Are you among the 10-12 million skiers or snowboarders in the US?
If so, no doubt you’re eagerly anticipating this year’s winter season. In just a few short weeks, your favorite Colorado ski resorts will be open and ready for business!
The question is: How’s your Colorado ski trip planning going? Do you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable vacation, or are you still scrambling to finish your preparations?
Keep reading for four expert ski trip tips from Colorado locals.
1. Plan Your Budget
As a skier, you already know you didn’t pick the most affordable hobby on the planet. The average family of four will spend around $10,000 on a week-long Colorado ski trip!
Of course, there are ways to save money on your trip. The best way to save cash is to book your lodging, lift tickets, and airline tickets early — well ahead of the wintertime rush.
You can save by buying an Epic Pass that gives you access (and savings) to your favorite Colorado resorts, including Vail and Beaver Creek. If you’re traveling with a large group, you may find it more economical to rent a large house rather than reserve multiple hotel rooms.
2. Consider Everyone’s Abilities
Not all mountains are created equal. You may be a double-black skier in the hills of Maryland or North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready for the steepest runs in Aspen or Breckenridge.
One of the biggest (and most dangerous) mistakes you can make during Colorado ski trip planning is overestimating your abilities. This is especially important if you’re bringing kids or novice skiers along!
Do plenty of research about the pitch, grooming, and fall lines of each ski resort. Yes, greens are easy and blues are intermediate, but this means different things on different mountains. Make sure you choose a ski resort that has plenty of offerings for everyone in your group — including kids and beginners.
3. Gather Your Gear
Some trips are easy to throw together at the last minute. A weekend getaway to the beach? No problem!
A ski trip is a whole different ball game. There’s an endless list of clothing and gear you’ll need before you hit the slopes. You don’t want to be stuck trying to find a winter jacket, thermal underlayers, or a pair of ski boots at the last minute!
If you’re planning to rent most of your gear, make your reservations early. If you’ll be bringing your skis and other equipment along, pull everything out in advance of your trip and make sure it’s still in good condition. If not, you’ll have enough time to replace it before you depart.
Here’s a handy packing list to ensure you have everything you need for your ski trip!
4. Research Off-Mountain Activities
We all love to ski and snowboard, but what will you do in the evenings? If you’re planning a longer trip, should you take a few days off from the slopes and explore other wintertime activities?
Here are our suggestions for other fun activities to try:
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
- Apres ski drinks & snacks
- A therapeutic massage
- Dog sledding
- Hot springs
- Sleigh rides
- Tubing
Colorado has so many incredible things to discover, so don’t limit yourself to the ski resorts. Get out there and make the most of your winter vacation!
Colorado Ski Trip Planning Made Easy
If your family ski trip got hijacked by COVID-19 last year, we can only imagine how excited you are for the 2021/2022 ski season. Use the tips listed above to ensure your Colorado ski trip planning goes smoothly and successfully!
Have you thought about what you’ll do once the slopes close for the day? Did you know you can book affordable, professional massages in both Avon and Glenwood Springs?
Click here to book your massage session online. If you prefer, you can also call us at 970-748-1600.
Bonus tip: We offer a terrific package deal: Buy 5 massages, get 1 free! You can share this package with your family and friends, so this could be the perfect treat for everybody during your Colorado ski trip.