Shredding in a winter wonderland
In fact, the most daunting part of a ski trip can be planning it--especially if it's your first time. Experienced skiers may know just what they want and how to get it, but the options can prove downright confusing for the beginning or casual skier.
Snow sports have never been more popular--ski resorts in the U.S. alone log more than 50 million visitors a year. No wonder: Skiing and snowboarding can be addictive from the first time you try them. Beginners tend to master the basics fast, and from then on, it's sheer exhilaration.
We'll introduce you to the basics
Both skiing and snowboarding are strenuous physical activities. Cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility--especially in the legs--are crucial to playing it safe. A good ski fitness program includes hiking, running, or mountain biking, with a weight training program concentrating on strength in the abdominal and lower and upper back muscles, and both strength and flexibility in the quadriceps, hip flexors, and shoulders.
Even if you're already active and fit, train for about four to six weeks before you hit the slopes. If you're generally sedentary, experts recommend about three months of cardiovascular and weight training before your first trip of the season. Ski and snowboard magazines and books can provide further training ideas. Your gym or trainer may also have a ski fitness program already in place.
Decide when to go
When resorts are busiest, prices tend to be highest. If you can, avoid planning a trip during peak times (especially school holidays). Here's what the ski season tends to look like in terms of prices, conditions, and crowds.
Before Christmas. This earliest part of the season tends to be the cheapest--and the riskiest for planning. The first big storm may not happen in time, and conditions may not be right yet for man-made snow.
Holiday. Between Christmas and the beginning of January, the snow has usually arrived. Ski areas are typically at their most expensive and most crowded.
Value season. From early to mid-January, prices are in the mid range, snow coverage is usually good, and crowds are less intense than around Christmas.
Regular season. From mid-January to mid-March, snow coverage is dependably good--and prices are second only to those of the holiday week. Watch out for local school holidays, as these often bring a surge in slope population.
Spring skiing. Between mid-March and the end of April (or May in some higher altitudes), prices are almost as low as in the early season, and snow conditions are often good, especially on higher mountains that are still getting fresh snowfall.
Pick a resort
Books and websites are excellent sources of information about specific resorts. Here are the main factors to consider in choosing one:
Travel time. The ratio of travel time to ski time should be as low as possible. If you plan a weekend trip, try to spend four or fewer hours traveling each way (from your door to the resort). If you're planning a vacation of longer than four or five days and don't mind flying, you could go just about anywhere. For more specific pointers on traveling, see
Lift ticket costs. The price of a single-day lift ticket can vary from about $15 to $60 (U.S.), depending on the resort. Multi-day lift tickets often offer a discount over the daily price, so they're good values if you know you'll be on the slopes for several days.
Runs and lifts. If you and your companions ski or snowboard at different levels, look for a resort with terrain that's varied enough to keep you all happy. Many people also judge a resort by its lifts--high speed, high capacity lifts may not eliminate long lines, but they do keep them moving. Find out how many runs and lifts a resort has, and what percentage of the terrain is for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers and boarders.
Lessons. Many resorts offer beginner packages that include equipment, lessons, and lift tickets, providing substantial savings over the prices of individual services. Look into these if you're likely to benefit from them. Be aware, though, that a beginner lift ticket will only get you access to beginner slopes.
Note: Nearly all ski resorts allow snowboarders on their slopes, but some are more board-friendly than others. If you plan to snowboard, call and make sure that boarding is allowed on all trails, and that snowboard rental equipment and lessons are available (if necessary).
Find and reserve accommodations
The per-person cost, amenities, and proximity to the slopes can all affect lodging decisions. In general, expect to pay extra for greater convenience, privacy, and luxury, and try to reserve as soon as you know your travel dates. Accommodations for the busiest parts of the season book up early, though you may be able to be spontaneous in the very early or late season.
Hotels. A hotel right on the slopes is very convenient, but may be the most expensive option. Hotels and motels farther away from the resort often cost less, but you'll have to drive or catch a shuttle to the ski area. Hotels have maid service, and many offer gyms, Jacuzzis, bars, and other diversions. However, per-person costs can be high for a family or group, and you'll have to take all your meals in restaurants.
Rentals. Resort areas are full of condos and cabins you can rent for a weekend or the whole season (if you ski a lot). Mostly, these are the vacation houses of private parties who rent them out when they're not using them. If you're traveling with a group, a rental can be very cost-effective: Per-person costs are lower, and cooking in the kitchen helps keep food costs down, too. You do have to clean up after yourself, though.
