In March and April, the tides of ski season turn. The days are sunny and warm. And fewer powder storms mean you can grill and eat in the parking lot, relax at the ski beach, and wear a layer or two less.
There are more than a few ways to describe spring snow conditions: mashed potatoes, boiler plate, sun baked, icy, firm. But the sweet spot, the magic hour, is corn. While everyone has a favorite reason to spring ski, “corn” skiing is undoubtedly the highlight.
Spring Snow Explained
So, what exactly is corn snow? In the warmer spring months, the top layer of the snowpack goes through melt and freeze cycles over the course of a day. During the warm afternoon, water droplets work their way into the snowpack, coagulate, and refreeze at night into kernels of, you guessed it, corn! This type of snow, at the right temperature, allows for superb edge grip, letting you carve and fly down the run with confidence and control. Harvesting corn (sorry for the corny puns) comes down to the right timing and temperatures.
Finding the Magic Hour
At night, ski runs are groomed and set with a ridged pattern. From 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., most ski runs are firm and cold, and your skis may scrape right across the top of the snow. Corn is like a teenager who won’t get up in the morning, you have to let the snow rise from its slumber. From about 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the snow softens under the warm spring sun and corn skiing comes to life. And like a knife in butter, you can fly down the run with your ski edges carving in the snow with ease. Advanced skiers love corn snow for the grip and speed. But beginner and intermediate skiers like it too for the extra support and control—inspiring confidence and making it easier to hone your skills on the mountain!
On most spring days by about 1:00 p.m., the melt phase is going full steam, and the snow structure breaks down. This creates super soft, wet conditions where the snow can be pushed around like "mashed potatoes." Skiing on this type of snow is fun, but the higher water content creates a lot of suction on your bases and will slow you down. Different waxes and base tunes can alleviate some of this effect. Several ski shops in Park City will give your skis a spring tune and wax to keep you moving fast.
East facing runs will soften up first in the morning! Photo Credit: Ross Downard
At the End of the Day
The window for corn skiing is only about two or two and half hours. Of course, you can ski all day and make the most of the firm snow in the morning and the super soft snow in the afternoon. But since the best conditions are found midday, you can fill the peripheral hours with a few spring activities.
Ease into the day. You don’t have to be there at 9:00 a.m. Take the bus, leave the car, and get there around 10:00 a.m. Grab a bagel and a coffee and sit outside while you wait for the snow to soften up. If you insist on skiing early, try to find lower elevation, east facing slopes that get the first morning sun.
In the afternoon, après ski is in full swing. Swap the goggles for sunglasses, ditch the coat (if you were wearing it to begin with), and roll up your ski pants, and reapply sunscreen. Find a bar with a deck and preferably a live band. Grab a drink, kick up your feet, and enjoy the sun!
