A Vail Ski Rental Shop’s Favorite Springtime Activities

Springtime in a ski town is like happy hour for winter—everything’s a little looser, a little sunnier, and much more fun. Shed the layers, slay the slush, and post up in the sun at an on-mountain deck or apres patio. As a Vail ski rental shop, our staff knows the best way to embrace spring in the mountains. Here’s why we love spring skiing and the best tips to maximize your day:

Dial in Your Wax

Before you settle into spring bliss, check your wax. That cold weather wax you’ve been relying on all winter? It’s about as useful as a down jacket in July. Switch to a warm-weather wax for better glide. Otherwise, those slow catwalks will be extra sticky.

Need a quick fix? Rub on Purl All Natural Speed Paste for an instant glide boost. It won’t replace the full benefits of a hot wax on our Montana Hot Waxer with Infra-red Technology, but it will help in a pinch until you get your skis properly tuned. Kind Bikes and Skis offers same-day, and while you wait hot waxes so you’ll never miss out on a day of fun in the sun.

Spring Gear: What to Wear (and What to Leave Behind)

Spring is all about striking the perfect balance between staying cool and being prepared. Ditch the heavy insulated jackets—you don’t need them when the sun is beaming, and the temperatures push into the 40s. But don’t get too confident—Colorado weather changes quickly. It might be t-shirt weather at our Vail ski rental shop, but up top, it’s a different story.

We love Armada's lightweight jackets for the ultimate spring skiing setup—they're breathable, durable, and just enough warmth for those balmy days. Layer them with a quick-drying Flylow flannel, which effortlessly transitions from slushy ski runs to apres-beers to desert riding. Because let’s be honest: our staff is never not thinking about riding our bikes. If you’re also itching to get rolling, bring your bike in to get serviced now to beat the rush. Kind Bikes and Skis is in bike mode year-round.

Deck Days: Vail’s Best Springtime Hangouts

One of spring’s greatest perks? Long, sunny breaks on Vail’s scenic on-mountain decks. Vail has free decks lined with picnic tables scattered throughout the mountain and situated for stunning views. And when the sun comes out, the party begins. Besides, who wants to sit inside a stuffy lodge when it’s beautiful outside?

Hot tip: pack a backpack with your favorite snacks, snag a prime spot, and settle in for a lunch break. Bonus: Some decks even have gas grills to take your lunch game to the next level.

Here are our top picks for Vail’s best on-mountain decks:

Steady’s Deck: Tucked off of Chair 2, Steady’s Deck is a quiet little gem with no grills but plenty of space to soak up the stunning Gore Range Views.
Hawk’s Deck: Perched at the intersection of Chairs 5 and 11 with views overlooking the back bowls, Hawk’s Deck is prime real estate for spring skiers looking to chill and grill.
Belle’s Camp: This is the crown jewel of Vail’s deck scene. Chris Anderson, owner of Kind Bikes and Ski’s, exclaims, “ You can’t beat the views and the grills!” Tables are scattered throughout a large flat pad and the two grills are hot commodities. Getting here is a trek, but the good vibes and views are worth it.

So, what’s on the menu for a perfect deck day? “Usually, we bring charcuterie, including Cheese and crackers, brats, and hummus,” Anderson says. Want to go bigger? Bring steaks, veggies, a few buns, and slice it up for the ultimate ski town sandwich. Just don’t forget the knife. Or the sunnies. You’ll need both.

Ski Swap: Time for a Spring Set-Up

That fat powder ski you’ve been rocking for all the mid-winter dumps? Think about something different for spring conditions. When the snow softens, and you start sticking to cruisers, you might want to reconsider your ride. All Mountain carving skis, like the Stockli Stormrider 88 or the Nordica Santa Ana 87, have a more pronounced sidecut, narrower width, and a bit more stiffness to power through the slush rather than get bogged down in it.

Not sure what to ride? We’ve got you. Kind Bikes and Skis offers demos of all the skis we sell. And since our Big Dump Sale is off and running, you can try before you buy and score a killer deal on a new set of skis or a snowboard.

The Best Season to Ski Vail? Spring

Winter may get all the hype, but spring is the real MVP—bluebird skies, soft snow, prime picnic spots, and the perfect mix of skiing and apres. Whether carving corduroy, soaking up the sun, or toasting to an epic season, there’s no better time to experience Vail.

So, what are you waiting for? Spring is calling. Are you coming?