Planning a ski trip can quickly become overwhelming. This ski trip preparation guide will help you create an unforgettable experience!
By Bekah Whitney
Showing up unprepared is never an enjoyable experience, especially when you are trying to have fun on the mountain. Whether you are jumping on a plane halfway across the country for a ten day vacation or road tripping for a long weekend, this ski trip preparation guide will help you create an incredible trip!
When it comes to a ski and snowboard trip, knowing how far you will be staying from the mountain is so important because it will determine how you get to and from the mountain. You will also want to book well in advance, especially if you are hoping to stay in a popular mountainside hotel or planning a trip during peak times. The holidays and spring break, aka the whole month of March, are times when all the mountain towns are packed full. Keep in mind, peak times will also determine accommodation and lift ticket prices.
If you are flexible with your dates, I suggest planning your trip during late January and early February as these are quiet times in lots of ski towns and the snow conditions should be great!
Anyone who has ever tried skiing or snowboarding will tell you that it is a workout! If you aren’t accustomed to working out or if it is the beginning of the season, add a short targeted workout and stretching routine about a month before your trip. This will strengthen your muscles so that by the time you’re on your trip you will be ready to ride!
There is nothing worse than being dressed for the wrong temperature on the mountain. Rentals often include the board or skis, boots, and a helmet. If you don’t own the other necessary equipment and are not sure if you want to make the investment yet, local thrift stores are a great place to find discounted items that will get you through your trip. Remember to check the weather and averages to know how warm or cool you need to dress. This can change drastically depending on conditions.
Here is a quick list of the essentials you will need while on the mountain:
If you are brand new to skiing or snowboarding, or if you are still riding mostly green runs, taking a lesson is going to get you to your goals with skiing or snowboarding much faster! Many mountains offer half day lessons for adults and are well worth the money.
Something to keep in mind: your significant other is (often) not a good teacher. I’ve had so many students tell me they went on the mountain the day before with their boyfriend, wife, etc. and it went terribly. Similarly, I hear people give bad advice to their friends while on the bunny hill all the time. Friends can be amazing resources, but it’s hard explaining what exactly to do when it’s already second nature to them. You will overhear a lot of people say things like “Bend your knees!” or “Just go straight to the top!” and other useless advice. If, however, you find yourself next to an instructor on the hill, stopping and listening isn’t a bad idea.
When I moved from 2,000 feet elevation to 10,000 I had a headache for a month. My friend felt like her heart was beating out of her chest every time she took the stairs and everyone got drunk much faster than they were accustomed to. Depending on how much elevation change there is from your home to the mountain, you may need to take extra care to avoid altitude sickness.
If you are traveling with children and over 9,000 feet, knowing the signs of Altitude Sickness (https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure/altitude-illness) is important. As instructors, we saw a lot of miserable kids in ski school suffering from the elevation changes.
Here are my biggest tips to avoid feeling terrible at high elevations:
Black diamond runs in Minnesota are equivalent to green circle runs at Copper Mountain. Arapahoe Basin resort in Colorado has incredible terrain for advanced skiers and riders with little options for beginners. Knowing your skill level and the level of the rest of your group will come in handy when choosing which resort to visit or where everyone will be hanging out once on the mountain.
You will be sore after a full day or even half day of skiing and riding. It happens to me at the beginning of every year. Don’t jam pack your evening with activities after a long day on the slopes. Eating, drinking (but not too much!), hot tubbing, playing games, and even watching movies is all the effort I want to put into my evenings after an incredible day on the slopes. Plus getting ample rest is key to having the next day on the mountain be a fun one. Skiing/riding is bumpy when you’re hungover.
Many people don’t think of sunburns because it’s cold out. Unfortunately, the sun rays reflect off the snow and give you almost double the radiation, resulting in many people getting fried (in very specific and funny places like just the cheeks and hands) if they do not have sunscreen on.
Back in the 90s, people used to say, “Just head to the top, and by the time you get to the bottom you’ll have it figured out”. It was never a good plan and it’s not tolerated now. People injure themselves and others on the slopes everyday. Know your level and only push yourself at small increments.
The skiers responsibility code has been added to in the past years, but I just want to go over the ones I think are the most important.
Snowboarding is what makes winter enjoyable for me. I love sharing the sport with others and the friends I make on the mountain are some of the best friends I still have. I’m beyond excited that you are planning a trip to the mountains.
Leave a comment below and let us know what mountain you are planning to visit and what information you found especially helpful! Remember to save this guide and share with your friends and family who are going to be getting out on the slopes soon!
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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