How to Plan an Epic Girls’ Ski Trip

I’ve been skiing since I could walk, and love nothing more than sharing the joy of the slopes with my girlfriends. We all spend weeks planning and packing, drive or fly to the mountain, and spend our days skiing and our nights curled up with a good glass of wine.

There’s never been a better time to throw a ski soiree with your girls. When it’s winter and it’s cold, making a date with your best friends is the perfect way to boost your mood during the long, dark winter months.

But how to plan… Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for throwing the epic ski trip of your dreams.

Book a Ski-In Ski-Out Condo

Ski-in ski-out condos, as you likely know if you’re a seasoned skiing pro, are accommodations situated just off the ski slopes. You might have to walk to the chairlift to get to the slopes or take a quick stroll to the top of your preferred hill, but overall you’ll be able to get out there faster than if you stayed offsite.

The efficiency of a ski-in ski-out condo is unparalleled, even if some of your girlfriends aren’t the biggest skiers. Typically these condos are positioned in coveted spots along your ski resort or property of choice, meaning better access to great amenities. They also allow you to take breaks throughout your day (in case one of your girlfriends isn’t down to hit that Black Diamond just yet…). Who doesn’t love those perks?

Boot Up for Success

Owning skis is great, but it’s unless if your boots hurt all day. The number-one thing you should bring is your own ski boots. While you can rent pretty much any type of gear, your boots are vital to your comfort and success on the slopes – and they should be taken seriously. Having the proper footgear also enables you to have a better experience on your skis overall.

And, if you don’t want to bring your own skis, you can often rent a great pair at your resort. 

My all-time favorite ski boots are the Fischer Vacuum boots. They run between $500 and $1,000 per pair, but are so worth the money. The process of fitting the boots in and of itself is a cool one; the shell of the boot is heated to almost 200 degrees and becomes flexible enough to flop around your foot before being vacuum-fitted to your foot.

I had mine fit at the California Ski Company in Berkley, California. I drove 7 hours to have my boots fitted there, because they fit more Fischer Vacuum Fit boots than anyone else in the country.

The boots also come with a fit guarantee, so if for any reason you’re unhappy, you can get the adjustments made free of charge for a year. I love a company that stands behind their products and the work they do!

Pack Light by Shipping Your Gear

Traveling light is the name of the game during any girls’ trip – especially during ski trips, when it feels like all the gear weighs, like, 50 pounds. Shipping your ski or snowboard gear and luggage via LugLess is one of the most convenient ways to get from point A to point B without all the hassle of carrying your stuff.

LugLess is the official luggage and sports equipment shipper of Vail Resorts for good reason: for nearly a decade, LugLess has been working tirelessly to alleviate the headache that comes with bringing bulky items like skis on vacation by providing luggage shipping solutions that are affordable and accessible for travelers looking to save money without sacrificing bringing their stuff.

It’s a great solution to a super inconvenient problem that sucks the fun out of travel. Who needs that, right?

Pick Up a Season Pass

So maybe you ski every weekend, but some of your best friends only go once or twice a season. Believe it or not, this is the perfect excuse to pick up a season pass and take advantage of the “buddy pass” discounts that often come along with a season pass.

Try Something New

What’s a travel adventure with your besties without a new adventure or two? Challenge yourselves to find something new and exciting to experience while you’re on vacation.

Whether it’s a scenic tour of snowy mountains, skiing or snowboarding lessons for those a bit less brave, or an epic snow tube ride, there’s got to be something fun you can sink your teeth into while on vacation – and who better than friends to experience it with?

While there’s nothing wrong with hitting the slopes solo, ski vacations are a whole lot of fun.

Throwing a dream vacation with your best friends is a great way to break up the monotony of the winter months and make memories none of you will forget. Pack the right boots, get your stuff shipped separately, choose your accommodations wisely, and be ready for the trip of a lifetime.