When you are planning for a ski trip, one of the first decisions you want to make is do you want to:
- Spend as little money as possible and ski as much as possible
- Or: Spend a lot of money, and relax, and ski a little, too.
If you want to just "ski your guts out", like my grandfather used to always say, you should try to find small hotels, such as Super 8 or Motel 6, near your ski destination. For example, if you want to ski in the Salt Lake City area, there are lots of places right below the Cottonwood Canyons, home to Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton, all world-class ski areas. Many of these "ski motels" have a skier's essential amenities, such as a complimentary breakfast, and a 24-hour hot tub to relax your muscles. For a car, you should get a small SUV, probably with four-wheel drive. When the parking lot is covered with snow, you don't want to slide back into all the cars behind you. This makes it much easier to get to the mountain.
If you want something more like a ski/spa experience, you can't beat the on-site lodges at many ski resorts. Some are brand-new, with in-room boot dryers, complimentary ski waxing, etc. Others are older, with long and colorful histories, such as the Gold miner's Daughter at Alta. It was demolished 7 years ago by a massive avalanche, but was rebuilt 5 years ago in the same style, but more reinforced. These ski lodges provide easy slope-side access, but rather than the motel $75 a night, these cost $300 a night and up. Many lodges are also totally booked by late August, so reserve a room early.
Before you set off for the slopes, be sure you do lots of stretching every day. The last thing you want is for it to be your first day, and you catch a little unexpected air and tear your tendons in your leg. An E.R. visit is definitely not the way to start a vacation. Try to stretch your legs the most, since they will be getting the biggest workout.
Last, but not least, make sure you have proper clothing for skiing. Don't wear cotton against your skin, because when it gets wet, it loses its warmth and stays wet for the rest of the day. Try synthetic fibers which "wick" away moisture from your skin, keeping you warm and dry. Cotton long sleeved shirts go well on the next layer, followed by a light fleece, and then a waterproof windbreaker on top. The same goes for your legs - synthetic, then cotton, then waterproof snow pants. Don't forget to stop into a lodge for some hot cocoa during the day to warm up - it can give you the energy boost you need to finish of a hard day on the slopes.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Whether you're skiing by yourself or with friends and family, you'll have a blast.
