As the days get longer, and the powder forecast dwindles, the majority of the population is rejoicing poolside, and throwing BBQs. You will be invited to some of those BBQs. You have to put on a bright, smiley, SPF 35ed face and talk about how happy you are to be wearing shorts, even though you are longing for the Gortex hanging in your closet. While you can pretend for a little while that you’d rather be tossing a frisbee than sinking your ice tools into frozen waterfalls, the truth can only be hidden for so long, and soon you may find yourself in a manic depressive state when you realize winter is over.
Before you book a flight to Chile and realize you can’t afford to eat for the rest of the year, I am here to bring you good news. In Colorado, and many other peak endowed locations in North America, very late spring is just the beginning of the best season of your life. Yes, there may be less chest deep, face shot, effortlessly floating through a never ending tunnel of amazingness, and the waterfalls may again be liquid, but there is a silver lining.
- New Terrain: I often save my most prized lines and new exploration for the spring and summer. While avalanche danger always exists, a big slab avalanche is a lot less likely once the snow has stabilized and turned into that perfect firm but soft spring consistency.
- New Traditions: Every 4th of July my husband & I go with a few great friends to ski our favorite couloir. We even bring hot dogs and sparklers to the top for effect and a few cold beers afterward to celebrate our great nation.
- New Tan Lines: Goggle tans are cool, but you know what is cooler? Goggle + Boot line tans. Its hot in the summer, and your skiing wardrobe will need to be revamped. While I still recommend the usual waterproof pants & jacket as well as an extra warm layer for the “oh shit” factor, you can also plan on including shorts, t-shirts, and sports bras in your normal skiing attire during the spring and summer months.
- No Other Lines: Yes, you’ll need to hike yourself up a lot of vertical feet to make your day super fun, but you know who else will be doing that? Probably no one. I have seen very few (if any) people out late spring and summer skiing. My theory? People get so sucked into doing summer things (don’t ask me what those are) that they forget those snow capped mountains they are staring at are still very ski-able.
Really, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to benefits. Think of all the money you’ll save on gym memberships, water parks, frozen yoghurt, weddings and other things you do because you’re bored and can’t go skiing. I could go on, but I think I have made my point. So grab a friend, your sunblock, skis, jerky and (at the risk of sounding like your mother) your helmet, and discover the bliss that is summer skiing.
DISCLAIMER: You should have some backcountry experience and avalanche education under your belt before attempting any kind of backcountry skiing. Please use your own judgement, and know your limits. Otherwise, hope to see you out there.
Natalie Gerding 