1. Research resorts
Lift ticket prices can vary drastically from one resort to another and different resorts offer different amenities, such as lodging and accommodation or restaurants. You’ll want to do some research to find the best resort to fit your needs and budget. You may also want to investigate the drive time or see if the resort offers a shuttle service.
2. Pack or dress appropriately
On the slopes, it is best to dress in layers that you can put on and remove easily. At the very least, you will want to wear water-resistant ski pants and a water-resistant shell. Under the shell, you may want to wear a light turtleneck and a fleece liner that you can remove if you get too warm. Ski gloves or mittens and a hat will also help keep you comfortable, but make sure you choose a hat that will fit under your helmet. I always like to take two pairs of gloves in the case one pair doesn’t dry by the next day. There’s nothing worse than slipping your hand into a cold damp glove.
3. Buy a lift ticket
You can often get good discounts if you purchase a lift ticket in advance. Depending on how long you are staying or how many days you are riding, you may also save some money purchasing multi-day passes or a 4-pack of passes. You may also want to explore any package plans they might offer, such as a lift ticket and half-day lesson. Many resorts also offer discounted tickets that only cover beginner slopes, which can save you some money on your first day.
4. Rent equipment
If you are staying at a resort, you may want to simply rent equipment at the resort. If you are driving in, however, it is often cheaper to rent equipment in a nearby town, not to mention they often have a better selection to choose from, which means you won’t have to worry about a resort being out of equipment in your size.
