Updated January 01, 2014.

With warmer weather, sunny skies and fewer crowds, many skiers ans snowboarders say spring is the best time to be on the mountain. However, the conditions during the spring vary greatly as the snow melts during the day and freezes overnight. Boarders and skiers need to be aware of potential hidden dangers. Here are some safety reminders for anyone hitting the slopes late season.

Spring Skiing and Snowboarding Safety

1. Prevent Sunburn
   The intensity of the sun at high altitudes, combined with reflection off the snow, can result in sunburn if you don't cover up.

1. Prevent Abrasions and Lacerations
   Exposed skin may feel great while skiing, but falls on spring snow can cause scrapes and cuts.
2. Prevent Dehydration
   Regardless of the time of year, it's important to drink plenty of fluids when engaging in physical activity.
3. Know How to Layer Clothing
   Dressing for spring skiing can be challenging as the temperature can change drastically throughout the day. Knowing how to layer your clothing can keep you warm and dry, or cool and dry, depending upon the conditions. Slushy conditions mean you may want to wear something waterproof, as well.
4. Protect Your Eyes
   The glare from the snow is certainly something to protect your eyes from, as it can be very intense. Learn what sort of lenses are best for skiing.
   • Sports Sunglasses
     
   • Ski Goggles
5. Prevent Altitude Illness
   If you are traveling to the mountains from low elevations, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness, including dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, fatigue, and weakness. Recognizing and treating your symptoms quickly may prevent a ruined vacation. Drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep. Also See: Preventing Altitude Illness During Active Vacations.

1. Shield Yourself from the Elements
   Even though the temperatures are warming up, you need to beware of the possibility of cold weather emergencies, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
2. Be Wary of Additional Risks
   Experts attribute the increase of head and spinal cord injuries on the ski hill to increased speed and jumping among boarders and skiers.
3. Know the Trail Conditions
   Afternoon slush can freeze overnight and create a top layer that is frozen solid, often called "boilerplate." These conditions can cause problems for novice skiers and aren't that much fun for experts, either. Once the temperatures increase, this starts to soften. Mountain conditions late in the day can become slushy. Melting snow also means that once hidden obstacles start showing up. You need to be more vigilant and watch for exposed ground, rocks, trees and other hazards. Avoid skiing when snow is frozen solid or melting into puddle. Both types of conditions can lead to injuries.
4. Follow Backcountry Safety Tips
   In the mountains, there is a danger of avalanche any time of the year. But spring brings conditions that are often ideal for an avalanche. The warm afternoons soften, loosen and can create snow slides. To minimize your risk of getting trapped, always check the latest avalanche reports and weather forecast in the area where you'll be skiing before you go.

Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

• ACL Injuries and Skiing
• Knee Injuries
• Head Injuries (Concussions)
• Wrist Injuries

Shop For:

• Ski / Snowboarding Helmets
• Ski Goggles
• Avalanche Beacons
• Hydration Packs
• Sun Block

<sub>Sources:

Ackery, Hagel, Provvidenza and Tator. An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Injury Prevention 2007; 13: 368-375.

National Ski Patrol, Winter Safety Guidleines, 2008. www.nsp.org.</sub>