12 Tips for Planning the Perfect Ski Trip

How do you define a perfect ski vacation? Weather and snow conditions are completely out of your control, but choosing where you’re going, when you’re going, what you pack and where you’re staying is all up to you.

Follow these tips to mitigate the unforeseen hassles of a ski vacation—and you just might end up with the perfect trip.

What To Pack for a Ski Vacation

Flying can be stressful no matter the occasion, but traveling with ski gear tends to amplify the feelings of anxiety. Will your gear make it to your final destination? What if it gets damaged or stolen in the process? These are the types of questions that have caused this author plenty of stress in the past. Follow the tips below to learn from my mistakes.

1. If you own ski boots, fly with them as a personal item or in a carry-on.

This is essential. Ski boots are the most important part of your gear and the hardest to replace. Having your ski boots with you in the cabin ensures that you’ll have them for the trip. Demo ski bindings can be adjusted to fit your boots, but rental ski boots are never ideal.

2. Pack a fresh pair of ski socks for each day of your trip.

Sweaty base layers can be washed in sinks and rung out on balconies, but you can’t replicate the feeling of a fresh pair of socks. Save your feet the agony, and invest in a nice pair of ski socks for each day of your trip.

3. Bring lots of layers—layers are your friend.

There’s nothing worse than not having the proper gear to enjoy a cold powder day. Make sure you pack extra layers to prepare for the coldest and warmest of days. You never know what Mother Nature will throw at you.

4. Look up airline fees for checked ski bags before booking your flight.

Airlines differ in their policies for checking oversized items like ski bags. It’s worth doing a bit of research to know how much you’ll be charged to bring your gear. It can be the deciding factor in booking flights. Remember though, bring those ski boots with you, don’t check them!

How To Choose the Right Ski Resort for a Ski Trip

Americans who want to remain in the country for their big ski vacation have endless opportunities. With mega-resorts from California to Maine and hundreds of other ski areas across the country, the options can feel overwhelming.

5. Research the ski resort’s stats and weather information.

Most American ski resorts list their average snowfall and mountain statistics on their websites. Understanding terms like skiable acreage, vertical drop and elevation can help you make a decision.

6. Ask your friends for recommendations and feedback.

Everything is online these days, but it’s hard to beat the authenticity of a personal recommendation. Ask your skier friends what they like and dislike about destinations you’re considering to determine if it sounds right for you.

7. Watch videos on YouTube.

YouTube is a goldmine for amateur and professional videos made at ski resorts around the globe. With the increasing prevalence of stabilized HD helmet cameras, there’s almost always a POV video that will prove to be valuable. Scope out the terrain, check out the views or just watch and listen to develop an understanding of the resort before booking your trip.

How To Get the Cheapest Lift Tickets for a Ski Vacation

Costs like lodging, food and airline tickets are usually set, but there are ways to save a considerable amount of money on your lift tickets. Who knows, the money you saved could be the deciding factor in your quest for the perfect ski vacation.

8. Buy your lift tickets ahead of time.

The ski industry has adopted a model to sell passes that favors the proactive. Most resorts offer substantial daily discounts for lift tickets purchased online and in-advance. Scope out the lift ticket prices months ahead of your trip to get the best prices.

9. Consider purchasing a mega-pass.

The Ikon Pass and Epic Pass dominate the North American ski industry these days, but they aren’t just for skiers who log 20+ days a season. Many of the passes are cheaper than purchasing individual lift tickets for 5+ days. Meaning, if you’re willing to shell out a large sum up front, you could plan multiple trips for the same season without having to pay for additional lift tickets.

How To Find the Best Lodging for a Ski Trip

If there’s one thing other than snow conditions that can make or break a ski vacation, it’s lodging. In a world of endless ads for Airbnbs and hotels, making a decision about where to stay can be even more challenging. The tips below should help.

10. Research the proximity of your lodging to the ski resorts.

Ski towns are notoriously ill-equipped when it comes to taxis, Ubers, and other on-demand transportation services. If you can’t walk from your lodging option to the resort, you’ll need to research local bus routes or consider renting a car to reach the ski resort each day. Don’t get stranded without a ride to the hill.

11. Make sure they have ski lockers.

Imagine this: You get back to your fancy hotel room after a long day of skiing. You rip off your wet jacket and look for a place to set your dripping skis and boots, but there isn’t a ski locker to be found. Ski lockers are an underrated perk of most lodges that you should definitely consider when you’re shelling out a large sum of money on your ski trip. Ski lockers are sweet.

12. Ask yourself how much time you’ll actually spend in the room.

Everybody wants a big and fancy room on their ski trip, but if you’re planning on spending 12+ hours outside, why bother? Consider booking a smaller room closer to the resort if you fall into this category and save the money!