Ski and snowboarding season across the United States mostly starts in December. Some lucky parts of the country get snow dumps much earlier than that, but whether your slope season starts earlier or later, are you getting ready for the ski season?
This short and sweet post is for those who want to make the most of the ski season.
Before reading further, do you know we have an awesome Ski Weekend in New York next February that is perfect for beginners?
Table of Contents
Are you ready for the Ski season if you are not in shape?
If you think you are in shape, do this short 15-minute workout video below. If you struggle to finish it, then you are not in shape. And if you feel sore for days after, then you are not quite in top shape! Repeat the workout twice a week for a month before hitting the slopes and your muscles will thank you for it after a fun day on the mountain.
Check on your snowboard or ski gear
If you have your gear, check that they have gotten a good wax for the season and do not need repairs. If you do want to buy your own ski and snowboard gear, read my tips below.
Which ski and snowboarding gear should you invest in first?
Plain and simple, your boots should always come first. I struggled a lot last season when learning how to snowboard and I later realized that my boots were the reason why my feet hurt. Not having boots perfectly sized to your feet can make or break your experience. If you can, avoid buying online without making sure of the fit. Walk in the new boots with the socks you plan to snowboard with for 15 minutes. They should feel snug and it’s ok if they pinch a little. Get the boots heat-molded; most shops do that for free when you buy from them, and the initial snugness will adjust to a perfect fit.
For a better understanding of how your boots should feel, watch this video guide –
Watch this guide for snowboard boots fit –
Watch this guide for ski boots fit –
Where to buy used ski and snowboarding gear at the last minute
My go-to spot is Facebook’s marketplace. Use the local pickup option to avoid scams, check the spec of the gear, and make sure it’s not worth 10% of the marketed price. To avoid buying stolen gear, I prefer to buy combo deals where it comes with a bag or the like…and if it’s from a seller that has a random number of boards and skis for sale, it might be stolen items.
Always negotiate if it’s worth the effort. If the seller doesn’t budge, keep looking. I typically start the conversation with “Are you open to negotiations?” Some say no, but most say yes and I have gotten some sweet deals this way.
A great example of a deal I once negotiated was a Burton snowboard + bag + bindings at $120. The seller knocked it down to $90. Burton had the same board for sale (used also) at $180 without all the extras.
Where to buy new ski and snowboarding gear at the last minute
The best time to purchase brand-new ski and snowboard gear for the best prices is at the end of the winter season. Start looking out for those sales from March/April. The problem with this is that most deals apply to the last season’s stock, size options are limited, and this doesn’t help your immediate need to get your gear right before the season starts. You can still find some decent deals in September and during Black Friday sales, but nothing as lucrative as after the season is over.
Ski rental shops and reseller sites usually also have their old gear sold off at really good prices, so make sure to look out for those too throughout the season.
Book lessons if you need
If you are a beginner or need a refresher course, make sure to book some time with a professional instructor. Weekends are typically busy days for instructors, so make sure to book far ahead of time to avoid availability issues. Professional instructors provide valuable guidance on technique, safety, and terrain management which are key to making sure you get back home safely.
Or visit BigSnow if you live near New Jersey
If you live close to New Jersey, why haven’t you visited BigSnow at The American Dream yet? If Zeb Powell thinks it’s good enough for him to hit the indoor slopes, then it’s good enough for you too. Also, it’s open rain or shine so definitely give it a go to dust off the skills and get some lessons if you are a beginner.
If you see me on the slopes, say hello! I go there quite often.
Before hitting the slopes, make sure you also do the following
- Warm and do some yoga stretches
- Pack up some healthy snacks and a hydration kit for your mountain day
- Get familiar with the resort’s map or have a copy of the map saved on your phone
- Hydrate properly before going to bed and get a good night’s rest!
If you plan to spend some time on the Icecoast, make sure to check out some of my favorite slopes listed below:
Belleayre Mountain and read this for how to get to Belleayre Mountain
Gore Mountain (my favorite) and read this for how to get to Gore Mountain
Whiteface Mountain and read this for how to get to Whiteface Mountain
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