5 Things to Do Before Snow Season

[Emily Parsons]

Snow season is coming up and there is no doubt that making a trip to the snow takes a lot of preparation and planning. Especially with snowboarding and skiing as popular activities undertaken at the snow, a lot of preparation must be taken to ensure your body is ready for the slopes. Having the right gear is also crucial when it comes to action sports like skiing and boarding. Here are 5 things to do before snow season arrives.

1. Get your body in Shape

Whether you’re an avid snow-goer or a first-time skier, it can be easy to forget sliding down mountains is a physically demanding sport. Without proper preparation, you can easily pull a joint, land incorrectly, or have minimal strength to support yourself on the slopes. Leg exercises such as lunges and squats can give you more control when skiing, as well as core specific exercises that improve your turning abilities. Ski specific exercises such as those offered byBend + Mend can be especially beneficial in preparing your body for the ski season to avoid serious injuries.

2. Protect Your Skin

The first thing one thinks about when going to the snow is definitely not ‘the sun’. However, the UV rays and reflections of light off the snow can really damage your skin. It is most important to purchase ski goggles to pack for your trip to avoid permanent eye damage, as well as balms for our lips and face. The sun is particularly harsh at the high altitudes of the mountains, so do not forget to apply sunscreen regularly on the minimal skin that is left unprotected by clothes, mainly your face. If any burns do occur, cucumber and Aloe Vera will be the best fix.

3. Get your Gear Under Control

The snow is not the place to put aesthetic clothes before appropriate attire. Make a list of everything you already have, and make sure to include not just snow gear, but also thermal clothes, gloves, and layers upon layers. Make sure everything is waterproof, including the suitcase, and remember that suitcase wheels and snow do not cooperate well. Know that you can borrow rather than buying expensive gear if you’re not a regular snow goer, and this would
be recommended if you’re a first time visitor. With snow boots especially, ill-fitting shoes can prevent the snow from being fun at all. Workers are usually well trained in ensuring you are wearing the right fit, which is when the shoes are a tight fit but not unbearable.

4. Check for the Online Deals

There is nothing worse than making conversation with other families at the same ski resort, only to find out they booked their activities online and scored better deals. Why wait to the ticket window to book lift tickets, when often, they will be available online for cheaper prices if you book ahead of time. Especially when there are large groups, packages may be available even with your accommodation. So, do your research ahead of time!

5. Make restaurant reservations ahead of time

The snow resort restaurants and nearby businesses can get especially busy during the peak tourism season. Chances are that the places you want to go to, are the same places that others will too due to the convenience and proximity to where you are staying. It is a good idea to go on Google Maps to check out the popular restaurants ahead of time, and book a dinner time.

This is especially important if you have younger children with bedtime, since you will not want to be waiting in line to get a table at these restaurants. This way, you have a schedule you can follow, and your prime-time preference is already locked in. Reservations are usually free to cancel if anything does come up unexpectedly, thus, it is better to be prepared.

With these few simple steps, you can be prepared for the snow season in advance. Be smart about your gear and physical abilities, and do not forget to explore the cost savings deals available online. Maximise your time having fun skiing and snowboarding by preparing ahead of time.