Ski Trip Planning: Resort Selection, Gear, and Mountain Safety
Everything you need to plan a ski trip covering resort selection, equipment rental or purchase, mountain safety essentials, accommodation booking, and tips for beginners through advanced skiers.
Choose a resort that matches your skill level and group's abilities
Beginners need resorts with extensive green runs and ski school programs. Intermediate skiers look for variety in blue and black terrain. Advanced skiers want steep chutes, moguls, and tree skiing. Mixing skill levels works at large resorts with terrain for everyone. Check trail maps online before booking.
Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead for peak season
Christmas week, President's Day weekend, and spring break are the most expensive and crowded periods. Ski-in, ski-out properties book out 3-6 months ahead. Staying in the nearby town rather than the base village saves 30-50% on accommodation. A 10-minute shuttle ride to the lifts is worth the savings.
Buy lift tickets in advance online for lower prices
Walk-up window prices are the most expensive way to buy lift tickets. Online advance purchases save 15-30% at most resorts. Multi-day passes offer better per-day rates than single-day tickets. Season pass holders at one resort often get discounted days at partner resorts through alliance programs.
Book ski or snowboard lessons for beginners in advance
Group lessons cost 100-200 USD per half day including equipment at most resorts. Private lessons run 400-800 USD per half day. Book 2-4 weeks ahead as instructors fill up during peak periods. First-time skiers should always take a lesson rather than learning from a well-meaning friend or partner.
Gear and Equipment
Decide whether to rent or bring your own ski equipment
Renting at the resort costs 40-80 USD per day for skis, boots, and poles. Own equipment performs better and fits better but adds checked bag fees of 30-40 USD each way plus transport hassle. Rent if you ski fewer than 5 days per season. Own if you ski 10+ days. Demo programs let you try before buying.
Reserve rental equipment online before arriving at the resort
Online reservations at resort rental shops save 15-25% over walk-in prices and guarantee availability. Include boot fitting time in your first morning schedule as it takes 20-30 minutes. High-performance rental packages with newer equipment cost 20-40 USD more per day but make a noticeable difference.
Wear or buy a helmet for safety on the mountain
Helmets reduce head injury risk by 35-60%. Most resorts rent helmets for 10-15 USD per day. Buying your own ensures proper fit and hygiene. Modern ski helmets weigh 400-500 grams and include ventilation, audio compatibility, and goggle integration. Many resorts now require helmets for children.
Pack or buy ski goggles that match light conditions
Goggles protect eyes from wind, snow, and UV glare at altitude. Low-light lenses in yellow or rose tint work for cloudy days and flat light. Dark lenses handle bright sunshine. Interchangeable lens systems cover both conditions. A goggle that fits your helmet without a gap prevents cold air exposure on the forehead.
Clothing and Layering
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer for top and bottom
Merino wool or synthetic base layers pull sweat away from skin. Cotton base layers get wet and cause rapid chilling on chairlift rides. A midweight base layer works for most conditions. Bring 2-3 tops and 2 bottoms for a multi-day trip. Hang them to dry overnight in your accommodation.
Bring an insulating mid-layer: fleece or lightweight down
A fleece or thin down jacket worn under your ski jacket provides warmth that adjusts with activity level. Unzip on warm runs, zip up on cold chairlifts. A vest is another versatile option that keeps the core warm without restricting arm movement for pole planting.
Pack a waterproof, insulated ski jacket and pants
Ski-specific jackets have waterproof ratings of 10,000-20,000 mm, sealed seams, powder skirts, and goggle-compatible hoods. Ski pants should be waterproof with reinforced cuffs that resist boot edge cutting. Bright colors improve visibility in flat light and during ski patrol searches.
Bring ski-specific gloves or mittens and hand warmers
Insulated, waterproof ski gloves with wrist gaskets prevent snow entry. Mittens are warmer than gloves but less dexterous for pole handling. Chemical hand warmers at 1-2 USD per pair provide 6-8 hours of supplemental warmth on cold days. Keep a pair in your jacket pocket for chairlift rides.
