Bright blue skies, shorter lift-lines, and carvable corn. Squint up at the sun and you'll know it: Spring skiing is right around the corner. And if you play your cards right (read: avoid spring breakers), March-through-May ski days can be some of the best of the season, especially with the right gear. Warmer days mean adjusting your finely tuned wintertime ski gear routine; if you don't, you're destined to be an overheated, sweaty mess by midday. With the smart application of über-breathable apparel, skiers and boarders can get the most out of the sweetest ski days of the year. Here, we dish on the best pieces of women's gear we've tested for the spring.

While certainly not the sexiest item you'll sport, ski socks are perhaps the most important part of the ski-gear equation. First, decide which weight sock you prefer (light, medium, or heavy) and take that sock with you when purchasing or renting boots. Then, take gender into account. Why? Typically, women have a narrower forefoot and heel, less volume in the midfoot, and lower and broader calves. Bridgedale makes women-specific socks in each weight category, but I prefer its Heel Fit ($20; bridgedale.com), a lightweight merino wool and Endurofil (a wicking synthetic) sock that cradles your heel and ankle. These socks stay put all day and provide cushioning in the right spots without getting bulky. You can still really feel your boots, which translates into more ski control.

Let's move on to another not-so-sexy-but-extremely-important item: underwear. Ok, lots of underwear is sexy, but you probably wouldn't want to ski in it. You need undies and a bra that stay put and keep you dry. Sports bras are an extremely personal choice, and you know what fits you best, but I prefer Moving Comfort's Larkin Bra ($42; movingcomfort.com). It has a plush-back, hook-and-eye closure for a custom fit, and it stays drier than any I've tried. On the undies front, there is one thing on which we can all agree: when you're on the slopes more coverage is better. Enter Smarty Pants ($22; smartypantsunderwear.com). I really don't know what I did before I discovered this underwear. It fits kind of like men's boxer-briefs with a low, non-binding waist. The material is breathable, wicking, and anti-microbial, and you can rinse Smarties out and wear them again the next day if you're in a bind. I also wear them under my running tights for added warmth (and to avoid a nasty panty line…come on, you know what I'm talking about).

I'm a big believer in merino wool base layers, and Icebreaker's Skin line with flat-sewn seams never disappoints. The Bodyfit 150 Atlas ($50; icebreaker.com) offers lightweight warmth for not-too-cold spring skiing conditions, but you won't overheat when you really get cruising (merino wool is just that damn smart). If you're cold natured, try the Bodyfit 200 ($60) weight for a little added warmth. Plus, Icebreaker's Skin tops are smart-looking enough to wear alone while enjoying a cold-one by the fire after a long day. Both top and bottoms are available in both weights.