Timing the corn window

The problem

In spring conditions, showing up on the right slope at the wrong time of day is as common a mistake as picking the wrong slope entirely. Too early and the surface hasn't softened; too late and it's already turned to mush.

Why it happens

Best Snow Today models each run's aspect, slope angle, and elevation band from the terrain, then computes the sun's position for each daypart and applies Lambert's cosine law to estimate the solar energy actually hitting that surface — the same physics behind the classic corn cycle: east faces soften first, south around midday, west in the afternoon.

How to check it in First Chair

1. Open Best Snow Today

   Switch between the morning, midday, and afternoon rankings for the day.

2. Follow the aspect order

   East-facing runs tend to soften earlier, south-facing around midday, west-facing in the afternoon.

3. Scrub Snow Quality hour by hour

   For a specific run, check the time slider instead of relying on the daily average.

4. Plan around the moving window

   Rather than picking one run and hoping it's ready when you get there.