Pre-Season Checklist
Ready for the ski season ahead. Here's a checklist of things to get ready, while you wait for the lifts to start turning.
When flakes start flying, die-hard skiers begin to twitch. They start watching the weather reports, wistfully. Their dreams turn to runs down powder-covered slopes.
Sound familiar? If you're dreaming of ski days ahead and your season hasn't started, here's steps you can take to get ready for a great first day on the hill.
1) Skis Tuned - A sharp edge and a fresh coat a wax make a good ski day better. Don't wait on this. Shops get backed up with tune requests in late fall and early winter and may have a lengthy wait.
2) Pass Purchased - If you haven't done it yet, what are you waiting for?
3) Trips Planned - Maybe some or all of your season involves far away destinations. The earlier you book your flight and hotels, the better deals you may find.
4) Reserve Ski Days - This one doesn't apply to every ski area. But some have limited capacity per day. Others have limited openings for skiers using a specific type of pass. Check the requirements where you're headed and reserve any dates you are certain of. Ask your boss for days off to if that applies to you.
5) Clean Out Your Ski Bag- Hopefully you did this at the end of last season. Regardless, it bears doing again. While you're at it check your goggles, your gloves, check everything to make sure it's still in good condition.
6) Restock Annual Essentials - Hand warmers, energy bars, tissues, lip balm, any go to items for your ski day that expire or run low.
7) Try on Your Layers - If you've lost or gained weight, it's time to make sure you can fit in your ski clothes and move comfortably without popping a button or ski pants falling down.
8) Shop - If anything from the steps above needs replacing, go have some fun with your credit card. If it can wait til January, tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
9) Exercise - Build muscle. Work on your balance. Build up your endurance. You know what we're talking about. Do not skip this one.
10) Get Your Wheels Ready - Do you need snow tires or chains? Is your car battery still good and able to handle cold temps? Do you have washer fluid, a shovel and an emergency kit in your car for snowy commutes?
Ready. Set. Go have a great season.
Add your own preparation steps in the comments.