen it happen to several people and it just seems horrible. So keep your eye protection on. Now, another quick tip for you is to. Make sure that you go get your skis waxed. Um, your ski wax is actually temperature specific and mid-winter wax is gonna drag on like that warm, wet spring snow. So when you arrive, take your skis to the shop and ask for a wax. It's gonna cost you about 15 bucks, takes a few minutes, and since the local wax technicians are going to know the current conditions, they're going to give you the right, the right wax, and the difference will be immediate. Now, for kids who are still developing technique skiing on properly wax skis genuinely makes learning. Another thing that you need to factor in when you're taking your spring ski trip is. Pack your lunch and plan on tailgating at the car. One of my all time favorite things about spring skiing is the tailgate. Around 11:00 AM the parking lot transforms, grills come out, music starts. It is a full on outdoor party. So instead of fighting the lodge, crowds, pack your own lunch, bring a good insulated thermos with hot chocolate or soup, pull out the chairs, sleeping bags, whatever it is. Eat in the car, eat in the parking lot, eat in the trunk. This is gonna become a core memory for your kids. It's gonna be awesome. They're gonna remember the hot chocolate outta the thermos. The hot dogs that you grilled them on the trunk. They'll remember the chaos, the music, it's just a party. As a bonus, it costs less than resort food, and it's generally more fun. Now spring skiing is also the time of year where the costumes come out on the mountain. And not only are they acceptable, they are celebrated and cheered on. We're talking tutu's, onesies, superhero capes, dinosaur costumes. Let your kids just pick a theme and go with it. I gotta tell you, the mountain is less intimidating when you're skiing in a dinosaur costume. It just is right. The physiological shift that happens when a kid feels like they're playing instead of performing. Guys, that is worth everything. We have passed out candy with our kids at the base. We've gone all matchy matchy, we've gotten wacky outfits from the thrift store. Those are the days that your kids are gonna talk about for months. Now, why does all this matter? The conditions that spring offers that warmer weather, softer snow, less crowds, that party energy I was talking about, that creates a context where your kids can just have fun on the mountain, right? They're not like in survival mode. They're actually having a lot of fun and that enjoyment is what creates skis, skiers for life. The families who, whose kids are like begging to go back. They're the ones who had a really great experience, who had a ton of fun. They had warm faces, good snow, that crazy picnic lunch. Maybe mom's like skiing around in a dinosaur onesie. That's the memory and that's what keeps them coming back. Now here's what I want you to take from today. Spring skiing is not a consolation Bryce. It is the single best time of year to ski with young kids. Once you experience it, you will plan on it on purpose every single year. I can tell you this, as a kid who grew up doing so much spring skiing, it was my all time favorite thing to do with my family and we, once my parents figured it out, we went skiing on every spring break for most of my childhood, and it is one of my best memories. Now if today's episode was helpful, I want you to share it with the ski family who needs to hear it. And if you are ready to stop guessing and start skiing with a real plan and confidence you need my course First Tracks. It's a Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski. You can find it@skiingkid.com and click on the first tracks tab. Again, that's skiing kid.com. Remember, when you're headed out on your ski trip, research your resort. Start later in the morning, follow the sun, layer up, put on sunscreen. Wax your skis, pack lunch, and get a little bit crazy with what you wear because that mountain in March with your kid in a cape eating soup out of a thermos and rocking out in the parking lot. That's what all of this is for. I'll see you out there on the mountain, enjoying those spring vibes.