March 12, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Pack along the other toys in spring

by Tony Chamberlain/

When the snow goes soft, spring can be a great time to take in the midday ski races. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

When the snow goes soft, spring can be a great time to take in the midday ski races. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

Tip No. 1: Pack the fly rod.

How different is spring in the mountains for sliders of all persuasions?

When I think of spring skiing, my mind flashes a picture of Aspen circa 1983 during the Winternational World Cup races. Former U.S. downhiller Andy Mill was chief of press, and we found ourselves talking to Swiss ace Peter Mueller. He usually won the downhill because he was so big and the course so flat it was ripe for gliders.

But it was not about ski racing we talked. Both Mill and Mueller are passionate flyfishers, as I am, and we were soon speculating on the brown trout population in the Roaring Fork River.

And then bingo, there we were early next morning casting flies into the river even as we could look across to Ajax at the course-workers preparing the runs.

That picture gave me the notion, years later with a friend, to go cod fishing one early morning in the salt water bay near my home, then jump in the car for a quick toot to Wachusett ski area in Princeton, Mass., for a few spring runs.

Obviously, in March the skiing changes profoundly. To me, aside from the obvious physical changes taking place in the north country, the season is about lightness, fun, a break in the winter routines. Sun bathing, all sorts of outdoor alternatives to skiing, and après ski partying rule the season.
So, if this is the season you’ve decided to be a hang-in-there snowslider, leaving the cover on the boat and the golf clubs in the basement, here a few things to think about.

► Obviously, we have to consider the stronger sunshine and pour on the heavy sunscreen and take good Polaroid shades along. Remember, sun reflects off snow.

► Before you pack the car, check out the prices and package deals. They’re everywhere, especially this year with heightened competition for market share. Even if you’ve done comparison shopping weeks ago, check out the new deals.

► With the warm sun, unless you ski well in mashed potatoes (who does?), go early and be ready for the milk run. Many areas start the lifts at 8 or 8:30, and the first couple of hours can be the best ones of the day.

► If you do quit early because of warmth, make sure you have some other activities planned, especially if you have kids. Tubing, skating and shopping are just the beginning of options. In North Conway, you can take in a movie. At Waterville Valley, check out the ice skating. Snowmobile rentals and even dog-sledding still go on when the snow goes soft.

► Find a place where you can ski in the trees and in shadows. Areas with narrow, winding trails are likely to have more shade than wide-open slopes. Don’t drink too much wine at lunch because you might want to get a couple of afternoon runs when the temperatures drop again.

► This is the definitely the time to take a guided back country tour.

► There are lots of ski races going on these days, from Junior championships to NCAA championships. Ski early, then check out the races as the day warms up.

► You may want to dress in lighter clothes, but cover up in lighter layers. And never let your kids ski in shorts, Hawaiian shirts, bare hands, etc. Blood in the snow is ugly. As a veteran ski dad, I speak from experience.

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