Everything You Should Do Ahead of Time to Make for an Unforgettable Ski Trip
Published by Allie Hochman
Don't Make the Mistake of Waiting Till the Snow Starts to Fall to Book Your Mountain Getaway
Ski season might seem like months away, but the reality is, it’s never too early to start planning your trips for winter weekends, whether that entails a drive to your local mountain or a flight across the globe. With so many factors to consider, like lift tickets, transportation, lodging, and of course, getting your gear in peak shape, it’s time to pull out your checklist and tackle the steps to a successful snow season before the winter months creep up.
Determine Which Lift Ticket Best Suits You
We’re all for spontaneous day trips to a nearby mountain, but whenever possible, we highly recommend securing lift tickets or season passes as soon as you know you’ll need them. For the avid shredders and riders who live for fresh powder and don’t miss a day on the slopes, purchasing a season pass that best suits your lifestyle and location is invaluable. Like most things in life, the longer you wait, the steeper the price goes, so it’s best to explore the Ikon, Epic, or other suitable season passes now.
Or, if you’re not quite ready for the type of commitment that comes with a fully-loaded season pass, check out what packages your favorite mountains offer, as there might be a financial benefit to purchasing a multi-day ticket ahead of time. Especially if you plan to ski over the holidays, don’t let time get away from you, and be ready to catch that first chair come December!
Enroll in Ski School or Private Lessons
If you’re aiming to give your little ones a lifelong love for skiing or boarding, there’s no better way to help them adjust to this iconic lifestyle than taking lessons from a pro. While you can certainly take the route of teaching these beginners yourself, sometimes, it's best to leave it to the professionals, as they're trained in both safety and patience! Whether ski school or private lessons are more fitting for your loved ones, the sooner you can sign them up, the better.
And even for those seasoned skiers and boarders, it’s never a bad idea to take a lesson and brush up on your technique, especially if it's been a while since you hit the slopes. Plus, it can be a great opportunity to learn some new tricks or embark on epic trails that you’re not confident enough to tackle on your own.
Book Lodging & Transportation
Once you’ve determined the mountains you’re planning to hit this winter, it’s time to get down to logistics, meaning lodging and transportation. If you'll need to fly cross-country or even internationally, book those flights ASAP! And be sure to check the carry-on guidelines for your airline ahead of time, as this varies with domestic versus international flights.
When it comes to booking accommodations, there are numerous factors to consider, such as proximity to the mountain, number of people, and amenities. For a large group, it’s always a blast to rent an entire home through sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, or mountain-affiliated resources. This way, you can make the most of aprés ski all under one roof and enjoy endless time with family and friends. While it can be a bit pricier, staying in a hotel, especially one with direct mountain access, has undeniable perks. And if you're a season pass holder, there are often discounted rates, so be sure to inquire when booking. No matter what type of accommodation is right for you, get your reservations in order now, as come peak season, the selection will likely be much slimmer.
The nice thing about driving to a local mountain is that you don't need to book flights, meaning all you have to do is throw your gear in the back of the car and hit the road. However, if you’re a student who’s home during break, planning to borrow a family member’s car, ask for permission sooner rather than later, as you never know what plans your loved ones might have! And if you’ll need to rent a car upon flying to your destination, ensure you’re securing a vehicle that has plenty of room for skis and snowboards, and can handle tough conditions on the road. Taking on slippery mountain streets is never an easy feat, especially in an unequipped car.
Take Inventory of Your Gear
Hopefully, you properly stored your gear at the end of last season and took note of all inventory to make for a seamless transition into the upcoming winter. But we all know that life throws some curveballs, and for many of us, going through ski and snowboard equipment just didn’t seem like a priority during the sunny spring. So, time to reenter that winter closet and make sure all is in order, or replace necessary items before the shelves at your local ski shop are wiped out.
When it comes to clothing, like jackets, snowpants, underlayers, socks, and other apparel, check for any rips, as this is a setback you won’t want to encounter at the top of the mountain. This way, you’ll have a good sense of what needs to be replaced, or perhaps even repaired if you’re handy with a needle and thread.
Next, be sure to locate your goggles, gloves, and of course, your helmet, making sure there are no tears, scratches, or leaks that need to be addressed. And last but not least, we can’t forget about boots, skis, poles, and boards, which all may be begging for a little refresh. A quick tune-up and wax at your local ski shop will make these babies feel as good as new, and trust us when we say the sooner you tackle this, the better, as the snow season rush will come before you know it.
Ski & Snowboard Bags That Will Make Packing for the Mountain A Breeze
Käydä 44L & Käydä 36L Travel Backpack
If you’re looking for the ultimate travel solution to keep your electronics, adventure gear, valuables, and other items in order, then the Käydä Travel Backpack is exactly what you need. Available in both 44L and 36L, the incredibly spacious main compartment is perfect for one-bag travel, easily fitting days’ worth of clothing and other necessities. Plus, the detachable travel kit, perfect for storing chargers, keys, a wallet, tablet, and other valuables, can stay in your lap throughout the trip, while the primary bag gets stored in the overhead bin of a plane or the backseat of your car.
Kartta Travel Backpack
More than just your average boot bag, the Kartta serves as the ideal multipurpose backpack. While it was initially designed to carry an adult-sized pair of ski or snowboard boots along with apparel and other gear, the Kartta also serves as an ideal travel backpack to support you on a plane, train, or any other mode of transportation. With features like a laptop protection pocket, countless interior zipper pockets for valuables, an ergonomic back panel for maximum comfort, and a retractable helmet sling, we can assure you the Kartta has your back through it all. And be sure to check out the brand new color, steel blue, which is certain to turn heads on the mountain.
Kantaja Single Roller Ski Bag
Whether you’re boarding a flight with ski gear and all, or walking from the car to the base lodge, there’s one thing that will undeniably make for a smoother trip - a ski bag on wheels. The Kanataja Single Roller, designed to fit a pair of skis, poles, plus extra apparel, is the packing solution you didn’t know you needed. And given the length extender, you can use this bag to carry virtually any-sized skis, knowing your elite gear will remain stable and protected from point A to point B.
Kaamos Boot Cube - Small, Medium, or Large
If you’re looking for next-level organization, especially when packing a pair of boots, then you’ve got to get your hands on the Kaamos Boot Cube. No more worrying about wet or dirty boots sitting alongside your clean gear and valuables, as this packing agent guarantees separation where it’s needed most. With varying sizes - small for the Käydä 36L, medium to go inside the Käydä 44L, and large, which slips seamlessly into the Kartta - inserting this small but mighty item takes about no time at all, and trust us when we say it brings peace of mind to many fellow travelers.