In my eighth grade year, my family decided to head down to a nearby ski resort (Ski Sawmill) and take some lessons on how to ski. Since then, we have taken multiple trips with other families we are close with to larger resorts. My siblings have taken the time to join our high school’s ski club, and I frequently find myself going to Ski Sawmill with friends at least a few times during break. If it isn’t obvious yet, my family is big on skiing. With so many trips in my back pocket as reference, I feel it only fit during this week to give some tips on how to have a successful ski trip if you so choose to take one this winter break!
Four Tips and Tricks:
1. Choose a resort that fits who you’re going with:
When it comes to picking a ski resort to spend the weekend, week, or even just the day, it is important to look ahead of time at the slope’s trails on the mountain. If you are going with a group of people that have a wide range of skill levels, a bigger ski resort such as Holiday Valley in NY would be a smart option. This specific resort’s mountain has 58 slope trails that range in skill level. On the opposite end, if you are with people that don’t want to ski for long and are not worried about having a wide variety slopes- then a local ski resort that is cheaper is a better option. Just make sure you do the research ahead of time so that everyone is guaranteed a good and safe time.
2. Dress in layers:
This tip comes straight from experience. When I am skiing, the day always starts off with me freezing and wanting every layer possible on my body to keep me warm. However, throughout the day, as the sun comes out and I get warmer because of the multiple runs down the hill, I start to remove layers until I am down to a sweatshirt with a long sleeve underneath and my snow pants. It is smart to dress in layers for that reason. If you’re like me, any form of physical activity can overheat you so having the ability to take off outer layers and still be warm enough to not get hypothermia will make you experience much more enjoyable. Then, if the clouds cover the sun and it starts to snow and you’re cold again, you can just add the layers back on to cozy up for the next few runs down the hill.
3. Get lessons:
This tip comes from a story I once heard from my Aunt Diane. In high school, her friends made her go skiing. When they got to the resort and were ready to start, they decided to just take her to the top of the hill and send her down without any previous experience. She looked at them, took off her skis, and walked down the entire hill and spent the day reading her book in the lodge. IF her friends would’ve recommended lessons, the outcome of her day could have been much different. GET LESSONS- they will keep you safe and allow you to have a better experience during the trip.
4. Make a plan before you hop on the lift:
When visiting a larger resort, it is important to look at the map and see which slope trails there are that match your level of skill. From there, you can make a game plan on how you are going to go about the multiple lifts and trails. Many times, trails of similar skill level are close together, making it easy to find, but sometimes really good ones can be far away. If you make a game plan, you can make sure you hit all of the slopes of your skill level in the day and then maybe find your way to ones above your level (while still being safe).
Happy Holidays and see you next week on The Road Most (Knowledgeably) Traveled.
The Road Most (Knowledgeably) Traveled 
Leave a comment