Spring skiing may be a bit unpredictable, but it’s never the wrong answer—warmer temps, bluebird skies, crust skiing… all amazing reasons for a getaway.
Crust skiing is widely sought after for its fast conditions and often sunny blue skies, especially for skate skiers. The freeze/thaw cycle in April means the surface of the snow can be icy hard in the morning before softening up in the afternoon sun. The joy of stepping off the beaten path and gliding through untracked meadows will have you singing “Don’t Fence Me In.” It’s perfect for long V2 alternate-perfecting sessions.
Pro tips: You’ll want a mid-range ski that’s slightly on the stiffer side in case conditions get a little uneven. A slightly longer pole option can help if you’re punching through the crust a bunch. And for wax, expect the unexpected, but plan for 20–35 degree snow temps.
Where to Find Great Crust
Ideal crust-skiing terrain? Wide, open spaces. Rolling hills, meadows, and golf courses are perfect, allowing exposure to the sun so the snow can repeatedly soften and freeze. Here are a few favorites:
Golf Course Style:
Gold Run in Frisco has a well-groomed trail network that’s easy to hop off, and you won’t get lost. The same goes for Vail Nordic. Pro tip: Both towns have fabulous après-ski dining ops if you’ve earned it.
Wild and Wide-Open
Exploring our National Forests can be a fresh way to find some epic crust. Be mindful of avalanches and prepare a pack with first-aid and plenty of food and water. Rabbit Ears Pass in Grand/Routt counties is a spring skier’s Shangri-La. High altitude holds onto coverage, and plenty of spring snow guarantees some serious crust. Find a few wonderful adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park—the iconic loop around Bear Lake is groomed in winter, and once conditions stabilize in spring, it can be perfect for crust skiing. The Wild Basin Area is known for its open meadows and wide trails that can offer great crust skiing once the snow conditions are right. You can ski along the meadow edges and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks
Marvelous Meadows
At Devil’s Thumb Ranch, the aptly named Meadow and Left Field trails are easy access and great for crust beginners or ski over to Yager Loop for pretty winding trails through the willows (Watch. For. Moose.) Just across the highway, Snow Mountain Ranch’s Pole Creek and Just trails make an open, rolling loop with plenty of room to roam.
Make the Most of the Crust
Check the forecast: The ideal crust skiing day usually follows clear, cool nights and sunny days with mild afternoon temperatures. A spring storm can also create temporary crust conditions, but it’s essential to check the weather forecast for freeze-thaw cycles if you want to explore the crust.
Wind: Warming and fast-changing spring temps can make for wind, especially in the open meadows, which are best for crust skiing. Check for wind conditions and aim for areas sheltered from gusts.
Ski with a buddy: Crust makes it easy to cover more terrain and explore new trails adding the potential to get lost—not a big deal, until the conditions warm, you lose the icy surface and start sinking deeper into the snow, making for a slower and difficult slog back to the Nordic center. Keep a charged cell phone and tell a friend your plan if you can’t ski with others.
Avalanche awareness: No matter what kind of skis you’re on, avalanche danger is always present if you are not at an established resort, especially after fresh snowfalls in the mountains. Avoid steep terrain while in the backcountry.
As the season winds down, crust skiing is the perfect way to squeeze in a few more epic days on the snow. Catch the right conditions, grab your gear, and enjoy the last fast, frozen glides before winter says goodbye!