A Guide To Planning Your First Family Ski Trip

Feb 9, 2022

Last Updated on: Aug 27, 2025

Adventure

As parents, you naturally want to make the most of the time you spend with your kids. After all, they won’t stay young forever. Every opportunity you have to go on family trips should be taken advantage of. Thankfully, there are various activities, hobbies, and interests you can try with your family.

You can go to the beach, plan a weekend hike, or book an out-of-country trip. If your family likes going on adventures and thrills, a ski trip will fit the bill. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the winter season while also bonding over ski boards, sleds, and other outdoor pursuits you can do in the mountains.

Just thinking about all the wonderful times you’ll have is already making you all giddy and excited. However, don’t forget that, like other vacations you have as a family, a courageous ski trip will require a great deal of planning and preparation.

First-timers like you may find the planning stage pretty intimidating. Don’t let that get in the way of piecing together a fantastic trip that every member of your family will enjoy.

First Order Of Business: Choosing A Ski Resort

Being new to skiing is tricky because you don’t have the slightest idea of where to go or how the trip will go. Your best bet is to rely on your research skills, starting with the resort where you’ll be skiing and staying. Since you’ll be with your family, it’s crucial that you pick a spot that suits everyone’s needs and preferences.

You can begin your search by identifying the different ski spots in the country or where you plan to go. You can ask your friends who’ve been on a ski trip before, or you can also browse the internet to get an idea of the best ski locations.

Be sure to check out the best ski slopes in the US that suit first-timers like you. Look into the amenities, rates, and other related information you need to know.

Smaller ski resorts may be ideal if you don’t consider yourselves seasoned skiers. Such areas are relatively less crowded and have lower rates and fees. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’ll be easier to decide on a final pick. You can ask your family about their opinion or even vote on a resort to ensure you’ll go with the majority’s choice.

Scheduling Your Trip

After picking a ski location and resort, another decision you need to make is when you’ll be scheduling the trip. Before anything else, you need to check with the family first about their availability. Some may need to file for a leave from work, while others need to consider their school calendar before going on a vacation.

If you’re after lower accommodation rates and airfares, you might want to consider avoiding holidays and school breaks. However, if the budget isn’t an issue, you can plan your trip according to your preference or based on your family’s availability.

Up Next: Packing Your Stuff

When you’ve pinned down your desired destination and ski resort, you should also go ahead and book your accommodation, plane tickets, and other fees you need to pay for. That way, you no longer need to worry about forgetting anything. Once you’ve secured those aspects, you can start packing your luggage.

You may assume that since you’ve been on countless family trips before, you’re already a pro at packing everything you need. However, don’t forget that you’re going skiing, and that requires a different set of items that you need to prepare and fit into your bags. To give you an idea, here are some tips you could use when packing for your first family ski trip:

  • Prepare or shop for enough winter clothes for every member of the family. Dressing in layers is the best way to go if you want to stay warm throughout your trip.
  • Aside from clothes, think of headwear, footwear, and other accessories such as gloves, scarves, neck gaiters, underwear, and socks. For extra cold weather, a balacava may also come in useful. This will protect your ears and cheeks, which can both suffer from frostbite if left uncovered. In addition, consider investing in thermal layers to keep your body protected against the elements. You could also check out these heated gloves for women and men for an added boost of warmth.
  • Bring enough food and water that’ll last at least until you’ve reached your destination. If you have babies or toddlers on formula feeding, make sure you pack all their essentials too.
  • Ensure there’s enough space for all your ski gear and accessories, including snowboards, ski gloves and goggles, and helmets.

If you plan on renting your gear, make it a point to reserve it early on. There should also be a separate bag where you’ll put your essential belongings, such as passports, plane tickets, IDs, wallets, and credit cards.

Creating An Itinerary

You may be going on a family ski trip, but that doesn’t mean all you’ll be doing in the mountains is skiing. Of course, you need to take breaks and alternate other activities for a well-spent holiday with your family. That’s why choosing a family-friendly destination is important. You can create your own itinerary based on the activities and amenities that the resort has.

For example, kids and young adults can enjoy snowmobiling, skating, dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. They can do those in the morning before skiing or after lunch when they’re fully rested.

Plan the activities based on the number of days you’ll be spending at the resort. Of course, you also need to consider the kids’ interests and what they find exciting.

