Spring Fever Hits Colorado Big-Time

Spring Fun in Colorful Colorado

Oh, how I love spring in Colorado. At least early spring, since mud season can sometimes get you down come late April/early May.

We’ve been enjoying glorious spring skiing conditions the past couple of weeks. Many of the ski areas have adjusted their hours to make the best of the longer days and the mountain has been packed with a cavalcade of spring breakers that have enjoyed the twin benefits of beach-y days on glistening slopes. Locals lost no time in breaking out their panoply of flowered shirts and brightly-colored garb and accessories, adding to the already festive atmosphere that reigns come March at the most happening ski destinations of the country.

Spring Green in Aspen During Today's Storm

Much of the Colorado ski resorts were blanketed with a glorious snowfall two weeks ago and now just in time for the next wave of spring breakers due to arrive this weekend, we’re delighting in another fabulous dump. Indeed our first day of spring welcomed wonderful wintry weather, just the sort of thing you want to see at a ski resort the third week of March. And since March and April are among the snowiest months in Colorado, I suggest you put a fresh wax on your skis and boards and plan to hit the Rockies at its finest hour. Remember to pack some of your most vibrant attire for these sun-soaked days. And since a storm can blow in at any time, be sure to be prepared for great swings in weather. Layering is always essential.

Cinnamon Wear Base Layers

Some of My Favorite Things for this Year’s Spring Skiing

Cinnamon Wear Base Layers

Any snowsports enthusiast worth his or her turns dips into a nice assortment of base layers from expedition weight to mid-weight to lightweight before heading out on the hill. I used to don silks for super warm spring days until recently when I discovered Cinnamon Wear, original clothing made of bamboo fabric for men, women and children. It’s super soft, anti-bacterial, fast drying and unbelievably breathable—perfect for remaining fresh well into après-ski. The material is so magical, in fact, that you can wear these base layers several days in a row before having to toss them in the dirty laundry. (That’s right—you’ll find them to be odor free. Vraiment incroyable!) The base layer tops fit so well and look so good that you’ll likely wear them out and about in town. Here’s the added plus: Cinnamon Wear, homegrown in Telluride, Colorado, was created by a local gal who clearly reveres life and the world in which we live.

Oakley's Golden All-Mountain Glove

Oakley Eyewear and Accessories

We all know that Oakley is synonymous with topnotch sunglasses and goggles, but did you know that this superlative brand produces other killer accessories as well? Their gloves, for example, exude the same fashion forward look as their eyewear. Men and women are sure to make them must-haves, especially for spring skiing. Some of the models are so style-y you’ll want to wear them out for a night on the town. Only at the chic resorts, of course. Make sure you outfit yourself in a pair of their top-of-the-line sunglasses and goggles first though. I can’t say enough about proper eye protection on the slopes. Did you know that the sun is stronger on the slopes of Colorado in March than at most beaches? Way stronger. Forget about those cheap-o dime store shades that look oh-so cool. I guarantee you that your eyes will be burning and tearing up all night long. Yes, you can get a sunburn on your eyes as well. Fit should also be a key consideration when choosing eyewear, particularly for goggles. I like the feel of being in my own little bubble behind my Polarized Crowbar Snow goggles from Oakley. Their moisture wicking triple-layer face foam feels comfy on both warm and chilly days. There’s no such thing as vision distortion, haze or fog with these gems. Why, I think they’ve even taken my skiing up a notch as well. As I often say to my students at Ski School, If it feels good, it looks good. With Oakley, this motto seems to work both ways.

Know that a lot of Colorado ski resorts remain open well into April and many offer great deals on both lodging and lift tickets. Check out Skiing and Spa Going: Part One in Vail, Skiing and Spa Going: Part Two in Aspen and March Madness Runs into April for more stories about spring in Colorado.

An Unbeatable Après-Ski Experience: The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain

Thank you to Aspen/Snowmass, Biege Jones, Dave Amirault, Jeremy Swanson for the above ski shots. Thank you also to Cinnamon Wear and Oakley for their images.