As a life long ski town local and veteran ski instructor, here are some tidbits of inside knowledge that I share with my clients every year that make for a carefree vacation.
1. Book Early
- Whether it’s airfare, lodging, transportation, lessons, reservations, lift tickets, massages, or babysitting needs…book it and buy it as early as possible.
- When you purchase lift tickets, look for “floating date” tickets (e.g. 3 of 5 days within the week) in case you want to take a day off in the middle of your trip. Check out lift ticket deals that SkiResorts.com offers on each resort page, they will save you time and $$.
- Book private ski lessons ahead of time, and request a certified instructor. The people who make your reservation know the instructors well, so give them as much information as possible in order to find a terrific fit.
- Book babysitters early! Before booking any activities or special reservations, make sure you have child care, as it sells out in quickly in resort areas. Call a central booking office for recommended companies (in the Vail/Beaver Creek area, I use Resort Sitters, 970-748-3012).
- Most resorts have a free central activity concierge, unaffiliated with lodging, and they provide an unbiased overall view of neat things to do and see. In the Vail/Beaver Creek area, call the activities desk at 970-845-9090.
- Reserve any other special needs/requests, i.e. humidifiers for room, crib rental, special bedding (synthetic vs. down), condo XMAS decorations (from rental company) etc. far in advance!
- Use resort shuttle transportation (like Colorado Mountain Express, 800-525-6363). You probably won’t use a rental car once you’re at your resort, and driving from airport to resort in bad weather is no fun. Sharing a shuttle is! But book ahead, and let the company tell you when to be at your location - they know travel timing.
- Buy vacation packages. You would be shocked at how much you can save by combining hotel and airfare. Contact the SkiResorts.com 800 booking number (or click here for current deals).
- Book dinner reservations early! Even if you aren't sure if you will eat there every night, make a reservation for each night and cancel if you decide not to use it. Ski towns are small and sometimes so are dining options, outside of pizza and burgers. (Click here for our favorite dining and apres ski options, as well as for holiday dining choices.) Reservations can be made on skiresorts.com through Open Table.
2. Ship Equipment
- Most resorts require a stop over, so why risk lost luggage in bad weather flight delays or lugging around ski boots, when you can ship and have your equipment waiting for you safe and sound and ready to go.
- Invest in a quality “ski tube” to pack skis, other clothes can be packed in the tube as well. It’s easier to move and MUCH safer for the equipment (just make sure to invest in a quality tube that will last you years, rather than chance it in a cheaper less protective one). Due to my endorsement of their amazing products, Skitube is offering 10% off for SkiResorts.com readers until 11/30 - Click here for your discount.
- Ship your ski boots directly to and from your lodging. If you are uncomfortable shipping your ski boots, make sure that they are carried onboard if possible (check airline size restrictions). They are one of the most important parts of your vacation so don’t take any chances.
- Make sure your condo or hotel knows that you are sending your equipment ahead of your arrival, and make sure to follow their directions for labeling and shipping!! Many resorts have two addresses—one physical and one post office number, find out which one they want you to use. Speak to someone on property after making your reservations, not to a central booking line, and request that your equipment be delivered inside your room/condo or your designated ski locker (you would be surprised how many times they will leave them in a careless place). You can also have them shipped to your preferred ski valet. Just make sure you make arrangements ahead of time with the manager.
- Insure your items - be aware of any restrictions your shipper places on “sporting goods”.
More Checklists:
Holiday Gifts in the Mountains