On the flip side, adults can go on food and wine tours or try cross-country skiing. Don’t forget to include relaxing activities such as spa treatments and other fitness or wellness features available in the area. At night, you can swim in hot tubs, enjoy a bonfire, or gather around the fireplace with hot cocoa mugs in your hands.

Final Words

Deciding to go on your first-ever family ski trip is one thing, but planning and preparing for it is another. You might find the process tricky, which is normal. You’re not alone in such a predicament. But as they say, there’s always a first time for everything.

Don’t worry, though, because you can surely make it through the planning and execution if you arm yourself with enough tricks and intelligent moves.

You don’t have to wait for another year or a few more months before you can experience the holiday of a lifetime. With the tips mentioned above, you can have a fun, memorable, and worth-all-the-fuss skiing adventure.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Alta

Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2022

Alta, Utah, does not disappoint when it comes to offering the best and most memorable vacations. Whether you are into skiing, hiking, biking, walking, or relaxing and rejuvenating, you will find all the right spots to enjoy. This destination has something for every kind of traveler; with the right travel timing and properly planned trip, you will get the best it has it has to offer. Below is a highlight of some of the most scenic places you must visit. And near them, you will also find impressive Alta vacation rentals to suit your accommodation preferences.  Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah | Into The Land Skiing Hard And Eating Well Alta has played a crucial role in the development of skiing in Utah. At the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Alta Ski Area has the best snow in the state.  It awakens an adventurous spirit among the tourists. However, along with the ski area, there are many other scenic places in Alta, Utah. 1. Devil's Castle This rugged, dark peak rises above Cecret Lake in Albion Basin. It is a beautiful place, with the castle offering a priceless backdrop with its high-quality rock. Unfortunately, the road leading here experiences substantial snowfall during fall, and the number of vehicles allowed is limited. However, you can enjoy some camping at Albion Basin grounds at an affordable fee. The Devil's Castle can be accessed using the Snowbird Ski Resort tram, so no worries if you find you cannot access it with your vehicle. It is a peaceful, exciting place that will easily relax your mind. 2. Cecret Lake Trail It is located at Albion Basin and features a small alpine lake. The Cecret Lake is a protected watershed supplying water to Salt Lake City. Additionally, it is part of Wasatch National Forest. The dirt trail hike from Little Cottonwood Canyon is most fulfilling, especially when it opens up to the quartz monzonite surroundings. The Snowbird and Alta ski resorts surround the lake. The scenic area will leave you feeling one with nature; it is one of the best places you can choose if you want to de-clutter your inner self. Nothing beats clean, fresh air in beautiful natural surroundings; this is exactly what you will get from the Cecret Lake trail.  3. Alta-Brighton Trailhead This loop trail will take you through scenic surroundings near Sandy, Utah. The 6.9KM trail is challenging and will take more than three hours to complete. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. If you wish for some solitude, you can hike it during low-traffic times of the day. You will particularly find the trailhead breathtaking when the wildflowers are fully bloomed. Alta-Brighton Trailhead is open throughout the year; enjoy its beauty anytime you visit Alta. For the ultimate experience, remember to carry your bug spray, water bottle, hiking boots, and sweatshirt.  4. Big Cottonwood Canyon The Big Cottonwood Canyon is within the Wasatch Range, a few miles Southeast of Salt Lake City. It covers 15 miles offering amazing areas for picnicking, camping, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The canyon has popular ski resorts where you can also experience snowboarding at its best. It has lots of trails, with the most popular leading to Lake Blanche, Lilian, and Florence. Formed by the Big Cottonwood Creek, you will notice the canyon is V-shaped with rock forms that are quite impressive. It attracts botanical field trips, and wildflower walks from the local societies and institutions. This is the place to be if you love nature walks full of wildflowers.  