The best time of the year is finally here, yay! Mountains are covered in fluffy snow, ski resorts are opening up and it’s time to plan and book your next snowboard holiday. Here are 10 useful tips we gathered to help you with planning, so read on!
- Prepare your gear
Did you remember to wax your snowboard after last season? And sharpen the edges? Or did you just throw your gear in the garage/closet for the summer? Uh oh… Nevertheless, dust off your snowboard and gear and get it serviced before the upcoming holiday. Or you can sharpen the edges and wax it on your own too, it’s fairly simple. Preparing your gear in advance before the holiday, allows you to head straight to the slopes once you get to the mountains!
2. Accommodation
Own fireplace? Wholesome breakfast buffet? Relaxing in a hot tub after a long day? I would say yes to all of the above! Choosing the perfect accommodation depends on the group size you are traveling with, budget and what conveniences you want. For a bigger group, a chalet would be a great option and you are able to chill in front of the fireplace, prepare your own food and dance the night away with your buddies without disturbing anyone. If you are traveling only with your significant other, maybe a hotel with included breakfast and dinner would be a cozy option. Remember to check the location: the nearer the main gondola, the better.
3. Who to take with you?
Do you like to snowboard on your own while listening to nice beats? Or are you a more sociable snowboarder and prefer a bigger group? Both great options! When choosing a resort for a bigger group, make sure to consider your friends’ skill levels and check if the resort is snowboarder friendly. This way you can ensure a fun vacation for everyone! Also if you are heading to the mountains on your own, it’s easy to make new friends at after-ski and on the slopes.
4. Work out!
Feeling out of shape after summer? Now it’s the perfect time to get fit and start working out before your upcoming holiday. Make sure to add lunges, squats, sit-ups and jogging to your workout routine to strengthen your legs and core which you will need as you bomb down the mountain.
5. Activities
Dancing on the table with your snowboard boots on, beer flowing and everyone chanting. Not a big fan of after-ski? No worries, ski resorts usually have plenty of other amazing activities you can enjoy after a long day of snowboarding or on your day off. Try snowshoeing, snowmobiling, paragliding, husky safaris, or relax in a spa. Or try all of the above, why not! :)
6. Getting there
Before choosing the resort, check what is the most convenient way to get to the resort. If you are flying to the nearby airport, make sure there are bus transfers or rent a car for the whole holiday. It makes getting around the resort way easier and you can consider making day trips to neighboring cities/towns.
7. Want to learn more?
Are you feeling a bit rusty or wobbly on your board? Edge control is not what it used to be? Or maybe you would like to learn to tweak those methods in the park? Then this is the perfect time to get some lessons! Local ski and snowboard schools offer lessons for all skill levels and will take your confidence and skills to the next level. Also if you are into off-piste, ask for a mountain guide and head safely to those untouched powder fields!
8. Save useful information
When arriving at your holiday destination, check and save the most important information in the area such as the local emergency number, address to your accommodation, nearest service point and supermarket. With this information, you’ll ensure a safe and secure vacation.
9. Resort rules
Remember to read the resort rules carefully and check operating hours for ski lifts. In some resorts not obeying the rules will cause you to lose your ski pass (yikes, there goes the after ski budget)! Also planning your route back to the resort within the lift operating hours is extremely important in bigger resorts. If you miss the last lift up, you might have to take a long bus transfer back to the village.
10. Stay safe
Remember to wear a helmet, maybe a back protector, suitable clothing for the weather and most importantly, have fun and enjoy your holiday! If you need to update your snowboard clothes and gear click here and find the coolest styles for the winter!
Contact us:
Dope Snow
Founded in 2008 in Sweden
email: crew@dopesnow.com