Ski travel and planning tips including booking your trip, packing your gear, and getting a good deal on a ski vacation.
Booking Your Ski Trip
Check out Ski and Stay packages that include lodging, lift tickets, and possibly a lesson. You'll save by bundling your trip.
Time Your Ski Trip - Consider a mid-week or early or late season trip. There are often significant discounts for mid-week and off-season skiers. Also, if you have the flexiblity to travel at a moment's notice, you can find last minute deals and discounts. Check directly with the ski resorts for availability.
Car Rentals - If you're traveling with your skis and equipment, consider renting a skiercised car that comes with a ski rack. Garmins or other GPS navigation devices are available through some car rental agencies. If you're skiing at multiple locations, both come in handy.
Packing Your Bags
Check With the Airline - Check airline regulations before you start packing. Most airlines allow a carry-on bag, a personal item you can also bring on board with you, two suitcases, and one sports (i.e. ski) bag, but make sure your luggage and gear meets the requirements in advance of your ski trip.
Ski Bag - I use a ski bag that holds two pairs of skis, then cram it full of ski pants, jackets, and other gear. Be careful it doesn't go over 50 lbs in weight or it will cost you an extra $50.
Boot Bag - My boot bag travels with me as carry-on luggage. Besides my boots, it holds my helmet and a day's worth of ski clothing - base layer, gloves, ski pants, ski jacket, boot heaters, and the rest of my gear. That way, if my baggage gets delayed, my skiing won't be held up.
Travel Documents
Just in Case - I print out duplicate copies of my boarding passes (I check-in before I leave), flight itinerary, car reservation, and hotel reservation. I keep the extra copy in my computer bag, just in case I need it.
