March 4, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

The good, the bad and the ugly about spring ski trips

by Tony Chamberlain/

Plan your trip so that foreign trail signs are the only mystery on your vacation. This sign was found on the France/Italy border. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

Plan your trip so that foreign trail signs are the only mystery on your vacation. This sign was found on the France/Italy border. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

Coming from Vail last March, I had to make a little side trip to see family at another stop before heading for home. Not only did I have all my ski stuff, along with bags and a laptop, I had bought my wife a thick Dale sweater for her birthday. Anyone who has ever tried to fold one of these horse blankets and pack them know the problem I faced.

It was then I “discovered” the glories of a service that has been around since the Pony Express: shipping stuff by mail or some other freight service — in my case, UPS. I found that it was not only painless, easy as writing out shipping labels, but that the cost wasn’t that bad.

When you do ship skis ahead, it’s probably a good idea to pad the equipment — especially the bindings — with laundry, or tape some bubble wrap around them. Skis will get thrown around and probably buried under a pile of others.

I got rid of so much stuff in ski and boot bags, I was able to fly light, without checking any luggage at all, and the whole airport hassle (ever waited for a cab large enough to fit your skis?) went away, simple as that.

Since we are getting into a very favorable season for spring ski trips, here are a few other items that have been etched into my mind, usually as a result of ugly experiences.

► If you’re really avoiding traveling with gear and renting at your destination, make an online search of rental shops at your resort town and do the paperwork online. This will save you two important things: time and money. Not only do most major rental companies offer discounted rates for online renters, it you’ve ever spent the milk run — and the next hour — standing in line in a rental shop, you’ll appreciate how quick and easy on-line renting can be.

► You can also save significant amounts of money buying your lift tickets online, if you do it far enough in advance. Often, the savings is outright off the price of multi-day lift tickets, but also you will find deals on lessons and rentals, and even lodging.

► Where possible, coordinate with your hotel or check-in office to have the tickets waiting for you when you arrive. The less time spent doing stuff your first morning — such as standing in line at the ticket window — the better start to your vacation.

► If your resort has a shuttle or van from the airport to your lodging and the various base areas, it’s cheaper and easier to use them rather than renting a car. But if you do rent a car, and you have to drive mountain roads, be sure to rent in advance, get all-wheel drive, reserve a roof rack and — if you need it — GPS navigation.

► When possible, avoid connecting flights. No explanation needed. Spend the extra cash. Winter air travel is unsure enough, especially these days, and a missed connection can cut a day right out of your vacation.

► In general, harken back to the old Boy Scout motto, but add one more wrinkle: the earlier you start planning and organizing your trip in details, the better prepared you’ll be. Nothing like the last-minute run-around to take an up-front bite out of your vacation fun.

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