Getting a group of adults together to do anything is no easy task when everyone has a different schedule, but ski trips can be particularly challenging to plan. You can invest months and sink thousands of dollars into a shared experience on the slopes only to have a massive winter storm or long lines ruin your vacation. If you can’t control the weather and crowds, what’s the secret to a successful ski outing among friends? Use tips to craft the ultimate group trip.
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Create a Budget
Some people may be willing to spend more than others, creating friction among the group. According to consumer price estimates, costs vary widely depending on your destination, with flights ranging from $300 to $700. Research from Ontario shows most people are willing to travel between two to four hours for a weekend ski trip and six hours or more for a ski holiday.
Food goes from $25 to $105 per day; accommodations $80 to $300 per night; and equipment rentals $30 to $110 per day. Explore your options based on cost and convenience to give your companions as many options as possible.
Decide with your group how much you will spend on food, travel and lodging. Renting a house near the park will give you more privacy, but you’ll need to spend more on transportation to get to the lift.
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Pair with an Instructor
Going on a group ski trip can make some people self-conscious about their abilities. More experienced riders can get frustrated having to wait, and newbies can get frustrated if they feel they’re holding the others up. Bring an instructor with your group, or sign up for a few lessons to relieve some of the pressure. Less seasoned riders may even want to arrive a day early to brush up their skills. Ask the group which slopes (beginner, intermediate, advanced) they want to hit to get a sense of their skill level.
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Use Wireless Communication
If you’re going to spend so much time and effort bringing your friends together, Use wireless ski helmet communication to enjoy each other’s company down the mountain. You won’t be close enough to hear each other against the wind. The headset has a universal helmet mount so that you can use it with a rental. It connects automatically to up to 15 riders at a time with a direct link between everyone in your party. If someone falls behind, they can rejoin the conversation when they’re back in range without disrupting the flow. It’s perfect for sharing tips, coordinating your location and finding each other at the base of the mountain.
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Pool Your Gear
Bringing all your gear makes traveling cumbersome, but it cuts down on rental costs, and you don’t have to worry about the rental shop running out of gear. Start a group text chat to see what everyone needs and whether anyone has two of anything they might be willing to share. Find the latest cool ski gear to keep all your bases covered. Reserve anything you’re missing ahead of time to ensure everyone can get on the slopes safely.
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Coordinate Activities
Not everyone will want to spend the entire trip catching the lift. Others may need time to themselves or some rest and relaxation in front of the fire. If you’re renting cars and staying away from the park, make sure those staying behind have a vehicle in case they don’t want to spend the day at the house. Consider a central location or all-inclusive resort that gives everyone plenty of options.
Getting an early start will help you avoid the lines, but not everyone may want to wake up early on vacation. Agree to meet at a specific time to make it easy for your friends to join if they get a later start.
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Plan for Weather Delays and Cancellations
You never know what the weather might send your way. Consider what your group will do instead if the park is forced to close for the day. Pad your travel schedule to make time for flight delays and bad weather. If you’re driving a long distance, find a place to stay if the roads become unsafe. Check your resort’s cancellation policy regarding weather-related events.
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Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Hanging with your friends can bring out the urge to party, but drinking alcohol will slow you down the next day. Drink water and eat a balanced diet to keep your energy up.
A contagious illness will also rain on your parade, leaving some or all of your party cooped up in bed. Encourage everyone to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses and avoid foods that could lead to food poisoning. Bring nausea, pain and flu medication to remedy any symptoms on the fly.
Many people will go to great lengths to tread through powder, but skiing can be challenging and exhausting for others. Resort traffic has also increased since the end of the pandemic, with fresh snow becoming increasingly scarce. Set reasonable expectations and be flexible when managing everyone’s needs to help everyone have an unforgettable trip.
