Spring in Jackson Hole: 5 Things to Do

If you have ever been spring skiing or snowboarding in the Rockies, you know that the snowpack is deepest this time of year, the skies are sunnier, and air temperatures can be downright balmy. As long as you are prepared with lighter clothing and good sunscreen (!), what’s not to love about all that? Spring is also the time to experience the sheer of “corn snow,” which happens as the hard snow softens and forms little granules that look like corn. Turning on this kind of snow, whether you are on skis or a snowboard, requires a bit more oomph than when you’re on powder, but with a little practice, you’ll soon be having a blast. Corn snow tends to have a pleasingly uniform surface, perfect for fast gliding and predictable, smooth turns.

If you are more into cross-country or skate skiing, spring snow has surprises in store for you, too. The cycles of melting and refreezing that occur on backcountry cross-country ski trails in spring cause a firm, upper crust to form on top of the snowpack. If you head out early in the morning, before temperatures rise, you can actually ski on top of this crust. No longer confined to groomed roads and trails, you can freely explore areas that were inaccessible during the colder months of winter. The best place to experience skate skiing or cross country skiing this time of year is in Grand Teton National Park.

Many locals consider the highlight of spring to be the plowing of Grand Teton National Park's inner road. After a long winter, there is nothing like dusting off the bikes and heading into the park for a day of cruising. The road closes to motorized vehicles at the Bradley and Taggart Lake trailhead parking lot. Pack a picnic lunch (and your bear spray!) and enjoy the best view of the Tetons.

Ski shops and outdoor gear stores discount their winter merchandise to make space for summer inventory. This is a great opportunity to take a walk in the fresh spring air, purchase demo skis, and stock up on outerwear and gear for next season.