5. Lake Blanche Trail This is the classic hiking spot in the Twin Peaks Wilderness area. It goes through aspen trees and scrubs oaks before opening up to stunning views of quartzite mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Summer afternoons can get quite hot, especially in the open areas. It is, therefore, advisable to take morning hikes and carry enough water because it is a steep trail that will drain you. Most notable on this trail are the Dromedary and Sundial Peaks, which rise above the lake, and the small lakes Lilian and Florence. You will love the dramatic views, especially near the lake and its iconic landscapes.  6. Catherine's Pass It offers easy passage to Big and Small Cottonwood Canyons. The Pass is a wildflower hike, and since it is on the Northern side, it offers beautiful views of Little Cottonwood's south ridge. Catherine's Pass offers impressive scenery, even better than Secret Lake, so you can explore while here. Additionally to the wildflowers, you will also love the grassy meadows and Big Cottonwood canyon views. It is a shorter hike thanks to the distance and elevation; however, if you love longer outings, you can consider descending to Lake Catherine or using the ridgelines East of Sunrise Peak. Whatever you choose, you will be impressed by the Pass.  7. Mount Wolverine This gem is hidden behind Mt. Millicent and is unfortunately overlooked most of the time. You get refreshing views of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons from this peak. Thanks to its rugged cirque, it also makes a great spot for hiking and snow climbing. Winter and early spring make the best times to climb Mount Wolverine as snow climbs. The chutes penetrating the cliffs make interesting steep climbs, so come ready for some adventure. If you love camping, you will find the numerous walk-in campgrounds perfect for vacation trips.  8. Snowbird Tram Snowbird's aerial tram offers ten-minute rides to Hidden Peaks' top. Going 2,900 vertical feet up along a 1.6-mile cable will have your heart racing with excitement, especially if it's your first time. This tram is designed in such a way that it is also accessible by the handicapped, and so is the Hidden Peak terminal. So you get to enjoy sightseeing and a round trip taking about 40 minutes. During summer, the tram interchanges with a Peruvian chairlift, allowing you to enjoy both on the same trip. This tram was opened in 1971 and has continued serving amid many upgrades.  9. Alta Ski Area It was the first ski area in the US, so it remains a popular spot among skiers. You will love the renowned deep, steep powder skiing, especially during winter. You will find the terrain most suitable whether you are a beginner or an intermediate skier. If you are looking for a natural mountain environment for authentic skiing experiences, the Alta Ski Area is, without a doubt, the place to be. There is everything to love about the ski mountain here, so why not take your time and indulge? Tour And Travel Update The 15 ski resorts in Utah make it a skiing hotspot in the country. Alta Ski Area is one of the most celebrated skiing spots in the state. 2022-23 was a great season for Alta and other skiing zones in Utah, with a record number of visitors  However, the year 2024 has witnessed a downfall in the number of tourist footfall. This downfall in tourist numbers has been further triggered by less snowfall this year.  Though the amount of snowfall has surpassed the seasonal snowfall amount, it is less by at least 270 inches from the last year.  10. Twin Lake Pass  Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains is a great move to visit the best scenic places in Alta, Utah. Especially the trail to Twin Lakes from Silver Lake is beautiful. Hiking to the Twin Lake Pass is ideal in autumn and winter. In autumn, the trek route and surrounding area of the Lake look beautiful with the colors of fall.  Furthermore, the Twin Lake Pass, being an off-beat place in Alta, is a great escapade if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  11. Guardsman Pass Overlook Guardsman Pass Overlook is a scenic drive in the fall and summer seasons. The drive goes up to around 7 miles to reach the summit of 2962 Meters. During the fall and summer seasons, the pass is well-maintained with decent traffic conditions. However, in winter, it becomes a place of tourist attraction for a different reason. You can access this area through snowmobiles. Further, you can explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here.  Additionals: Best Alabama Cities For Young Professionals Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations!