Pack a neck gaiter, balaclava, and warm ski socks
A neck gaiter protects the face and neck from wind and cold on exposed chairlifts. A balaclava adds full-face coverage on sub-zero days. Thin, warm ski socks work better than thick bulky socks that create pressure points inside boots. One pair of ski socks per day is the minimum.
Mountain Safety
Know the resort's trail rating system and stay within your ability
Green circles are beginner terrain, blue squares are intermediate, black diamonds are advanced, and double black diamonds are expert. Terrain parks have their own progression scale. Skiing terrain beyond your ability puts you and others at risk. If a run looks too steep from the top, it is too steep for you.
Check avalanche conditions before going off-piste
In-bounds resort terrain is controlled for avalanche risk by ski patrol. Off-piste and backcountry areas are not. Check the regional avalanche forecast at your local avalanche center. Carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel if venturing beyond resort boundaries. A companion rescue course is essential before backcountry skiing.
Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm before heading out
UV radiation at ski resort elevations of 2,000-3,500 meters is 40-60% stronger than at sea level. Snow reflects 80% of UV rays, hitting you from below as well as above. Sunburn through clouds is common at altitude. Apply SPF 50+ to all exposed skin and SPF lip balm every 2 hours.
Stay hydrated and eat lunch even when not hungry
Cold weather suppresses thirst signals, and altitude accelerates dehydration. Drink water before, during, and after skiing. A proper lunch break refuels energy for afternoon runs when fatigue-related injuries peak. Most ski injuries happen in the last run of the day when tired skiers push for one more.
Apres-Ski and Off-Mountain
Pack casual warm clothes for evenings in the village
After a day on the mountain, you need dry, warm clothes for dinner and apres-ski activities. Jeans, a sweater, and warm boots cover most mountain town restaurants. A down jacket for the walk between buildings in sub-zero evening temperatures is essential. Ski resort villages are casual by nature.
Research non-ski activities for rest days or non-skiers
Most ski resorts offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating, spa facilities, and winter hiking trails. A rest day mid-trip prevents injury from fatigue and lets sore muscles recover. Non-skiing partners enjoy these alternatives while the group skis.
Budget for resort dining and drink prices
Mountain restaurants charge 15-25 USD for burgers and 8-15 USD for beers. Base village restaurants are 20-30% less expensive. Cooking in your accommodation saves 40-60% on meal costs. An early-bird dinner before 6 PM at some restaurants offers lower prices. Pack granola bars and trail mix for the slopes to reduce on-mountain food spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent or buy ski gear?
Renting is cheaper if you ski fewer than 5 days per season at 40-80 USD per day. Buying a complete setup costs 800-2,000 USD for skis, boots, bindings, and poles, paying for itself after 15-25 rental days. Boots are the most important item to own as fit dramatically affects comfort and performance. Consider buying boots and renting skis as a middle ground.
What is the best month for ski conditions?
January and February offer the most reliable snow conditions at most North American and European resorts. December can have thin early-season coverage. March and April bring warmer temperatures and spring corn snow with longer days. Late January through mid-February combines deep snowpack with cold temperatures for the best powder. Holiday weeks are the most crowded regardless of conditions.
Do I need ski lessons as an adult beginner?
Yes. A professional lesson teaches proper technique from the start and prevents developing bad habits that are harder to fix later. A friend or partner teaching you often leads to frustration for both parties. Group lessons cost 100-200 USD per half day and cover the basics in 2-3 sessions. Most adults can ski green and easy blue runs after 3-4 days of lessons.
How do I prevent altitude sickness at ski resorts?
Many western US ski resorts sit at 2,500-3,500 meters. Arrive a day early to acclimatize. Drink extra water as altitude accelerates dehydration. Avoid alcohol on the first night. Take it easy on the first morning. Headache and mild nausea are common above 2,500 meters and usually resolve within 24 hours. If symptoms worsen, descend to a lower elevation.