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The impending chill in the air evokes fireplace daydreams. We think of shaking the snow off of our winter cap, and drinking hot chocolate with those close to us. We picture snow angels, snowballs, and a snowman that we (perhaps dementedly) pretend is Parson Brown.
And of course, we yearn for the day that we can strap two waxed planks or a board to our feet and slide headlong down a mountain.
Ski season - the bundled-up but no-less-fun cousin of Beach season - is on its way. It's a time to get out of the cities and suburbs with a four-wheel-drive carload of friends. It's a great excuse to get outside and get active, and an excuse to have some drinks with your friends afterwards to warm up.
Poor preparation, however, can lead to a sub-par ski trip. Start planning now for the slopes.
Getting There
Though the Western US gets all the glory, there are plenty of great places to ski and board on the East side. You can usually find a resort within a couple of hours of home, though you may have to go a little further for the premium schussing spots. Keep in mind that while most destinations have something for everyone, many are more appropriate for more advanced skiers. Check out a resort's website before you go to see how many beginner, intermediate and expert runs they have - generally these are delineated with blue circles (beginner), green squares (intermediate) and black diamonds (advanced).
If you don't have your own wheels, many cities have tour companies or groups that organize trips to major resorts. In New York City, for instance, there is a trip to Hunter Mountain organized by Paragon Sports, among other sporting goods stores.
Equipment
Think about acquiring your gear in advance. If you already own equipment, it may be a good idea to get your skis or board waxed and having your bindings checked. If you are renting, save yourself some time and hassle by renting at a ski shop before you get to the resort. The long lines, high prices and confused people often found at resort rental shops make for a less-than-perfect start to your day on the mountain. Renting beforehand lets you go straight from the ticket window to the lift. If you do rent at the resort, get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
