So, this is for all you die-hard snowriders out there, searching hither and yon for some place to ski or ride into summer. Chill. As it happens, several local winter resorts will be keeping the lifts running long into spring. One (conditions permitting) nearly to summer.

But before getting into that, those of you who plan to extend your winter into spring for the first time might want to read what the experts tell us about riding a board or pair of boards on spring snow. Both technique and, to a lesser degree, gear can make riding something that looks like snow but feels like water more enjoyable.

For instance, riding on trails or runs that alternate between sun and shade can throw you off-balance in a hurry, so you'll want to keep your weight centered and your eyes focused on your line. That way, you can anticipate the braking effect on soft snow in the sun and acceleration on ice in the shade.

With few exceptions, plan to get all your riding in before noon. After that, things get awfully mushy and slow. If your favorite hill has a variety of exposure to the sun, follow the shade around the mountain. Find the best, longest-lasting fluorocarbon wax you can afford. Apply it as often as you can afford.

Dress in layers, so that you can shed clothing as the day warms and carry a small daypack to store all that stuff that kept you warm an hour ago. That way, you won't need to stash it in a locker after every run. Never underestimate the power of combined altitude and spring sunshine.

You can fry even on a cloudy day, so smear on all that sunscreen. Carry a bottle of water in your pack. Now, here's the skinny on spring skiing at the winter sports areas nearest to our neck of the woods, starting with the most ambitious plans:

Crystal Mountain: The new gondola at Crystal is going to serve up new snowriding opportunities for snowboarders and skiers who don't want to say goodbye to the snow so soon. Even when the white stuff disappears at the base of the lift, there's likely great skiing in Green Valley or perhaps Northway.

Crystal had nearly 13 feet of snow at the top of the Rainier Gondola last week, and more was forecast. If the weather cooperates, the lifts are scheduled to run daily through April 17; then Thursdays through Sundays, April 21-May 8; then Saturday through Monday, May 13-22; over the Memorial Day weekend May 28-30; and finally on weekends June 4 and June 12.