Tips for Planning a Family Ski Vacation

Ski vacations can be fun for the whole family, even for those who don’t ski. They are even more fun and relaxing when you plan as much as possible before you leave on your winter travels.

First, of course, you’ll need to reserve lodgings, and it’s not too early to nail down rooms or a condo suite near the slopes during February school vacation weeks. Check hotels for package vacation deals that include lift tickets at nearby ski resorts, ski rentals, free breakfasts and other benefits.

Often, ski resorts with on-slope lodging offer similar packages. Most ski resorts also offer advance ticket deals if you reserve ahead. These often include family plans. Multi-day tickets save even more.

Many ski areas are countering long lift lines by limiting the number of tickets sold each day, which makes advance ticketing even more important. You don’t want to arrive with kids eager to ski and find tickets are all sold out for the day.

Families depending on rental skis, boots, poles or helmets can usually reserve them ahead at resorts and nearby rental shops. Shops near ski resorts often deliver right to your hotel the night before you plan to ski, so you don’t need to transport all that gear.

Make sure everyone in the family has all the warm gear in advance. You don’t want to be shopping for helmets, gloves, goggles or other accessories at expensive on-mountain ski shops.

Planning a few weeks ahead can save both money and stress, making everyone’s ski vacation more fun.