READ MORE Desert Safari

Dune Bashing And Beyond: An Adventure Lover’s Guide To Desert Safari Dubai Trip

BY  Arnab Jun 8, 2023

Dubai's desert safari trips offer a thrilling and captivating journey into the heart of Arabia. Picture yourself surrounded by golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see, with the sun setting in the distance, casting a mesmerizing glow over the landscape. As you gear up for an exciting experience called dune bashing, your excitement builds up. Dune bashing is a thrilling off-road activity where skilled drivers take you on an exhilarating journey over the wavy sand dunes in a powerful 4x4 vehicle. Hold on tight as you experience the exhilarating ups and downs, twists and turns, and the sheer excitement of conquering the challenging terrain. But the adventure doesn't stop there. Desert safaris in Dubai offer a myriad of activities to keep your adrenaline pumping. Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for an Exciting Dune Bashing Adventure While dune bashing is a thrilling adventure, it's important to prioritize safety during the experience. Given below are a few essential safety tips you might consider: Choose a reputable tour operator: Opt for a licensed and experienced tour operator that adheres to safety guidelines. Follow the instructions: Listen attentively to the instructions provided by your driver and follow their guidance throughout the ride. Wear seat belts: Always fasten your seat belt to ensure your safety in case of any sudden movements or bumps. Don't eat heavily before the ride: Avoid consuming a heavy meal before dune bashing to prevent discomfort or nausea. Stay refreshed: Bring ample water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the thrilling experience. Secure loose items: Keep your personal belongings securely stored to prevent them from flying around during the bumpy ride. Other Thrilling Activities in the Desert Safari Dubai Trip The desert safari Dubai trip offers a plethora of thrilling activities beyond dune bashing. Here are certain additional adventures to explore: Sandboarding: Strap on a sandboard and slide down the sandy slopes, similar to snowboarding but on the sand. Experience Camel Riding: Climb aboard a camel, the traditional way to travel in the desert. Enjoy a leisurely ride across the sandy landscape, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings. Enjoy Quad Biking: Seize the reins of a strong quad bike and set off on a thrilling off-road journey. Explore the desert at your own pace, navigating through the dunes and feeling the rush of adrenaline. Experience Falconry: Observe the ancient practice of falconry as skilled falcons demonstrate their agility and hunting abilities. Discover the importance of falconry in Emirati traditions and have the opportunity to handle these magnificent birds. Immerse in Bedouin Culture: Explore an authentic camp to discover vibrant traditions. Engage in fun activities such as henna art, traditional music, mesmerizing dance, and dressing in cultural garments. Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a breathtaking and unique perspective of the desert landscape, consider a hot air balloon ride. Fly high over the sand dunes and behold the desert's magnificence during sunrise or sunset. This serene and awe-inspiring experience offers a sense of tranquility and allows you to capture stunning photographs from the sky. Night Sky Observation: When darkness falls, the desert sky illuminates countless twinkling stars. Take a moment to appreciate the celestial wonders above as you lay back on the soft sand. Away from the city lights, the desert provides an ideal setting for stargazing and immersing yourself in the beauty of the night sky. Bedouin Cuisine: Indulge in the flavors of Arabian cuisine at a traditional Bedouin-style camp. Delight your taste buds with dishes like grilled meats, aromatic rice, and delectable desserts. Savor the authentic flavors while surrounded by the warm ambiance of the desert. Traditional Crafts: Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the Bedouin people by participating in traditional crafts. Learn the art of weaving or pottery-making, and create your own unique souvenir to take home as a reminder of your desert safari experience. Desert Exploration: Despite its seemingly empty appearance, the desert is teeming with unexpected plant and animal life. Embark on a guided nature walk to discover the hidden wonders of the desert ecosystem. Learn about the plants and animals that have adapted to thrive in this harsh environment and gain a deeper appreciation for the desert's beauty and resilience. These additional activities enhance your desert safari Dubai trip, offering a diverse range of experiences to cater to every adventure lover's interests. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping thrills or a serene connection with nature, the desert safari has something for everyone to enjoy. The Ideal Moment for Enjoying Dune Bashing in Dubai To make the most of your dune-bashing adventure in Dubai, it's essential to choose the right time to visit. The best time for dune bashing is during the cooler months, which typically fall between November and April. During this time, the temperatures are more pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the experience comfortably. Book Desert Safari: dubaidesertsafaris The winter months, especially December and January, offer cooler temperatures and clear skies, creating the perfect conditions for dune bashing. It's important to avoid the scorching summer months when temperatures can soar to extreme levels, making the experience uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Read Also: Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie? “Sands Of Splendor: Luxurious Desert Safari Experiences In Dubai” 5 Reasons Why People Love Morning Desert Safari In Dubai?

