Avoid These 3 Big Ski Vacation Mistakes
Everyone wants to avoid ski vacation mistakes! A ski vacation can be an epic adventure if it’s done correctly. However, when planning a ski vacation, there are several things you might not think of that can potentially ruin your entire experience. But how can you mess up a simple ski trip? You might ask yourself this question, and the truth can sometimes come down to the simplest things.
If you’ve picked a destination you’ve never visited, you won’t be as familiar with the area. You also might not be aware of any rules, or uphill policies the resort might have. Or you could book a trip to a place like Silverton Mountain in Colorado only to realize you’re not exactly a pro for hitting wild, “untraditional” resorts in the first place.
No matter where you’re off for vacation this ski season, planning can save you from some of the most headache-inducing situations that can put a damper on your entire ski holiday. You want to ensure everything’s in order before hitting the “buy now” button, right? Here are the three most common ski vacation mistakes people make. We also address how to avoid them to make your skiing vacation one for the books.
Mistake #1: Going to the Wrong Resort
If you’re a beginner, you don’t want your first trip to be on long, steep slopes. These are meant for more seasoned skiers with plenty of years of practice. If you’re looking for challenging trails this year, find a more rookie-friendly place. In the end, you’ll be more comfortable and relaxed during your ski vacation.
Similarly, if you’re a veteran skier, booking a place that caters more to newcomers can mean a boring holiday. Some areas have options for all skill levels. This can be a significant benefit if multiple people are making the same trip with you. Keep your skill level in mind when planning your ski vacation or getaway to make the most of it!
Mistake #2: Exceeding Your Budget
Perhaps the toughest ski vacation mistakes to avoid … the budget. It is important to remember what is included in your booking. For example, a booking for accommodations off-mountain is typically much more affordable. However, you must consider the transport fare of traveling to the ski runs each day, especially at larger resorts. Similarly, booking a ski condo may not be suitable if you’re flying to the destination, as you may not be able to bring food or other necessities.
Consider that if you aren’t planning on bringing equipment, you might have to rent skis, boots, gloves, and more! You might want to dome some of the shopping at your resort location too. Meals, ski lessons, lift tickets, etc., are sometimes included in your booking, but did you check if it is? If they aren’t, you may fall short on cash if you haven’t prepared to buy these when you get there.
Your ideal budget might be harder to hit because you could surpass it without planning. Some places do offer refunds. But the fact of the matter is that you don’t want to have to deal with that possibility. For some people, the easiest way to break down spending is to create an Excel sheet. Or utilize another tool that can give you a bird’s-eye view of your expenses. Once you have a better understanding of what the cost will be, you’ll feel less stressed after you have everything for your trip!
Mistake #3: Not Being Prepared to Hit the Slopes
It can get pretty demanding when you snowplow – the basic beginner maneuver – 5 hours a day for an entire week. You need to get in shape sometime before hitting the pistes to ensure you have the physical and mental energy to have fun on your ski holiday.
While it’s important to consider your physicality, that doesn’t mean you must go to the gym for two hours a day. Simple lifestyle changes can strengthen your leg muscles and prepare you for the slopes. This could include taking the stairs instead of the escalator, cycling to work, taking a power walk instead of driving, and being more active. If you are a bit more serious about skiing, you can follow dedicated fitness plans that are easy to search for. At first, this may not seem like this could seriously affect your ski vacation. However, when you get down to it, it makes sense so you’re not miserable when you should only be having fun.
By following these tips, you can save yourself from many unnecessary dilemmas. Planning a vacation should be as fun and stress-free as it is when you arrive at your favorite ski resort. If you’re looking for a few trip ideas, check out some of the great ski destinations on our website. We have plenty of options in Canada, too! Let us know if we helped you avoid making ski vacation mistakes.