Summary
Get ready for the ski and ride season with this ramp up to-do list. From taking stock and grabbing passes in October to first runs in December, here are the tips to start off on the right (or goofy) foot!
The countdown to opening day at Vermont ski resorts is officially on! For families, the ramp-up to ski season is as much about the traditions (chairlift M&Ms: check!) as it is about the logistics. From the all-important gear search and rescue operation (how do kids grow that fast?) to the delight of a Warren Miller movie night, now’s the time to build anticipation and lay the foundation for the many successful powder days (🤞🏻) ahead.
Here’s how we’re getting our crew stoked for winter—and some tips to help your family get ready too.
October
Pick a pass. Prices climb as we inch closer to winter, so October is prime time to lock in your season pass or ticket deal if you didn’t take advantage of spring rates. Whether you’re a loyalist to one mountain or like to explore with a multi-resort pass, do some homework and lock in the savings ASAP. It’s also a great time to buy ticket packs for high-value stocking stuffers!
Sign up for school. Those coveted ski school spots go quickly so if you or your kiddos want to fine tune their skills with lessons this winter, register early to avoid disappointment.
Secure your gear. From second-hand steals via gear swaps or Facebook Marketplace to Epic gear memberships and seasonal rentals, there are a lot of different ways to make sure your family is fully kitted with the right equipment for the season. The best time to figure it all out? Now, of course, when inventory is plentiful and stores aren’t a madhouse of last-minute shoppers. Pro tip: clean and prep any old gear you plan to trade in to get maximum value back. Now’s also a good time to try on alllll the layers (base layers, snowsuits, merino socks, mittens, helmets, etc.) so you know what to add to cart during those all-important Black Friday sales.
November
Stoke the hype. Out with the pumpkin and ghoul tales; in with the ski-themed books and movies to build the hype. Family favorites include Teach Your Giraffe to Ski by Viviane Elbee and Bjørn Rune Lie’s whimsical Slush Mountain. (And no, nobody is too old for ski picture books in our home!) Another pre-season requisite? A Warren Miller movie night, sure to delight and inspire shredders young and old.
Connect with community. Many Vermont resorts help families shift into ski and ride mode long before the lifts start spinning: Think film nights, gear swaps and expos, and pre-season weekends complete with festive vibes, hot chocolate, and giveaways. For kids, the excitement of being back at their home mountain before the snow cannons even start blowing builds anticipation for the first day on skis in the very best way.
Set goals. Ski five new mountains? Graduate from pizza to French fries? Conquer that first uphill trek? Whatever your family’s goals are this season, now’s the perfect time for a brainstorm. Write down everyone’s wish list, post it somewhere visible, and use it as both accountability and motivation on blustery mornings when the couch looks a little too tempting.
December
‘Twas the night before. No pressure but the first day back on slopes can set the tone for the entire season. (Meltdowns and MIA mittens is decidedly not the vibe we’re going for!) To make the day run smoothly, pack as much as possible the night before, making sure boot bags are stocked (hand warmers, extra layers, sweet snacks) and skis, boards, and poles are ready to go. Prep that special breakfast ahead of time and make sure there’s plenty of coffee for the grown-ups and hot chocolate for the kiddos.
Ski day (finally!). Our mantra for day one? Start small, keep it fun, and let the kid(s) set the pace. We like to measure success in smiles and snack breaks—not vertical stats. And did we mention the importance of stopping while everyone’s ahead? Finally, don’t forget to celebrate little wins along the way. Maybe it’s someone’s first time putting the chairlift bar down solo, or their first black diamond run, or their first lap in the terrain park. All those small victories add up and become a part of your family’s ski lore.
Family après. The fun doesn’t end with the last chair (or magic carpet ride!). Whether you linger over nachos at a favorite restaurant along the drive or kick off a movie, board game, or pizza night at home, simple après rituals are a good reminder that the magic of ski season isn’t just what happens on the hill: It’s in the cozy moments shared together. And one final must-do: Dry out the gear so it’s ready for round two!
Here’s to a season filled with happy turns, great snow, and family traditions old and new. See you on the slopes!
Christine is a Montreal-based freelance writer who lives for wide-open blue groomers on bluebird days. She’s been skiing since she could walk and now spends her winters trying to pass that love on to her 9-year-old daughter. Off the slopes, she draws on her journalism degree and lifestyle media experience (Vita Daily, Rogers, Ricardo, and more) to create engaging lifestyle content for a diverse roster of clients. Christine is thrilled to share her family’s Vermont adventures and perspective as a ski family with you!