Seven Ways to Prepare Your Family for Ski Season
It's about 80 days until ski season, is your family ready? Here's a list of seven ways to prepare your family for ski season. With planning, you are going to set your ski squad up for success.
Related: Industry experts and ski moms weigh in on the ski season
Seven Ways to Prepare Your Family for Ski Season
We've got a checklist of things you can take care of NOW to make sure you have the best winter possible.
1. Review the Safety Rules
The National Ski Area Association developed the Skier Responsibility Code in 1962 to keep things safe and fun on the mountain. The latest version of Your Responsibility Code has grown from seven points to 10. Two new points were added: one, to emphasize the importance of not skiing or riding under the influence of alcohol/drugs; another to let skiers and riders know what to do when you get into a collision or other on-mountain incident. Take some time to review the rules before you head to the mountain.
2. Stay Healthy
Stay healthy! This means keeping up with your fitness all year long. Make sure your family is spending time outdoors hiking and exploring in nature. In addition, you can update your vaccines. One issue you CAN control is your yearly flu shot. Go ahead and get that early. The less of a drain we all are on the medical system, the better. Head here to see where the flu is tracking. www.cdc.gov/flu/
3. Buy Your passes
Use the off season to research passes and decide which one is right for your family. Start with this podcast. If you are still on the fence about which pass to purchase, read this article.
4. Get Your Gear Now
There will be deals to be had on ski and snowboarding gear. This will be the year to buy as no one will want to deal with day-of rentals. Another option is to get your skis early from your favorite rental shop. If you plan to ski for five or more days, seasonal rentals will pay for themselves.
Warm clothing will be important this year. There will likely be fewer spots on the mountain at the warming huts. Invest in good gear for the entire family (here's a resource list).
This is also the year to invest in a good ski/riding pack. Stash extra masks, snacks, and layers in here since we won't have the luxury of popping into lodges. Two packs to consider are the Osprey Women's 30L and the Patagonia Descent (comes in 32 and 40L).
Jen Roe, who handles communications for Hunter Mountain and is a snowboard mom recommends some trial runs with the kids before ski season: "Have them practice getting in and out of their boots themselves at home. For little ones have them wear their boots around the house a bit to get used to walking in them. This will overall help you swiftly get on the hill and eliminate extra indoor time."
Best Home Gifts for Your Ski Family
If your family loves to ski, we've got ideas on how to spread holiday cheer to your family with our fun gifts designed to bring the family together to play or snuggle. This season, we’re making it easy to find thoughtful gifts that bring comfort, joy, and a dash of mountain magic ...read more
Gear to Help You Stay Warm on the Coldest Ski Days
I’ve looked at the weather forecast here in Vermont and it's time to bundle up! As a skier, cold weather goes hand in hand with the snow and sport I love, but that doesn't mean I'm impervious to frostbite. Over the years, I've tried and tested many products to see what works to ...read more
Vermont Welcomes the Fastest Skiers in the World to Killington 2024 Women's World Cup
Women’s Ski Racing Is Thriving in America The first major women’s ski racing event in North America took place at Killington over Thanksgiving weekend. After spending two days at the Killington races, I can confidently report that interest in the sport is as strong as ever. The ...read more
5. Consider a Seasonal Rental
This is the year to invest in a home mountain. If you can line up a seasonal condo rental, do it. It will minimize your time in busy resort areas. Start with the Ski Moms Family Rental listings. Contact a realtor in your area or start looking into seasonal rentals on VRBO.
Ski Mom of four kiddos and VRBO home renter Kristen Haaijer says, "If your budget allows, and you’re looking into a big ski trip this year, invest in on mountain lodging. I think the ability to walk to the chair, and go in and out of your own space for bathrooms and food, will be invaluable this season and possible next."
Momtrends Tip: Ski in/Ski out properties are going to be a premium. If the condo is close enough for lunch and bathroom breaks, book it now!
6. Get Snow Tires
If you don't plan on a weekend rental, you'll likely be a road warrior, this means driving in tricky conditions. Start researching snow tires NOW. Off-season is a great time to get deals. They are a super investment in safety. We've had both Bridgestone Blizzaks and Nokian tires and think both are awesome. Nokians, get the edge on performance.
While you are at it, go ahead and join AAA too. It's nice to have that gold card in your wallet when facing snowy drives.
7. Check Your Gear
It's a great time to check your gear. For the kiddos, this means seeing if things still fit, for you it might mean stepping up your gear. For everyone, it means checking the equipment to make sure it's safe.
Enjoy the off season and keep playing outside!
MORE SKI FEATURES FROM MOMTRENDS
- Family Ski Guide
- Why You Should Use Ski Butlers for Your Next Ski Rentals
- Family Ski Resort Mont Tremblant
- Reasons Big Sky Montana is Becoming More Popular as a Ski Destination
PIN IT!
Use Pinterest to save your favorite family travel features. Be sure to follow our Ski Moms Pinterest Board.
Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given samples.
