The DO’s & DONT’s Of Holiday Resort Skiing

Skiing at most ski resorts during the holiday season can be crazy – it’s packed, lines are long and there’s only so much fresh pow to be had. Don’t fear though as team rider, Alexandra Peters, gives you the inside scoop on the do’s and dont’s of holiday resort skiing.

Chances are you will not get to the resort quite as early as planned… and chances are you will end up in a line for first chair to open. However, getting there early can give you peace of mind. You will be able to find parking with ease and as soon as you hit first chair you have the opportunity to make it to other lifts well before the rest of the morning crowds.

If in your best efforts to get to the resort early you may end up in a long line of hardly-moving/can’t-drive-in-snow traffic – relax, no reason to start your day on a bad note. Instead of fuming just think about how 90% of the people in the line will never experience a day skiing on the hill without the frustrating wait. Turn on the music, enjoy your coffee and know that if you had left later the line of traffic would only be worse.

Not only will packing a lunch save money, but the holiday waiting line at the ski lodge can also eat up a large chunk of your day.

Bottom line ski resorts are expensive, but if grabbing a hot drink, a beer or even a few hand warmers will make your day (or a friends) more enjoyable, don’t hesitate.

Most ski resorts have boundaries for a reason. If you are heading out into area that is un-patrolled for avalanche conditions you need your avy gear. There is nothing locals hate more than watching hoards of tourist without the proper avy gear following them towards an out of bounds area. If I am wearing a pack and snow falls on you I will rescue you. However, all the people without packs are creating more chances of an avalanche and offer no ability to help if an avalanche should happen.

Dropping grams and running carbon is the new fad these days. With no surprise though as light weight bikes are much easier to pedal up hill versus older, heavier rigs. Where this really starts to add up though is in the long rides – sure you can keep up on the short climbs but when the miles start adding up, you’ll start slowing down. 

Befriending locals can give you inside tips such as where to ski and also where to go out at night.

Over the holidays the ski dad of a large family is always at large. They are often overly aggressive and protective of their ski clan. Even skiing within a few feet of the wrong kid can lead to an angry yell. Be nice and move on, there is nothing worse than a yelling ski dad who just keeps yelling.

During the holidays there are a lot of unpredictable folks, try to identify those likely to make sudden turns at unexpected times and allow them extra space while passing.

It is cute when kids do it. As an adult though, if you hop into a power wedge and start screaming out of control it’s not quite as adorable.

Lift lines are a public space and fighting to cut your way to be a chair ahead is not going to change your day. Be nice, enjoy the people watching and wait your turn just like everyone else.

While it may be a rule in some places to put the chairlift bar down when on vacation, many locals and other tourists may not expect it to come quickly crashing down. So please before slamming the bar on someone’s head and ruining their day, kindly ask and announce that you will be slowly lowering the bar down.

Chances are if Mom and Dad are skiing on the slopes with you they are most likely pretty rad people. Enjoy the moments with your friends and family and be thankful that they are on the mountain with you this year instead of nagging you to sit at home. It won’t last forever.

If you are lucky enough to spend the holidays on the hill with friends or family, never complain about their pace or ability. As long as everyone is having fun it’s always well worth the wait.

As a last note – Do remember that the crowds will soon disperse and don’t worry be happy.

– Alex