What to Pack for Spring Skiing in Colorado
Packing for spring skiing in Colorado is an art. Morning: 15 degrees and icy. Noon: skiing in a T-shirt. 2 PM: a storm drops four inches. Welcome to March at 10,000 feet.
The Essentials
Layers, layers, layers. Lightweight base layer, mid-layer fleece or puffy, and a waterproof shell. The shell matters most — spring snow is wet and heavy.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+). Not optional. At Purgatory's summit of 10,822 feet, the UV is dramatically higher than sea level. Reapply at lunch.
Goggles AND sunglasses. Goggles for stormy mornings, sunglasses for bluebird afternoons. Bring both.
Lightweight ski pants. Your heavy January pants will have you overheating by 11 AM.
Nice to Have
A neck gaiter for sun and wind. Lip balm with SPF. Hand and toe warmers for cold first-chair mornings. A small backpack for stashing layers as you shed them throughout the day.
What NOT to Pack
Leave the heavy parka at home unless a major storm is forecast. Thick gloves too — lighter waterproof gloves work better in spring.
Our townhome Basecamp sleeps eight, has a hot tub and pool table, and is right across from the resort with a free shuttle to the lift.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatory.pretzinger.com
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.
