Jason Sumner, Courtesy photo

Coker Baldwin, Copper Mountain ski school manager, enjoys a perfect spring day Tuesday.

COPPER MOUNTAIN -- With the recent string of mild spring days, it's easy to forget that Colorado's ski season is still going strong.

Many of the state's 26 ski resorts are open until mid-April, and Arapahoe Basin won't cut power to its chairlifts until early June.

But enjoying these balmy days on the slopes requires more than just busting out the bikini top. Successful spring skiing and snowboarding involves a combination of good timing, intelligent gear choices and subtle technique adjustments.

"The first thing to remember is that there's usually no point to getting out on the snow before 10 o'clock," said Copper Mountain ski school manager Coker Baldwin. "That's when the snow starts softening up, and even then I try to stick to north-facing trails because they don't go through the drastic freeze-thaw cycle that the south-facing runs do. Either way, before 10 it's likely conditions won't be that great anywhere."

Instead, use the extra time to dress in layers. It's not uncommon to see 15- to 20-degree daytime temperature swings in the high country, so being able to shed clothes can make a big difference in comfort. If possible, opt for apparel with zippered vents, which allow you to cool down between runs.

Also remember that spring snow is less like smooth ice and more like gritty sandpaper, not a friendly landing surface for unprotected skin.

"I always get a laugh out of the people skiing in T-shirts or no shirts," said Baldwin, whose home mountain stays open until April 13, finishing its season with "Sunsation," a two-weekend festival of live music and parties. "At the end of the day they are usually the ones with big raspberries on their arms or shoulders. Even on a really warm day, it's worth wearing a long-sleeved shirt."

Make sure to slather sunscreen on whatever skin remains uncovered. According to the American Skin Cancer Foundation, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained, UV exposure increases by 8 to 10 percent. That means a person with average complexion skiing at 11,000 feet can get sunburned after 6 minutes of exposure, compared with 14 minutes at sea level. Use SPF 15 or higher, and reapply at least once every 90 minutes -- more often if you're sweating a lot.

You can cut down on perspiration by altering your turning technique. Baldwin instructs clients to focus on making smooth, rounded turns, which equals less work.

"If you rush from turn to turn and create a zigzag shape, you end up working a lot harder because you're pushing the heavy, slushy snow around with your skis," he said. "Instead, strive for the path of least resistance. Think of your skis as a knife cutting through butter, then make sure they cut all the way through and that the turn shape regulates your speed."

On the way down the hill, keep a lookout for transition zones where the snow's condition changes. This is especially important in areas with intermittent shade. The sun-splashed snow will be slushy and slow, while shaded areas will remain hard and fast.

"That's typically why you see a lot of knee injuries in the spring," Baldwin said. "If someone tries to quickly dissipate their speed by whipping their skis around, the heavier snow will push back, generating a twisting effect. That's usually not a good thing for your knees."

Instead, focus on having the tails of your skis trace the same path as your tips. That yields a smoother, more controlled turn.

"The idea is the same for snowboarders," Baldwin said. "They have a wider board, so they can build up even more snow if they are sliding through their turns. Try to get up on your edge and ride it all the way through the turn."

Put it all together, and springtime can be one of the best times for skiing and riding.