5 tips to prepare for ski and snowboard season
Ski and snowboard season is almost here. Before your first mountain day, take some time to check your gear, prepare your body and make a plan for getting to the slopes. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding for the first time or have years of experience, these tips can help you prepare for the season.
1. Get your ski or snowboard gear ready
Start by making sure you have the clothing and equipment you’ll need to stay comfortable on the mountain. What you bring may depend on the weather and where you’re going, but some essentials include:
- Helmet: Wear a properly fitting helmet while skiing or snowboarding.
- Goggles or sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind, snow, glare and UV rays.
- Layers: Choose moisture-wicking base layers and warm, waterproof outer layers.
- Gloves or mittens: Bring waterproof options that will keep your hands warm and dry.
- Neck gaiter: Add extra protection from cold and windy conditions.
- Sunscreen: UV exposure can be strong at higher elevations and when sunlight reflects off snow.
- Water and snacks: Staying hydrated and fueled can help you keep your energy up throughout the day.
Before heading out, inspect your skis, snowboard, boots, bindings and other equipment for damage or wear. Consider having your equipment professionally checked if you’re unsure about its condition.
Save money on ski and snowboard gear
New gear can be expensive, especially if you’re trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Renting, borrowing and shopping secondhand can help reduce the cost.
Outdoor Pursuits offers rentals for outdoor gear, including winter clothing and accessories. You can also check local rental shops or borrow gear from friends.
If you plan to ski or ride regularly, compare student pricing and other options before purchasing a season pass. Ikon and Epic offer college pass options.
2. Prepare your body for ski and snowboard season
Skiing and snowboarding use strength, balance, mobility and endurance. Preparing your body before the season can help you feel more comfortable with the physical demands of a day on the mountain.
If possible, start several weeks before your first trip and aim for consistent activity rather than trying to do too much at once. Your training might include:
- Lower-body and core strength
- Balance and stability
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Mobility and flexibility
Choose exercises and intensity levels that work for your body and experience level, and give yourself time to rest and recover.
Need help getting started? The Rec Center offers small group training classes focused on areas like strength, mobility, flexibility and total-body fitness. You can also work with a certified trainer through personal training to develop a plan based on your goals and abilities.
3. Find people to ski or snowboard with
Skiing and snowboarding can be a great way to meet people and build community. CU Boulder student organizations offer opportunities to connect with others who enjoy winter sports, from beginners to experienced skiers and riders.
Explore organizations such as:
- Boulder Freeride: Connect with other students through ski and snowboard trips and events.
- Backcountry Squatters: Builds community for women in the outdoors through trips, clinics and other activities.
- Backcountry Club: Offers opportunities for students interested in learning more about backcountry recreation.
- Snowboarding and freeskiing Sport Clubs: Train and compete against other colleges.
You can also browse BuffConnect to find more student organizations and outdoor communities.
Keep in mind that backcountry skiing and snowboarding are different from skiing within resort boundaries. Backcountry travel can involve avalanche hazards and requires additional knowledge, planning and safety equipment. If you’re interested in exploring the backcountry, Outdoor Pursuits offers avalanche courses and winter activities to help you build skills and prepare for winter travel.
4. Plan how you’ll get to the mountain
Before heading out, decide how you’ll get there and check current weather, road and resort conditions. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so review them again before you leave.
If you’d rather skip driving and parking, explore transportation options available to CU Boulder students.
CU Boulder Ski Bus: Provides transportation from campus to select Colorado ski areas during the season.
RTD Ski-n-Ride: Take RTD’s Ski-n-Ride service from Downtown Boulder Station to Eldora Mountain Resort during ski season.
Snowstang: Offers bus service from the Front Range to select ski areas.
Check each service before your trip for current routes, schedules, fares and reservation requirements.
If you drive, plan for winter conditions and make sure your vehicle is prepared for mountain travel. Allow extra time, check road conditions before leaving and avoid driving when conditions exceed your comfort or your vehicle’s capabilities.
5. Know your limits and build your skills
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding—or getting back into it after some time away—start with terrain that matches your current ability. Give yourself time to get comfortable with your equipment and practice skills such as controlling your speed, turning, stopping and navigating lifts safely.
Many ski areas offer lessons for beginners as well as more experienced skiers and snowboarders who want to improve their skills.
As you progress, choose terrain based on your abilities and current conditions. Stay on marked trails, follow posted signs and closures, and maintain control so you can respond to other people and obstacles around you.
Trees, steep terrain and other advanced areas can introduce additional hazards. Skiing or riding with others can provide support, but it does not eliminate those risks. If you plan to explore the backcountry, build the appropriate skills and knowledge before heading out and carry the necessary safety equipment.
Before you head to the mountain
A little planning can make your ski or snowboard day easier. Before leaving:
- Check the weather, road and resort conditions.
- Make sure your gear is in good condition.
- Pack appropriate layers, water, snacks and sun protection.
- Charge your phone and make transportation plans.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Choose terrain and activities that match your skills and preparation.
Get support before or during the season
If you have an existing injury, pain or concerns about returning to physical activity, Physical Therapy can help you assess your needs and prepare for activity. Services include sports medicine, physical therapy and concussion care.
Taking time to prepare before your first ski or snowboard day can help you feel more comfortable and confident on the mountain. Check your gear, build your fitness, make a transportation plan and choose terrain that matches your experience so you can make the most of the season.