Here in California Sierra Mountains, USA, in the spring time, the snow goes through a freeze-thaw cycle every day. So, the snow/trails are icy in the early morning, and slushy in the afternoon. However, between the freeze and thaw, there is a two-hour window for near perfect snow conditions, flat surface, soft and smooth, small bumps if any, and best of all, no ice! Skiing on spring snow is like skiing on used/cut-up powder, fast, slick and very maneuverable, so it is more fun. I rate spring skiing second best skiing condition, second only to powder skiing.