Spring ‘corn’ season is in harvest right now and this year’s crop has been delayed a little by colder than average winter temperatures and regular snow fall.

However, highs at several base areas were in the 40s and 50s to start April, making for prime temperatures to grow soft snow.

‘Corn snow’ is formed in a few different ways, but there’s two main driving factors that soften the snow best — ambient air temperature and the sun’s radiation.

It is made up of a thick layer of large melt-freeze grains that support the weight of skiers and riders while frozen. Melt-freeze snow grains get larger as they mature and start to take on a shape similar to corn.

Since the snowpack in Colorado has not reached isothermal levels yet, snow on top will soften while the base layers will remain colder. For skiing and riding purposes, the freeze/thaw cycle has begun and the old adage, “on top by 10, down by 2” holds true.

Follow the corn up the mountain

At most Colorado resorts, temperatures are higher at the base and colder up high. As it warms throughout the day, starting low and working up higher is a good strategy. When the corn gets slushy and grabby down low, head to the upper mountain for cooler temps but less slushy snow.

Other factors that slow down or put a halt on unlocking the snowpack are cloudiness, wind, air temperature, and sun angle.

Groomers are your best friend

Groomer runs or ‘on-piste’ runs offer reliable corn snow since the snowcats have chewed up the snow — especially if the run(s) were churned closer to first chair. Skiing or riding the freshest groomer in the morning is recommended first, then as the temperatures warm hitting the others groomed the night before because they should be soft.

Is that the best aspect?

Knowing which direction to point your skis or board is key to enjoying corn snow from first chair to last bell. Starting in the morning, finding southeast and south facing slopes (China Bowl at Vail, Copper Bowl at Copper) will offer the best corn snow until late morning. East (Breckenridge) and southwest (Bergman and Erickson bowls at Keystone) facing slopes will be soft around noon. And by the time you are thinking about an aprés drink, north-, northwest- (East Wall at A-Basin) and even west-facing (North Peak and the Outback at Keystone) slopes will have corn snow under foot.

Speaking of aprés …

If you don’t enjoy ‘mashed potatoes’ snow, call it a day before last chair. Timing and conditions can dictate this scenario, but if the sun is out all day, calling it quits around 2 p.m. and finding the bar, beach or patio is where everybody else will most likely be. Can you say live music? Slushy snow is heavy and wet. If riding all day was had, injuries can happen when you are tired and the snow is damp.