Plan Your Ski Day in 4 Steps
As the snow piles up in the mountains like a favorite puffy jacket, or chenille blanket (depending on your description of a ‘perfect Sunday’), we all need to start making plans. Sometimes those plans are to rack up as many days on your local hill as possible, dreaming big in triple digits. Sometimes the plan is just to get back out there after a few years away, an injury, or maybe the addition of a new family member. Maybe your plan is to stop dreaming about it, and finally learn to ski.
Whatever your goals are for this winter, making the most of the slopes does, in fact require a plan. So here are a few quick tips to get it together without missing a beat.
1) Shop for a pass. Decide your schedule and pick your local mountain for lift tickets. Are you dedicating yourself to one mountain, like Steamboat, Tahoe or Smuggler’s Notch? Or are you ready to cover some ground to get a taste of everything? In this case, look into the Epic Pass for Colorado, or passes that mix and match days at different resorts.
2) Check your gear. Will last year’s sticks still give you the stoke you want? Or do you need to swing by a Christy Sports outlet near you to check out the latest in steep and deep technology? Is it your first season? If so, definitely try renting because you don’t quite know what your skiing or riding style is, and it can be tough to make a good gear investment until you’ve discovered that. Consider equipment rentals to really make the most of your money.
3) Get in shape. Let’s be honest: this goes for everyone, no matter how many you’ve been shredding. As we come up to the holiday season, the temptations beckon, but keep your black diamond goal in mind! Start thinking about what you can do to increase stamina, dexterity, strength and balance in order to ski and ride safely. Depending on your preference, work out regularly with ellipticals, yoga, jogging, or cross-fit training to get the most out of your skiing, and a lot more safe as your body is prepared for the rigors of the slopes.
4) Reserve lodging. Finally, you’ve got the days on the calendar and are starting the countdown! But where to stay? Making reservations well ahead of time is essential to get the most out of your winter vacation experience. So consider a few things – are you staying more than a few days? Look into vacation rentals that book by the week. Is it essential for you to have ski access from the door so you aren’t schlepping the whole family across the village, or navigating complicated bus schedules and maps? Check out slopeside hotels and lodges. Or are you looking for an economical lodging value that let’s you put the time and money into other activities?
After you get these critical things in order, then give yourself a fist bump and start looking forward to that refreshing first face shot. Everything else will be easy!