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It’s easy to forget about the essential to-dos when your exciting skiing, snowboarding, or winter adventure is all you can think about! Fortunately, our pros at the Ski Bum have come up with the must-do prep steps on your behalf. In this helpful checklist, you’ll discover valuable tips to improve your trip, keep your family safe, and enjoy the mountain like an expert skier or rider.
1. Start With a Detailed Gear Inspection & Update
Taking the time to evaluate and care for your gear ahead of the trip will prevent surprises and minimize overall gear costs. Even if your items were properly stored, common issues with corrosion or pests may have affected the functionality or weatherproofing of your items. While evaluating your ski and snowboard equipment, here are some basics to be on the lookout for:
- Bindings: Ensure a secure connection when you step in or strap in the boots. The binding should not shift or loosen when force is applied.
- Boots: Look for any cracks, tears, or holes in the weatherproof shell and insulating layers. For ski boots or snowboard boots with a BOA system, ensure that the straps/tightening system secures properly.
- Helmets: Check for any cracking or impact damage; even if your helmet’s shell is still intact with only a small crack, the structural safety of your helmet may be compromised.
- Goggles: Look for issues with the elastic straps, and padding around the eyes, and double-check the lens for scratching or cloudy blemishes that could lead to dangerously poor visibility.
- Attire: Be sure to try on any older items to ensure they still fit! While testing out your coat, mittens, snow pants, and hat, look for holes, stitching separation, and any other obvious issues that could lead to frigid discomfort on the slopes.
If you find issues with any of the above items, we’ve got you covered for less. At our ski shops, we can help you with fresh ski and board tune-ups, boot fittings, and anything else you might need to hit the mountain with confidence. If you could benefit from better gear in any category, our leading selection of ski and snowboard equipment includes amazing seasonal deals, trusted brands, and more ways to elevate your style, performance, and comfort this season.
2. Find a Resort That Aligns With Your Family
After inspecting and upgrading any necessary gear, it’s time to explore the best resorts and book your trip! For a budget-friendly vacation and ease of travel, there are a ton of resorts within driving distance if you live near our ski shops in PA or DE. Many of the resorts around here are family-friendly, while still offering a diverse mix of high-end resort amenities and terrain difficulty for skiers and riders of every ability level.
If you have your sights set on a more ambitious mountain adventure, search for top resorts across the country and compare top spots like Big Sky, Heavenly, Park City, and Snowmass for an unforgettable adventure.
Before booking your trip, be sure to compare your findings with the family! Every resort has unique pros and cons, and evaluating important considerations like lesson quality, nearby mountain activities, and resort amenities will prepare your family for an amazing ski and boarding trip.
3. Other Essential Trip Planning Tips
Whichever resort your family decides on, start getting ready today! You can encourage your family to start exercising more (high altitude conditions tax the cardiovascular system), plan with travel health insurance in case of emergency, and buy a better ski and snowboard helmet before the higher winter prices arrive!
If you need to update any gear, check out our latest specials and sign up for our newsletter! We feature a rotating collection of off-season prices, making it easy to prepare like a pro even if you have growing kids or want to save some cash for your vacation!
