Planning the ultimate ski trip? We’ve got you covered. Nothing could be more magical than jetting off to a winter wonderland with your best pals and loved ones. But these kinds of trips require some ski lessons as well as a great deal of planning and preparation. You need to make sure everyone in your group has what they need to join in on all the fun. That means having the proper gear, like a ski helmet communication system, and an appetite for adventure.
If some people aren’t interested in skiing but still want to come along, they should be able to find other activities to enjoy nearby without getting bored after a few days. Arranging the details will involve a lot of back and forth in the weeks and months leading up to the trip. Hold off on making the final arrangements until everyone has had a chance to weigh in. A little bit of patience and compromise goes a long way when there’s more than one person involved. Avoid these crucial mistakes to make the most of your time together in the snow.
- Not Dressing Properly
The biggest mistake you can make is not packing the right clothing for the trip. Everyone should bring along plenty of warm, insulating layers that they can add/remove depending on the local temperature. The outermost layer needs to be completely waterproof with overlapping inserts that keep moisture at bay, including ski pants, jacket, gloves or ski suit that fits on top of their clothing. The innermost layer should be made of moisture-wicking material that will dry quickly when wet. Skiing is a cardiovascular activity that gets the heart pumping, so be prepared to sweat on the slopes. You can rent your ski equipment at the lodge or resort, but you can’t rent warm clothing. So if you don’t feel like spending several hundred dollars on a new puffer coat and matching outfit, put these items in your suitcase before you depart.
- Not Having a Plan
Whether you’re going skiing for a day or the whole week, it’s best to stick to a set itinerary when traveling in a group. You should have a rough idea of where you’re heading and which runs you plan on completing each day. Make a plan over breakfast or in the car regarding how you plan to spend your time. If some of your party wants to split off, make sure you plan on meeting up again at a specific time and location. Everyone should have their phone or watch on them to keep the time. Keep paper maps of the area on your person to navigate to your destination with or without your GPS. If you’re traveling from Geneva to Val d’Isere, consider booking transfers or arranging car rentals early to secure your spot.
- Underestimating Wait Times
Skiing is increasing in popularity, and that’s putting a lot of extra pressure on the country’s ski resorts. You don’t want to spend your trip waiting in line for the ski lift on a crowded slope where you are more likely to run into other skiers. Peak season runs from December to mid-March, so be prepared for long lines. Consider signing up for apps that estimate wait times so you can adjust your plans accordingly. Do your best to get up early before the run even opens to be first in line. You can also try skiing mid-week or on icier days to avoid the hustle and bustle. You are probably going on vacation to relax, not wait in line. Traffic can also throw a wrench into your plans. Stay close to the trail or run to reduce your morning commute.
- Not Being Able to Communicate
It’s easy to get lost or separated when exploring new areas. Utilize ski helmet accessories, like a reliable Bluetooth headset, to stay in sync with your companions. A sudden snowstorm can also decrease visibility, making it difficult to navigate your surroundings. You should be able to reach everyone in your party when skiing as a group in case someone runs into trouble along the way.
Use a ski helmet communication device to wirelessly connect to your friends and loved ones without physically reaching for your phone. The headset automatically connects when in range to keep you focused on the task at hand. Keep your electronics at home, so they don’t get wet and store them inside your jacket pocket for safekeeping. You can even use the device to listen to music or podcasts for a more entertaining run.
- Falling Out of Practice
If you haven’t been skiing in a while, don’t expect to pick up where you left off. It can take a few days to get back into the groove of things. You don’t want to turn around and go home as soon as you get your bearings. Give yourself at least three full days of skiing to make the trip worth the effort. If you spend less time at the resort, you won’t have much time to enjoy the mountains. If you can stay for a full week, more power to you.
Your trip will be that much more enjoyable if you get a head start on planning. Coordinate with your group to make sure everyone is on the same page until it’s time to part ways.