You can find rentals through ski tour operators or specialty realtors in the area you plan to visit. Use the area's yellow pages or type "vacation rentals" and the name of the town or resort into an Internet search engine.
Other options. Bed and breakfasts may be available, and tend to be cozier and homier than hotels (although just as expensive). Hostels offer no-frills dormitory beds (and some private double rooms) for rock-bottom prices--and they may have a communal kitchen you can use, too.
Get your gear
Early skiers strapped long pieces of wood to their winter boots and pushed themselves around with sticks. No more. There's no good substitute for modern skis or snowboards, boots, bindings, and poles (for skiers). And, when you rent them, these marvels of high-performance engineering can come cheap.
Rent or buy? Until you become a dedicated, regular skier or snowboarder, it's best to rent equipment. Buying is an unwise investment if you don't ski or board enough to justify the cost.
Rental equipment has a reputation for being outdated and ill maintained, but many ski shops have some of the latest equipment in their rental stock, with a range of prices reflecting the equipment's relative quality. Rentals are almost always adequate for the needs of beginners. Once you master the basics, you'll start to get a feel for performance differences, and this may be your cue to consider buying.
Where to rent? Prices tend to be somewhat lower if you rent in your hometown rather than on the mountain. Additionally, renting at home can save time on ski days and let you be a little choosier about your gear--though you will have to schlep everything to the mountain and back. Alternatively, you can wait until you get there, then rent at a local ski shop for ease of transport. Then, if something breaks or isn't quite right, you can have it fixed right in town or at the bottom of the slope. This may be reason enough to choose this option.
Clothing. You may already own much of the clothing you'll need for skiing or snowboarding, including a parka, t-shirts, flannel shirts, sweaters or fleece, long underwear, warm but not bulky socks, and a ski hat or earmuffs. Warm, water-resistant ski pants and gloves can be borrowed or rented at some ski and outdoor shops if you don't want to buy just yet (get them before you go).
Get there
Snowstorms can delay both cars and planes. Try to plan realistically for winter travel.
Drive. If you live near enough to drive, it can be a flexible and cost-effective way to get to the mountain. You can rent a roof rack for skis or snowboards if you're bringing them from home. (If you fly and rent a vehicle at the other end, be sure to reserve one with a roof rack and chains.)
Whether the vehicle is yours or a rental, make sure it's in good condition (especially the tires). In addition to a good spare tire, jack, blankets, water, jumper cables, and antifreeze, bring a cell phone if you have one. If the vehicle doesn't have four-wheel drive, bring snow chains that fit the tires and know how to install them. (See 2torial #0696:
Check the forecast for weather along your route before you go, and allow time for weather-related delays. Make sure whoever drives knows how to do so in snowy and icy conditions.
Fly. Flight reservations are often part of a ski package; they can also be booked separately and arranged through your travel agent or an online travel service. However you make your arrangements, try to fly as directly as possible. The more connections in your flight, the more potential for delay.
Many flight and ski packages (see for information on packages) include ground transportation to your lodging or the resort, usually a shuttle bus. Though shuttles can be crowded during peak hours, they offer an alternative to renting a car after flying to a ski area's nearest airport.
Bus or train. Some ski areas are accessible by bus or train. Ask your travel agent or the resort if this is an option.
Finally, remember that jet lag or excessive driving can sap your energy. However you get there, make sure you're rested and ready to ski or snowboard before you hit the slopes: You'll want to be in top form for some of the best rides of your life.
Consider a package (optional)
The basic elements of a ski or snowboarding trip are travel, accommodations, lift tickets or trail passes, and equipment. Ski tour operators and travel agents can save you money and planning time by offering you a package trip that includes all or some of these services. If you're not sure where you want to go or don't have much spare time to research your options, a package can be a good solution.
Ski tour operators. These businesses buy services in bulk, such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and lift tickets, then "package" and sell them together at a discount (hence the term "package trip"). Be aware that operators will probably point you toward the larger resorts.
Direct reservations. Larger resorts often offer a full array of services, from flight arrangements to lodging, through either their own offices or a local ski tour operator.
You can find contact information about ski tour operators or resorts in ski travel books. Your public library may also have yellow pages for the ski area you're considering, as well as contact information on the area's chamber of commerce. Or type "ski travel" plus the name of the state, region, or country where you want to ski into an Internet search engine.
Travel agents. Your trusty local travel agent can be your contact with ski tour operators and resorts, and possibly point you toward a wider variety of resorts and services.
