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Skiing is better with friends, but getting your besties and loved ones together for a mountain trip can test your leadership skills, assuming you agree to take charge of the operation. Your time on the slopes can be limited, requiring a balancing act as you fill your itinerary to the brim. Cold temperatures, unpredictable weather and congested travel routes require additional planning and precision packing. Learn how to get your posse to and around the destination to make the most of this rare opportunity.
Create a Shared Doc
Planning a group trip, especially one with this many variables and specifics, involves fielding what can feel like a barrage of texts, calls and emails. Centralize your communication in a single web-based document that everyone can access on the go. The updates are shared automatically across devices to keep your guest list on the same page.
Bold details and packing essentials to ensure everyone has what they need, including a full-face or half-face helmet with goggles, gloves, pants, a jacket, thermal inner layers, skis, poles and boots. Encourage the group to use ski helmet communication so you can talk hands-free while riding. Each headset connects automatically in range regardless of formation with natural-sounding audio that makes it feel like you’re chatting in person. Determine who needs what to bundle your gear if buying online.
Research the Destination
Have everyone fill out each day of your visit with suggestions for things to do. Add links about the resort or a trail map to the spreadsheet to review available options. Note the distance and difficulty of trails to see if they feel comfortable taking them on. Read reviews of the resort or park to learn about the best times and places to visit.
Let Everyone Have a Say
Differences of opinion are bound to arise. As the moderator, be democratic by letting each person decide how to spend a day or part of a day. Ask people if they would mind splitting off if they don’t want to do a particular activity.
Book as a Group
From gear rentals and lift passes to rental cars and plane tickets, the reservations can pile up fast. Booking ahead ensures everyone gets a spot. Consider jumping the gun even if some people have yet to commit as long as that person knows someone who could fill their place. Many resorts and retailers offer discounts on bundle purchases. You can save money and ensure everyone’s going to the same place at the same time.
If some folks can’t afford to reserve when you’re ready to book, try pooling their portion among the other guests and having them repay you when they can.
Plan Expenses
Include the expected cost of travel, lodging, meals and admission to the park in your spreadsheet to establish how much everyone will need to spend. Ski vacation costs vary widely, ranging from $180 to $720 per person per day. Research affordable destinations and discounts to keep the itinerary in everyone’s price range.
Traveling as a group can help you save in several ways. NerdWallet suggests using credit card points, staying in Airbnbs instead at the resort, going off-peak and utilizing complimentary amenities whenever possible to maximize your cash flow on the slopes.
Instead of having everyone pay the same amount, you can pool everyone’s vacation money together to see how much the group can afford.
Prepare Alternatives
Nothing is guaranteed when you’re finally ready to hit the trail. Climate patterns and warming temperatures can ruin your plans to ski. Long lines for the lift can delay start times and infrastructure obstructions can block access routes. If things don’t go your way, the best thing to do is to go with the flow. Consider alternatives to pass the time if you’re stuck indoors or can’t reach your destination.
For example, many resorts feature hiking and biking trails you can enjoy in warmer weather. You can use the same intercom to communicate wirelessly on the trails as you would on the slopes. Seek out shops, card games and cafes to cozy up indoors. Find alternate driving routes whenever possible and travel during slow periods, either during the week, late at night or early in the morning.
Coordinate on the Slopes
Your group coordination shouldn’t stop when you depart the lift. Navigate your way down the mountain wirelessly to avoid running into each other or leaving someone behind. If splitting up, plan to meet up at the bottom of the hill or at a specific time and place. Use your Bluetooth headset to speak up if you feel unsafe or see someone making a mistake.
Planning for Success on the Slopes
Skiing involves more gear and planning than most trips. But the more planning involved, the greater the reward. Use diplomatic reasoning, digital communication and wireless technology to streamline the discussion on and off the mountain.
