Skiing is a winter sport, they say. Those in Colorado know better.

No doubt, we love winter skiing. But we really, really love spring skiing.

As much as we look forward to those first powder days, the anticipation might be greater for this time of year when that powder takes on another cherished form. Yes, in our imagination, we can hear that crunch of “corn” — that easy carve against the snow in this seasonal freeze-thaw period.

We hear that and feel that in our imagination, just as we feel the Colorado sunshine on our skin. We dare not forget sunscreen, but maybe we do glide down the groomers in T-shirts and shorts. This is what spring skiing is all about: warm sunshine and big, blue skies.

The winter darkness has lifted; March brings us longer days. Longer days for more opportunities.

“I’ve golfed, skied and even kayaked in the same day,” we once heard from Corey Lucero, as he was between shifts at Wolf Creek Ski Area in southwest Colorado.

Those are the kind of possibilities that make us think about an overnight at one of this state’s premier destinations. Lucky for us, hotel rooms are typically cheaper in the spring. As are lifts tickets. Our skiing demand remains high, while that of tourists is less so. Translation: typically lower prices and shorter lines.

The shorter lines will allow for more of those aforementioned turns. That “corn” is so graciously carvable. We know it as more forgiving on steeper runs — a better grip lending itself to balance.

It also lends itself for those looking to learn. Yes, spring might be the end of the season, but it very well could be the perfect beginning to one’s skiing lifetime.

It’s a perfect introduction, as well, to the culture.

“The fun factor here at Aspen Snowmass goes up a few notches come March and April,” reads a resort webpage, “complete with crazy outfits, jean shorts, sunglasses and late afternoon DJ sets.”

Closer to the Front Range, there’s “The Beach” at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area — the easy, breezy, time-honored scene taking over the front parking lot. Farther away, in Telluride, there’s Gorrono Ranch, complete with Adirondack chairs, chili and fanfare.

“On a nice, spring, sunny day, there’s not much better than skiing down to Gorrono for the afternoon,” said Carson Taylor, a longtime employee at the resort. “Grab a beverage, listen to some music and enjoy the whole vibe.”

Here are more great ways to close out the season:

• Springalicious at Steamboat Resort, April 1-20: The annual festival of pond skimming, live music and the Cardboard Classic, in which costumed teams race in homemade sleds.

• Crested Butte Pond Skim, April 5: From the resort’s billing: “There’s no better nod to the resort’s wild and playful nature than the closing weekend pond skim.” Playfully clad skiers will race down Warming House Hill to the pond.

• Spring Bash + Splash at Winter Park Resort, April 5-27: Four weekends of music, themed parties and games leading up to the ski splashdown.

• Elk Camp Surf & Snow Beach Party at Aspen Snowmass, April 19: Elk Camp Restaurant is ending the season with a dance party, hot tub and pond for skimming.

• Sunsation at Copper Mountain Resort, April 26-27: The end-of-season celebration where tropical shirts, leis and grass hats are encouraged.

• Peaks and Beats at Breckenridge Resort, April 26-27: Breck’s spring bash gets a new name, but familiar festivities return: high-alpine laps, concerts and pond skimming.