Ski Trip Checklist

So you’re all set to head away for snowy adventures in Australia, New Zealand, Japan or somewhere else on this white crystal plant! Whether you’re with the family, a group of friends, or solo day-tripping, there is nothing quite like the freedom of sliding down a mountain to forget your worries. But worries should be the only thing you forget on your next snow holiday.

We’ve put together a quick checklist to help you out with the logistics of packing for your next trip to the snow:

• Have you checked the weather?
  If you know there will cold or snowy weather it will be important to pack more options when it comes to layering up and keeping warm.  You should always think about additional items to take such as base layers, neckwarmers,goggles, gloves and glove liners  
  
  Tip: Always take a spare set of gloves and liners if the forecast calls for snow.

• Have you pre-booked your tickets?
  It’s generally always cheaper to buy your lift tickets ahead of time, and it will save you the hassle of standing in line when all you want to do is hit the slopes!
  
  Tip: Each mountain website will have details of special deals. Packages are the way to go for best value plus snow lessons as well. 

• How are you getting there?
  Driving your own car or taking public transport? Both will require road-trip snacks and epic playlists. Plan ahead. Check that your car has antifreeze coolant, and make sure that you are carrying chains
  
  Tip: Audiobooks or podcasts are a great way to pass the time on long drives.

• Is your equipment ready?
  If you are taking your own equipment rather than hiring it on the mountain, have a quick look over your skis, board, bindings and boots before you leave home to make sure that everything is in working order. Nothing is worse than a broken lace on your snowboard boots the first time you put them on for the season!
  
  Tip: It’s always worth putting your skis and boards in for a wax and tune after a long hot summer of storage.

• What are you going to wear?
  This is where it pays to plan ahead. As a bare minimum you are going to need:
  
  - Base Layer (longjohns or leggings and a longsleeve top)
  - Mid Layer (fleece, jumper, or a thin insulated jacket)
  - Outerwear (waterproof jacket and pants)
  - Ski Socks, Gloves, Goggles, Hat, Helmet, Neckwarmer or Balaclava. 
  
  You will also need clothes for travelling and to wear after skiing, and snow boots for walking around on the snow.
  
  Tip: It always pays to take more than you think, especially if you’re travelling with the kids. You’ll always need a spare set of dry gloves and socks.

• Have you packed the sunscreen?  
  Just because you're going to a cold environment doesn't mean the sun is any less fierce. Always make sure you have sunscreen and lip balm in your jackert pocket even in the coldest of locations, as the UV radiation bounces off the reflective white snow in all directions. Also it pays to drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated, as your body struggles to maintain a toasty warm temperature when it is dehydrated.
  
  Tip: Don’t eat yellow snow!

• Have you packed your smile?
  No matter what the conditions are like it’s always a good time in the mountains! With a bit of forward planning, any forgotten gear and broken equipment headaches can be easily avoided, and you can focus on the more important things, like when to stop for your first hot chocolate of the day!

This snow trip checklist has been written by all-round snow enthusiast Tori Beattie.  Tori is based in the beautiful Wanaka in New Zealand and has been skiing all around the world for the last 15 years.