Spring skiing is officially here.

There's little doubt. The first day of spring has come and gone, Easter is upon us, and daylight savings time is in effect (don't you love the longer days?).

Spring can be a great time of the year to ski. But the warmer temperatures, softer snow, and brighter sun do merit special consideration. Here are some things you should take into account to have a great ski day:

Wear sun screen. The sun is stronger now, so make sure you protect your skin with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it liberally and often.

Dress is layers that can be easily shed. The day may start out cool, but it can warm up pretty quickly. Be sure to dress in layers that can be removed to prevent you from overheating.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. You're probably perspiring more, so make sure to replace the fluid you lose. Your body will thank you for it.

Take changing snow conditions into account. The snow's a lot softer now, so you'll have to ski differently to accommodate these new conditions. Keep your weight more evenly distributed across both skis.

Wear sunglasses or goggles. The sun is stronger now, so be sure to wear appropriate eye protection.

Happy spring skiing!

Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, an internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.