Keep Your Ski Vacation Fun and Memorable with These 5 Tips
Race down some runs during a stellar ski vacation.
Stellar Ski Vacation Tip #1: Have Your Own Equipment? Love it? Bring it.
Yes, you may have to pay extra baggage fees for your ski or snowboard equipment if you’re flying, and it may be a pain to lug it around with you while en route to your destination. But…if you have equipment that you know well and is tailored to your body, it’s much better than renting, even if your ski vacation is only going to last a couple days. I always bring my snowboard and boots with me because I have narrow feet and skinny ankles and it took me trying on every snowboard boot in the city of San Diego before I finally found a pair that fit well. My boots fit my bindings well so therefore I also want my snowboard. For the average price of $25 for checking a bag, it still should be less expensive or on par with renting equipment. If you don’t want to check a second bag, check out my tips for packing for a ski weekend all in one carry-on on Fashionista’s Travel.
Stellar Ski Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Have Your Own Equipment? Rent Before You Get to the Mountain
If you’re staying at the ski resort, you can skip this tip. However, for those staying in town, check out rental shops in town and rent your ski or snowboard equipment the night before. Not only is renting in town often cheaper than renting at the ski resort, you also then don’t have to wait in long lines and can hit the slopes as soon as you get to the mountain.
Stellar Ski Vacation Tip #3: Skip the Hotel and Stay in Someone’s Vacation Home
Hotels in popular ski towns can often be pretty expensive. You can usually find a better deal, with more space, by renting out someone’s home. Since most people who own homes or condos in ski towns don’t live there year round, they often will rent them out when they’re not staying there. Keep in mind that during peak times of the season there may be a minimum night stay requirement. Websites such as airbnb.com or the city website can help you find rental accommodation for your ski vacation.
Stellar Ski Vacation Tip #4: Hit the Slopes Early
Best time to be skiing or snowboarding down the mountain is usually in the morning.
For the best snow of the day, get to the ski resort right when it opens. You’ll be able to get a few good runs in before it starts to get icy or choppy from the day’s slaloming and shredding. If you get tired before the day ends, no problem. Take off your skis or snowboard and spend the rest of your day relaxing with a cold beer in the warm chalet. Or if the day is nice, do my favorite and grab a table outside so you can enjoy the view while the sun is still shining.
Stellar Ski Vacation Tip #5: Bring Friends
Lots of friends means lots of fun on and off the slops – and the likelihood of having a ski partner who matches your skill level. And, don’t forget the shot ski.
Tom post-hot tub getting very excited about the shot ski.
Come to think of it, the shot ski may be the most important part of the trip…
What’s your best ski vacation tip? Have you ever done the shot ski?
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I'm a travel marketer and travel writer. My husband, Tom, is getting his MBA and never stops studying. We have two cats. We have a mortgage. We have a passion for traveling. We have limited vacation time and funds.
Our friends and family wonder how we travel so much.
Here's how I balance it all and maximize travel time and getting the most out of a destination when time is short.
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