READ MORE creative truck cap camping ideas

7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures

BY  Mashum Dec 14, 2021

Living in a truck camper shell is amazing as I am a truck camper. It really bothers me if things inside my camper shell are not well organized. At the beginning of my journey, I couldn't manage the ways to keep everything in place, but over the years with my research, I have gathered creative truck cap camping ideas. If you are an ardent traveler, then it is necessary for you to have creative ways to vibe with your gear, who becomes your one and only companion on the road. I was always very fond of decorating my stuff and when I finally had the chance to have a truck and decorate it, I never stopped having creative truck cap camping ideas. I have buddies who are just like me love to adventure, or maybe I am like them, but there is one thing that makes me and my friend Mr. Truck different is the way we look after each other. Launching Winter 2022, The Klubb is a new kind of social app that is redefining wellness for the next generation of movers and shakers. Designed for high-performers, The Klubb takes the private club experience and packages it into a user-friendly social app that gets you, "Outside. Together". Join the waitlist today to be a part of the next evolution of social apps. In the meantime, check out their journal, Klubb Mag, for amazing athletic vacation destinations and outdoor activity recommendations Enough about the story of me and my life. It's just something a truck camper will relate to. In this article, I will be sharing my 7 creative truck cap camping ideas with you guys who are new to this world. Let's dive in! 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures I am an adventure freak therefore the most places I visit are Jungles. I love how busy roads turn into greenery, instead of honks I hear birds of different types chirping, how a deer suddenly plays the role of a stop sign. I love everything about nature. But there are disadvantages as well when you don’t have a concrete shelter to spend your day and night underneath. You can also stay here if you like solo travel. Here are some creative truck cap camping ideas that have helped me and will help you too. 1. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Simple Sleeping The place you are going to create for sleeping totally depends on the model of your truck. But let me tell you my Toyota Tacoma camper shell has a very comfortable sleeping spot. The sleeping place in any camping truck is easy to build. My truck has notches on the sides of the bed that let me lay down straight without bending my knees. I have placed two sheets of plywood on top of my bed, which is covered with an outdoor carpet as I am really sincere about my stuff getting damaged. 2. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- DIY Drawers As I said earlier that I like things organized, therefore to keep my tiny things secured I went with wheeled latching boxes, which you might use for under-bed storage. Apart from the sleeping platform I really needed to install sliding drawers that help me keep my clothes, jewelry, and kitchen accessories safe. It is quickly accessible as well. Add some locks to your drawers if you have something precious to secure. Other than that prevention is better than cure. 3. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Drawing Drapes The most important thing to do is to have privacy even if it's a truck you are living in. To maintain privacy hanging drapes is as important as decorating the inside of the camper shell. Installing drapes is also a creative interior idea. Drapes do not only give you privacy, but you don't have to open them when you are inside. You can keep them open when you are out of your camper shell, as it will keep away the prying eyes that search for your belongings. 4. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Bedding Sleeping in a truck bed is very different from sleeping on a bed in a room. In my camper shell, I have built boxes over the wheel wells, on both sides of the truck. I did it because I travel with my pooch and he is very comfortable in his own place, especially where he sleeps. Therefore I have two beds in my camper shell. My friends generally call this idea of mine a truck bed camping setups. And I am pretty good at setting up things in small spaces. The two beds leave an aisle in the middle of them to let me and my pooch swing our legs. You can also check out truck bed camping videos on Youtube. 5. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Solar Lighting Now, who doesn't want to decorate their place with some lights? As you know lights are not only for decorating but it really helps at night, when I am camping just right outside a jungle. I let my lights rest on the dash of my truck to get all the energy from the sun rays in the morning till noon. In cloudy weather this might not work, therefore you should always have a backup plan like having a rechargeable kong headlamp. In addition to the lighting options mentioned above, custom neon signs are another camping tool option you can consider. Custom neon signs are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and you can receive them as quickly as possible. For truck camping, custom neon signs are more than just decorative and ambiance-enhancing tools; they're also incredibly practical tools, providing essential illumination. They can break up the monotony of the outdoors at night and inject personality and warmth into your camping experience. Their soft glow creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also fulfilling practical needs like nighttime illumination and safety guidance, making every truck camping trip more welcoming and convenient. 6. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Ultimate Drawer I also have this mega drawer of mine, though I have small drawers too, this big drawer takes in all the stuff I have and storage for other things. I actually don’t regret installing it. But one thing you must consider is that large drawers should have dividers. The dividers help you find things or else everything will get tangled with each other and things will be hard to find. Packing cubes are another creative interior idea that is really good for soft gear and clothing. 7. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Workplace Since I am a writer and I earn my living through it, I had to have an office in my camper shell. Ask me how? I managed. Let me break the ice. At the end of my truck, the place where the door opens is where my office is situated. I have installed a flexible wooden slab, screwing the base to the walls of the truck. Now I can easily sit on the edge of my bed, where my pooch sleeps. And pull the slab towards, place my laptop on it and voila!. It is big enough to keep my food bowl and coffee cup on it. Wrapping It All Up Here you go with all 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures. All of the above ideas are applied by me in my own way. You don't have to do the exact thing I did. Rather try to outsmart these ideas by bringing more creativity to it. You can also try a DIY truck topper, and see where it gets you. All the best for the life you have ahead of you. A small message from one traveler to another. Leave a comment in the comment section and share your experience with me. I would love to read them and reply as fast as I can. Read More: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World A Guide To National Parks In Virginia – Latest Guide What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation