The only thing better than a California road trip? One where we get to go spring skiing in Tahoe! Our philosophy is that it’s a huge bonus if the whole trip is active because that means more snacks and sips at the end of the day. Are you with us?
And while we get after it all — from surfing to hiking to horseback riding — we’re major fans of skiing. Perhaps it’s because our cofounder, Aida, calls Mammoth Lakes home and she clocks in north of 60 ski days a season. But it’s more likely because being outdoors on sunny winter days and getting after it is pure exhilaration.
And, seeing as we’re based in the Golden State, we love skiing here in California, especially in the spring. California-based resort Palisades Tahoe is the unofficial spring skiing capital after all!
12 Reasons To Do Spring Skiing In California
Here is why we love getting after warm weather skiing and our top tips for spring skiing in California:
We Have Deep Snowpack
California isn’t as known for powder as Utah or Colorado, but we have “Sierra cement.” While that might not sound great, it is very much so. The Sierra Nevada mountains’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean means that the snow that falls here has increased moisture content, and that makes for a deep snowpack.
So We Have Long Seasons
Translation? Our seasons are longer than most, especially if you travel to a higher elevation resort. While the majority of ski resorts close in April or early May, quite a few California ski areas continue to stay open. In most years, high-elevation resorts like Kirkwood, Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Mammoth Mountain can stay open well into May, or, in a year with significant snowfall, they may even have a closing date around July 4th!
You Can Ski “Corn Snow”
The other great thing about warm spring weather is that it aids in the creation of the much-sought-after “corn snow.” It’s named such because, after a combination of warm days and below-freezing nights, bits of snow form on the surface and they resemble corn kernels. It’s a type of snow that’s really fun to ski and a major perk of late-season skiing.
The Weather Is Manageable
With temperatures anywhere from the mid-30s to 50s, spring skiing means you can focus on getting to the next chair lift instead of restocking on heating packets. The Spring does mean fewer storms, so you won’t have a lot of fresh snow, but you’re more likely to get blue skies. And those bluebird days mean you can see Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, or even Nevada, depending on where you’re skiing!
There’s (Almost) No Bulky Clothing
Those warmer days mean the weather can be pleasant enough to ski in yoga clothes. Some people are even out there in bikini tops and jean shirts! No matter how you slice it, having fewer layers makes the sport feel less burdensome.
It’s Two Seasons At Once
Our favorite thing about spring skiing means that you get the best of the cold months (i.e., snow on the mountain) and the warmer months (little snow at the base area). So you can get great skiing at the higher elevations, but dine in the sunshine at the lower elevations.
Which Means Two Sports In One Day
That temperate weather also means you can have a double sports day. Make like a local and ski in the morning, then mountain bike, hit up a yoga session, try out some rock climbing, or even stand-up paddle boarding in the afternoon.
The Ski Instructors Have The Intel
One downfall of spring skiing is that the terrain conditions differ vastly from day to day and morning to afternoon. Another reason to splurge on a guide or instructor to help you find the best conditions.
You may be an intermediate skier who thinks lessons are just for beginner skiers, but we couldn’t disagree more. There are a variety of clinics and semi-private or private lessons available, which means you’ll not only improve your skill but also have someone who knows the mountain best show you exactly what you should ski that day.
Dip Into The Hot Tub In Your Bikini
Aside from the terrain, one of the legendary things at Palisades Tahoe is the High Camp Hot Tub. Partiers are almost always tucked into the hot tub at all hours and during all weather. But in the spring, you can hot-tub it in your bathing suit and get a tan!
You Can Apres Ski While The Sun Is Out
Ending the day with a hot tub session is a major plus, but the day is not officially over until you have done a little apres-ski. Each resort has its own apres-ski vibes (some more chichi, others more country), and the vibes at the resorts that are open the longest—Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe—are chill with lots of beer and good vibes.
You Can Get Reservations At The Best Restaurants
One of our favorite places to eat in Lake Tahoe is the Plumpjack Cafe. It offers an award-winning wine list, creative cocktails, and farm-to-table fare, with the perfect mix of high-end hospitality and laid-back ski town vibes. Or, if you’re skiing at Mammoth Mountain, you’ll have a better chance of getting into Mammoth Lake’s local fine dining restaurants like Skadi or Lakefront as the season ends.
You Can Use Your Future Season Pass Now
If you’re going to ski more than a handful of days, we say skip the lift tickets and investigate a season pass, as they tend to be a better value. Be it the independent resorts like Sierra-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge, and Mount Rose, or the multi-resort passes like the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass, they often put passes for sale in the spring for the next season. And, some even allow you to use next season’s pass for the end of the current season, furthering its value!
6 Tips For Spring Skiing
Finally, let’s get into some practical tips for spring skiing so you can make the most of it:
Ski With The Sun
You may be tempted to go out first thing in the morning, but it can be icy unless it’s sunny. Instead, pay attention to when the sun hits the slopes and ski them at that time.
Temperature Is Key
Spring tends to bring large daytime temperature swings, which means there can be a lot of variation in a run from hour to hour. Keep tabs on it and plan to generally ski from mid-morning to early afternoon so you can avoid morning ice or afternoon slush.
Go To The Steeps
Generally, the higher the elevation you go, the better the snow will be. So, if you have the skills, stay away from the base area and go to the steps.
Stay On The Groomers
Also, generally, the groomed runs will be more consistent and enjoyable because they’ve been tended to more. Depending on conditions, skiing off-piste can be fun, but it can also be more variable snow and just a lot more work without a lot more payoff.
Watch Out For Rocks
Since the season is on its tail end, there is likely less snow overall, and the conditions are “low tide,” meaning there is a higher chance of things like rocks, trees, or dirt patches being revealed. Ski with awareness so you don’t get tripped up by those obstacles.
Keep Your Skis Waxed!
Finally, know that melting snow causes friction, so it will slow you down unless your skis are freshly waxed!
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Sponsored Post: Palisades Tahoe sponsored our trip, but all content, ideas, and words are mine. Thanks for supporting these sponsors, who allow us to keep Salt & Wind running.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Palisades Tahoe
