Ski vacation know-how

It’s the season for hot chocolate, down parkas and outdoor fun. For cold-weather enthusiasts, winter offers plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities. Often topping the list are skiing and snowboarding.

While many people save vacation time at work for summertime jaunts to the beach, there are plenty of others who simply can’t wait for the first snap of cold weather to book their trip to the slopes. If this is your first year planning a skiing vacation, consider these pointers — especially if you want to save a few dollars along the way.

Choosing a Resort

There are a number of factors that go into selecting a ski resort. One of the primary considerations is price. If price is of no concern, it’s easy to book a trip to one of the premier resorts in Colorado. However, if you’re a bit more budget-conscious, you may want to consider some slopes closer to home. A quick search on the Internet may yield a number of nearby spots that offer quality skiing. You may be able to save on airfare or overnight accommodations if you ski closer to home. Also, don’t overlook older properties. While they may not be the trendy spots, they may have just what you need in terms of an affordable trip.

Depending upon your skill level, you’ll want a variety of slopes that will offer varying levels of expertise. If you will be traveling with children, find a resort that offers ski training or child care so that you can spend the afternoon on the slopes. A locale nestled in a resort town will provide other activities, such as dining or shopping opportunities, to keep you busy when you’re not on the slopes.

When to Travel

If you want to save some money, don’t book your trip during peak vacation times. For example, lodging may be twice as expensive on popular holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s or President’s Day. There may also be deeper discounts if you book during the week as opposed to a weekend trip.

If you will be flying to your destination, make sure you book a month or two in advance so you can shop around the best rates — unless you are able to hop on a flight at a moment’s notice if you see an advertisement for a flight deal.

Find out if you can book lift tickets or equipment rentals in advance at a discount. Thanks to luggage restrictions with many airlines, it may be more cost-effective to rent skis or snowboards at the resort rather than pay to bring along your own equipment.

Shop Around

It pays to do your research when booking your trip. An experienced travel agent will be able to help you book a ski vacation and be familiar with certain properties. He or she may also have agreements with certain resorts, or receive discounted rates for clients. You can also do research online. Check out different resorts’ Web sites to get a feel for each property and see what they offer. It could be to your advantage to call a property directly and see if you can negotiate a good price on a trip. Staff may also be able to guide you to certain packages that will fit the type of vacation you’re seeking.

What to Pack

Believe it or not, packing for a ski vacation is similar to packing for a day at the beach. Bright, white snow reflects the sun quite well, putting you at risk for sun exposure. You’ll want to bring along sunscreen, lip balm and eye protection that will guard against UV rays.

Here are some other items to include in your suitcase:

•Clothing and coverings with moisture wicking properties

•Two or more pairs of layered gloves

•Cushioned socks

•Ski goggles with UV protection

•Coat/parka with venting zippers to regulate body temperature

•Hat

•Fleece jacket or down vest

•Casual clothing for when you’re not on the slopes

• Swimsuit (for soaking in the hot tub later)

• Boots

• Portable boot/glove dryer