In March and April, the tides of ski season turn. The days are sunnier 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.
While everyone has a favorite reason to spring ski, we're here for the “corn.” 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. Corn snow is without a doubt the best part of spring skiing.
Spring Snow Explained
Alright, what is corn snow? In the warmer spring months, the top layer of the snowpack goes through melt and freeze cycles. As water droplets work their way into the snowpack, they coagulate and refreeze 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.
Finding the Magic Hour
At night, ski runs are groomed, and they set up with a ridged pattern. From 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., most ski runs are firm and cold, and your skis may scrape right across the top of the snow. But 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. is when corn skiing comes to life. This is when the snow softens up just a bit underneath the warm spring sun. And like a knife in butter, you can fly down the run with your skis 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 a bit easier to hone your skills on the mountain!
Warm Afternoons
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.

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 soft snow. 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! Below are just a couple of our favorite après spots in Park City that are right next to the snow:
- Sticky Wicket – Silverlake Lodge, Deer Valley
- Umbrella Bar – Canyons Village, Park City Mountain
- Corner Store – Park City Mountain
- The Bridge Café - Park City Mountain, Main Street, bottom of Town Chair Lift
That's just a sampling though. There are plenty of places to aprés ski in Park City. And now that you know all about corn snow and have a game plan for before and after the magic hour, join us in Park City for some spring skiing!
