Thursday Feb 21 2008
I’ve been skiing in Colorado for 12 years. Being a Denver local almost all of my trips are by car - usually for the day or overnight. Over that time I’ve streamlined my personal process of loading up, parking, renting with friends, and transporting gear.
The only thing that stinks about skiing and snowboarding its the amount of unwieldy “stuff” you need to keep track of. I don’t surf, but when booting up at the lifts I often think of how great surfers have it needing only a wet suit and a board… The only activity more cumbersome than skiing/boarding is probably scuba diving. And like scuba diving, when skiing if you forget one item it can make for a no-go, or an expensive local purchase.
In addition to the standard stuff like boots, boards, and clothing - weather changes quickly, necessitating warm gear, liners, and lots of small things that can easily be forgotten or get lost. While skiing at Breckenridge recently I was thinking of an old Seinfeld episode in which Elaine’s friend drops her off after a day of skiing, but leaves her several blocks from her apartment, making a clumsy and painful walk back with her gear, skis, boots, and poles.
Here’s how I stay organized at, to, and from, the slopes:
Duffel Bag or really large backpack: This is a must. I use a large old duffel bag to store our snowpants, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, heat packs, long sleeve liner shirts, headbands, and other miscellaneous warm gear. I keep this in the front closet at home, and whenever I head out for a ski day or overnight trip I just grab it and go. I know it’s all there, and make sure it all gets back into the bag when returning home. I store gear both new and old in the bag, and my old stuff always comes in handy if friends need them.
Also keeping all your small gear in ONE bag means you’re not spending the night before consolidating gloves, or your ski morning searching for things in the cracks of the car. And it’s less likely to be left behind at home, or be left in a motel room. My only exception to this is my ski boots which I keep in the car during winter.
Towels. Keep a few in your ski bag. They come in handy for freshening up at 4pm if driving home. If you’re transporting skis in your car they’re useful for resting skis and boards on the dash and seats. Both can scratch up the interior of your car or a rental car. You’ll still be impaled in an accident, but hey towels also soak up blood. Also comes in handy for spilled drinks, and when you run our of windshield wiper fluid on the highway.
Walking with your gear. Nothing cramps up that small tendon between your thumb and forefinger like clasping two heavy ski boots together. Buy a small carrier from a company like skitoolcompany.com, The pictured gadget also has a tool to help clasp and unclasp your buckles.
I use a ski bag for my skis and poles, but an excellent cheap solution is to use three or four bungee cords and bundle everything together. If you’re riding for more than a day many resorts have a “valet” at the base, which will store your gear overnight. It’s well worth the price, especially if you have a walk to the car.
Cell Phone Charger: Cell phones are great for locating each other on the slopes. Pre cell phone days you’d need to arrange to meet somewhere, or waste time scanning upslope for your buddy when they probably already rode past you and are waiting for YOU at a lower lift. While most major resorts are covered well bring your charger as some have spotty areas which can drain a battery quick. So keep your charger handy - which can save valuable ski day time.
Quarters: Keep some if your pocket for renting a locker (for shoes), or a quick snack at a vending machine.
Rentals: Unless your entire trip is confined within a major resort I NEVER rent equipment onsite. When I get to the slopes I’m antsy and want to get going. Renting at the resort’s facility will force you to waste time in Six Flags length lines while filling out form after form among inexperienced tourists. If you only have a day or two to visit don’t miss out on the good morning snow by getting caught in this time eater. Instead rent in town the night before, or find a local establishment en route. When I go up with friends or family that need gear I bring them to Maison De Ski in Idaho Springs. Small place, easy in and out, and I can order us breakfast across the street at Marion’s while they get fitted.
Water: Pick up a case of bottled water. The tiny complimentary cups of water at ski area restaurants are grossly insufficient for the amount you need exerting energy at high elevations. Plus you’ve been drinking beer the night before right? Make sure your alcohol to water consumption is at least 1 to 1. And have two glasses before you go to bed.
Pocket snacks: Some ride with a small backpack for food. I’ve done this, but usually just throw a few bars in my pockets. Also keep some crackers and powerbars in your ski bag.
Overnight:
Get a Condo. If you’re a group of two or more don’t even think of a hotel or interstate motel. Condos abound in all ski towns and most have fully stocked kitchens - pots, pans, and silverware included. Split between two to four people these are very affordable, and a quick stop at the grocery store means you can save a few bucks on meals and get to the lifts faster in the morning.
While ski-in, ski-out condos are the most desirable, almost all are located near shuttles to the lifts. The Park Meadows Lodge in Breckridge (pictured) is $150 a night on the weekends.
Earplugs: Like any other trip if you’re staying overnight your neighbors might be partiers. Or you might be in the back seat of the car wanting some Zzzs. Earplugs are a travelers best friend.
On the slopes:
Get Wayback and High Up: Its no secret that the base areas of most major resorts can look like refugee camps when making that final turn. The chairlifts at large resorts are similar to the elevators in the Sears Tower: High speed lifts and gondolas bring you from base to summit, but smaller chairlifts are found midmountain serving the “upper floors.” Although sometimes these lifts are slower you’ll avoid lines and crowds. If it’s a busy day avoid skiing to the base until later in the afternoon. Check out the trail maps and head as far back and deep into the mountain as you can. Even on the busiest days I’ve seen Keystone’s back runs and bowls only populated by a fraction the people you’d find on the village side. You’ll find solitude and may just spend the entire day on the backside.
For lunch: Some resorts have restaurants at the TOP of the lifts or mid-mountain. Generally they’re less populated, and make an excellent alternative to fighting crowds at the base. This little hut, (pictured,) atop A-Basin serves drinks, burgers, and soup. And a much more spectacular view than the gift shop.
Half Pass: I’ll save pricing for another post, but if you want to get a few runs in on your first or last day most resorts offer reasonable half day passes with a noon or 1pm cutoff. Also when arriving at your destination check local sporting goods stores and supermarkets for discount lift tickets. If passing through Denver en route to the mountains local Kroger affiliate “King Soopers” sells passes. At some places they’re cheaper, and will avoid the ticket line at the slopes.
Further dispatches to follow. Please add any of your own tips or obvious things I’ve forgot! And have a great and safe ski trip.
by James Van Dellen