6 Ski Trip Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes—and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Packing a Pro Shop

Solution: Rent on-site or ship your gear

Paying expensive baggage fees or extra charges to fly with sports equipment isn’t worth it for most beginner and intermediate skiers. Even with million-miler status or AirTags, there’s no guarantee that your checked luggage will arrive with you. Instead, consider resorts and hotels with on-site rentals. At Black Rock Mountain Resort, just 15 minutes from Deer Valley and Park City, you can rent gear at Switchback Sports on the second level. If skiing with your own equipment is non-negotiable, shipping it promises more peace of mind. Black Rock Mountain Resort accepts packages; just fill out a form in advance. You pay per package, not per day of storage, so you can even schedule it to arrive days before check-in just to be safe.

Mistake: Spending Your Entire Holiday On Skis

Solution: Build in rest days and Plan Bs

Olympic athletes swear by downtime for recovery and injury prevention, and you should, too. Look for properties that offer on-site rest, relaxation, and entertainment, especially for when the conditions don’t cooperate. The Spa of the Pines at Lake Arrowhead Resort, just 20 minutes from Snow Valley Mountain Resort, is a destination in itself. At Wayfinder Bishop, nestled along a serene creek in California’s Eastern Sierra mountains, après-ski relaxation consists of a steamy jacuzzi soak, Estonian sauna session, or gathering around the firepit for tranquil creekside ambience.

Mistake: Booking the Wrong Room(s)

Solution: Consider how/where you will spend your time and money

Booking a block of rooms for a group isn’t the no-brainer it appears to be. More properties are starting to offer residence rentals that may be a better option, especially for multi-generational families. At Tivoli Lodge, village view rooms can be up to $200 cheaper per night. Every suite at Forest Suites Resort in Heavenly Village, meanwhile, comes with a fully-equipped kitchen for dining in. Black Rock Mountain Resort's 3 bedroom suites feature cozy fireplaces, communal lofts with entertainment and, in the penthouse, a pool table. If you pack light, consider accommodations like Black Rock Mountain Resort's with in-unit washers or dryers or Tivoli Lodge with self-service guest laundry.

Mistake: Underestimating food costs

Solution: Factor in where you’ll eat and what you’ll spend

Whether you’re laying first tracks in the Rockies or the Adirondacks, there’s an unofficial mountain tax that says you have to pay tenfold for everything served at altitude. To hit the slopes sooner, and avoid overpaying for food, stay at a hotel such as Forest Suites Resort where a full American-style breakfast or to-go options are included in the nightly rate. When you book at Riverhouse Lodge your stay comes with a dining credit at Currents Lodge, where you can soak up views of the Deschutes River. At Tivoli Lodge, kids under 5 eat free at the buffet, and at Arrowhead Lake Resort, guests are invited to bring their own supplies for nightly s’mores at the pool and beach fire pits. Every meal you don’t have to eat on the mountain, or pay elevated prices for, means more money for your next ski trip.

Mistake: Assuming Ski-in/Ski-out is the End-all Be-All

Solution: Look for “steps away,” “slopeside access,” and “shuttle service”

Ski-in, ski-out aren’t the only magic words to look for. They’re great, but they demand a premium you won’t have to pay for the next best phrases: “steps away” and “slopeside access.” For example, Tivoli Lodge is just one block away from Vail’s Gondola One. And in South Lake Tahoe, Forest Suites is less than a football field away from the Heavenly Gondola. Being willing to carry your skis across the street before stepping into them can save you tons, and the property may be a better fit for your party in other areas. If you’re willing to take public transportation, your dollar goes even farther. Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon is just minutes from the Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride shuttle stop, serviced every 30 minutes. Even though it's not on the mountain, the riverfront property offers exclusive ski packages and discounts.

Mistake: Booking at the Last Minute

Solution: Book ahead, and buy travel insurance.

It’s natural to not want to pull the trigger until you can confirm there’s decent snowpack and bluebird days ahead. But waiting will cost you. Many properties offer discounts or special rates if you book early. Wayfinder Bishop offers rates starting at $199 per night and Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa knocks off up to 15 percent of your stay, while Black Rock Mountain Resort’s rentals are 20-percent cheaper if you reserve at least 48 hours out. Plus, properties like Forest Suites Resort that welcome four-legged guests often have a limited number of dog-friendly rooms. Not only does Forest Suites Resort have a list of recommended pet sitters for guests who don’t want Fido shredding the sheets while they’re shredding the slopes. It also partners with AXA Travel Insurance, so you can pick a plan that helps offset costs should you have to cancel.

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