After a week as warm as the one just past, skiers are beginning to think about the end of the season, and it will surely come a little early this year for the smaller areas. The bigger mountains have sufficient cover to go for some weeks yet, especially on the trails with a man-made base.

While the date varies from year to year, ranging from late March to mid April, many skiers consider Easter the end of the season. Coming on the second Sunday in April, Easter will surely find most smaller areas closed, but if we get cold nights, we should have some of the higher more northern mountains going beyond that date.

As always this time of year, we need to prepare for spring conditions. The most obvious is clothing. We can ditch the heavy parkas and warm-ups, switching to unlined powder pants and wind shirts. Of course, we have to be aware that mornings can start out freezing, making it necessary to dress in layers so we can peel off as temperatures climb. It’s also important to remember that cotton has no place in this kind of weather as it becomes a heat transmitter when wet from perspiration. Work up a sweat on the way down and really feel the cold on the lift. Stick to polypro or wool. Polypro t-necks with zippers are best to release heat. Most skiers know the importance of sunscreen this time of year and a good pair of sunglasses is critical.

It’s also important to remember that there is only one word that accurately describes spring skiing conditions — variable. Spring skiing can be anything from frozen granular in the morning to slush in the afternoon. Try to find out what runs have been groomed and hit those first. If temperatures failed to drop below freezing as we have seen several times so far this month, expect the snow to be soft at the start of the day, and get out early because on those days the snow will get heavy early.

Expect conditions to change from one run to the next and even on the way down the mountain. Going from sun light into shade can change the snow surface, and as snow melts, bare spots can appear on a run that had solid cover an hour before. This is especially true in mogul fields where cover is thin between the bumps. This time of year it’s always good to check your speed before going over blind spots. It would be impossible for the ski patrol to mark bare spots, because that would lull us into a false sense of security as they can appear after the patrol has skied a run. It’s up to us to be on the lookout.

If your skis haven’t been tuned in awhile, now is a good time to have it done. At least clean the bases of the skis and apply the right wax for the warm wet snow. A grabby ski is no fun anytime. The ski shop at the mountain should have the right wax for the day and those rub-on packets can work as well.

Once you’re dressed right and the skis are properly prepped, you’re ready to enjoy the day. Get an early start, and when the snow turns heavy, hit the deck. The deck at the base lodge, that is.

Over the years, I have enjoyed deck time at most ski areas in Maine and New Hampshire and some in Vermont. I won’t go into the West as they haven’t had any more snow this year than we have and powder is why we go West. Here in Maine, Shawnee Peak has the second floor deck on the base lodge and a great patio that runs the length of the lodge. Look for a barbecue to be set up out in the sun.

Since their expansion a few years ago, the lodge at Saddleback has an extensive deck, and at Sugarloaf, the space in front of the base lodge referred to as “The Beach” is always filled with revelers on sunny spring weekends. Sunday River has multiple options for sunning — the patio in front of the South Ridge base lodge, the deck at North Peak, and long timer regulars can be found at Barker Base.

Over in New Hampshire, Cranmore has a great deck off the restaurant, but with their southern exposure they rarely have a long spring season. History buffs will be interested to learn that the East Slope double is being officially retired today to be replaced by a triple next fall. After this week’s weather, there might not be that much snow left on that sun drenched slope.

One of my favorite spots is Wildcat, where the high elevation of the base preserves the snow later than most areas. It’s not just a great mountain to ski in the spring with it’s super views into Tuckerman Ravine, but it has a wonderful deck with a babbling brook running below as things warm up. Bretton Woods is another good spot in the spring, especially the Top O Quad Restaurant with its views of the back side of Mount Washington.

I could list more, but you get the message. These are the decks where you will find the celebration that is spring skiing complete with music and skiers enjoying the sun. There was one recnt bright spot in what has been a tough season. A week ago last Sunday, Saddleback had the biggest day in the history of the area, and when I was there last Saturday for Ski Museum of Maine Day, both upper parking lots were full. It’s good to see their investments paying off.

One final thought on this time of year. I noticed on ski area’s report went from 79 trails to 62 open overnight. Check those ski reports on Web sites before heading out. See you on the slopes, or maybe on a deck.