Where to in early April?

[johnnash]

Thanks, EMSC. The directional orientation is helpful. Looking at the forecast for the next 10 days, I'm hopeful that the temps may stay low enough that we'll still have winter conditions, so not have to worry too much about exposure issues, even on the east and south facing slopes. But if we do get a thaw/ freeze cycle, I guess we'll look to hit the Sunnyside lift area -- and anything else facing east -- mid-morning, after it's been softened a bit, but not too much. That's the idea, right?

 

[EMSC]

That's the idea, right?

That is the idea if you hit a spring ski cycle. Still too far away to have a good idea on the weather next week though. Near as I can tell it looks like it'll be winter in the mtns through at least this weekend.

Colo early spring skiing (should you have that): Keep in mind that altitude plays an equally important role as exposure right now - if you get sunny spring temps that are about average/normal for early April. Such as, can be a bit slushy at the bottom of lifts with firm/re-frozen or 'just right softness' mid-altitude while still being winter snow up higher, etc... Potential for many different 'zones' all at the same time. As long as you are aware of the primary variables of exposure, altitude, direct sun, and time of day you'll figure out the best places to be after a fairly quick sample. It's the folks who seem to be oblivious to their surroundings that never quite figure it out and have bad spring ski days.

Forgot to mention on the potential travel. I'd think Copper would not really be that crowded in most areas even with USASA going on. The competitions are going to be in a select few areas/lifts and the rest of the resort I would think would be rather empty - esp mid-week. So for example Super B ought to be unaffected, but Eagle/Flyer with the half pipe at the bottom and with alpine snowboard and park courses might be crowded.