Every fall, I feel it, that crisp bite in the air that whispers “winter is coming”. For those of us who live for the mountains, it means one thing: ski season is almost here. Whether you’re brand new to skiing or dusting off your gear after a few years away, getting ready the right way can make the difference between a smooth start and a frustrating first day on the slopes. Here’s how I (and most lifelong skiers I know) get ready for winter.
1. Start by Planning Your Ski Trips Early
You might be tempted to wait until the first good snowfall, but trust me, the best trips are the ones planned ahead. Resorts book up fast, and early-bird lift ticket deals can save you serious cash.
Pick your weekends (or week-long getaways) now, and figure out where you want to go. If you’re new, look for resorts with plenty of green and blue runs, solid ski schools, and affordable rentals. I like to mix it up: one local day trip for quick turns and one big mountain adventure for that full-on alpine experience.
Pro tip: book your lodging early and always check snow reports before you go — conditions can change fast.
2. Tune Up Your Gear
Before you even think about that first run, give your gear some love. Your skis or snowboard have been sitting in a closet or garage all summer, they need a little attention.
- Check your edges: If they’re dull or rusty, get them sharpened.
- Look at your bases: If they’re dry or white, get them waxed (and if you haven’t yet, try eco-friendly options like Dynamic Wax, quick, safe, and high-performance).
- Bindings: Make sure they’re still properly adjusted to your weight and ability level.
- Boots: Buckles, liners, and soles all wear out over time — make sure everything still fits snugly.
If you don’t feel confident checking all this yourself, drop your gear off at a local ski shop for a preseason tune-up. It’s worth every penny.
3. Dress Smart, Not Just Warm
The right clothing makes or breaks a ski day. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but layering is key.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (no cotton, ever).
- Mid layer: Fleece or light down for insulation.
- Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof shell jacket and pants.
- Accessories: Quality gloves or mittens, a neck gaiter, and a helmet (always a helmet).
- Don’t forget your eyes: A quality face mask and a good pair of sunglasses
And don’t forget your socks. Invest in a few pairs of proper ski socks, thin, moisture-wicking, and warm. Thick, bulky socks just make your boots fit worse. Trust me, triple stacking your socks sounds better than it actually is. One good pair of the right socks is all you need.
4. Build Your Strength and Flexibility
If it’s been a while since you’ve hit the gym, now’s the time to wake up those ski muscles. Focus on legs, core, and balance. Simple exercises like squats, lunges, and planks go a long way. Add some yoga or stretching to help with flexibility, it’ll help you stay nimble and avoid injury.
And if you can, get outside for cardio: biking, hiking, or even rollerblading all mimic skiing’s movement and help with endurance.
5. Get Your Mind in the Mountains
Last but not least, start thinking snow. Watch ski films, follow your favorite resorts on social media, and get your friends hyped up. There’s something about that shared anticipation that makes the first chairlift of the season even sweeter.
Hit Instagram and share in the excitement. So many great videos to increase the hype.
Every ski season is a new story waiting to be written, new mountains, new memories, maybe even a few wipeouts along the way. Prepare well, stay safe, and when the first flakes start to fall… you’ll be ready to ride.
See you on the slopes.
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