10 tips and tricks that will ensure your time on and off the slopes is absolutely exhilarating

Ski resorts are popular vacation destinations, and people flock to them from all around the world, in search of the ideal mix of outdoor adventure and quality rest and relaxation. But before you hit the slopes, you’re going to want to make sure you’re equipped for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here’s what you need to know:
#1 - Book in advance
To snag the best deals and the best accommodations to suit your vacation needs, a little advance planning can take you a long way. Maybe you’re traveling alone or as a couple and would like a cozy, intimate room at an upscale resort. Or, maybe you're vacationing as a family and a cabin better suits your needs. Either way, you’re going to want to book travel and lodging as soon as you decide that a ski trip is in your future - before the most economical fares and the most comfortable housing arrangements are booked up by someone else, or before prices are raised for any particular reason.
#2 - Avoid peak skiing season
Sure, your children are off from school, but so are everyone else’s. The slopes will be packed, the lift lines a mile long and all associated costs sky high. Instead, opt to travel earlier or later in the ski season. You run the risk of having less, of more slushy snow to blaze through, but overall, you’ll have a much more leisurely, enjoyable time on the hills, in the chalet… well, everywhere.
#3 - Weigh budget vs. amenities
Never go out of pocket to finance a vacation it will only come back to haunt you down the line. Determine your ski vacation budget before making any firm plans. Know that even though all-inclusive packages may be the most worthwhile at their price point, but if that price point is beyond your means, you might want to DIY your own vacation package, and leave out those amenities that would be nice to have, but aren’t really necessary.
#4 - Safety first
Ski resorts may not require you to wear the right protective gear, but you most certainly should. This includes sunglasses or goggles to prevent retina burn (the sun’s rays bounce off the white snow; also why you should apply sunscreen), a helmet and elbow and knee pads. Dress warmly and in waterproof outerwear, and avoid articles of clothing that could become snagged by tree branches or become tangled and pose a strangulation risk. Pro tip: stuff hand warmers in your gloves and toe warmers in your boots, to keep toasty, even in the most frigid of conditions.
#5 - Pack smartly, yet sparingly
Baggage allowances keep getting smaller and smaller. As such, it’s important to pack what you need, and nothing more. Ski equipment can be rented on-site, and you can always use the magic of social media to find some friend’s cousin’s uncle who lives nearby and would be willing to lend you an extra pair of boots, a car seat for your little one, or a tux for the end-of-vacation banquet (if there is one). You can purchase toiletries and snacks at a nearby convenience store, and take advantage of the resort’s laundry services, so you don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe.
#6 - Consider attending ski school
Part of being safe on the slopes includes learning how to descend a snowy hill… well, safely. It’s recommended that you take at least one lesson to learn how to start, stop, turn and, yes, fall. Doing so can help you minimize or even avoid injury, and will help you have more fun than if you were struggling to set one foot in front of the other.
#7 - Early bird gets the slope
Though rising with the sun may be the last thing you want to do while on vacation, getting up early will ensure you spend less time waiting in lines to fill out paperwork, rent gear, and use the ski lift. You’ll also get to ski through the best, cleanest powder. If you’re looking to sleep away the day, maybe you should opt for a beach vacation instead.

#8 - Prepare a list of non-skiing activities
Things happen. The weather takes a turn for the worse. The lift breaks down. Your kid gets sick. You get sick. You need some downtime. In any case, it’s good to know what other activities you can take part in while on your ski vacation. Spa treatments, movie nights, a nearby boardwalk or museum to tour, shopping, etc. This way, time away from the slopes can still equal a time well spent.
#9 - Be honest with yourself at all times
To make the most of your upcoming ski vacation, you’ll have to listen to your body and your mind, and realize if you’re not having as much fun as you wish, you’ve hit your physical or emotional limits, or just want to be doing something else. Saying “not now” to skiing while on a ski trip may feel sacrilegious, but it is your ticket to having a good time.
#10 - Get insurance
It’s always a good idea to get insurance when going on vacation. So many things can go wrong. Your flight can get delayed or canceled, your luggage can get lost, someone can get sick, or even injured. It is important that you are covered in the event that your vacation doesn’t go as planned so that you can recover to the best of your ability and still come out enjoying your time away from home. Be sure to add ski insurance for the days you’re hitting the slopes - you can choose which days to insure and save your money for some hot cocoa.
GINGER is the innovative platform for travel management and insurance that always has you covered. You purchase international travel insurance and receive comprehensive coverage for emergency medical care and flight delays, worldwide lounge access, online reimbursement, and more. All this, from the comfort of a smartphone app, so GINGER truly accompanies you, wherever you may go.
Come what may, with GINGER, your upcoming ski vacation is sure to be a success :)
Comments