Planning ski trips can be difficult, expensive, and stressful. From choosing the location to the people you bring, making the right decisions can be the difference-maker between an amazing trip and an awful one.
So, we wanted to know: what are the biggest ski trip dealbreakers for skiers and snowboarders? We took to our Facebook page to find out, and with nearly 150 responses, here is what SnowBrains readers had to say.
Lack of Snow
With 16 comments, lack of snow was the most popular ski trip dealbreaker for SnowBrains readers. Snow is a key part of the ski trip experience, and poor conditions can definitely be a killer.
For many, ski trips are all about chasing the powder. The anticipation, waking up early to get turns, and the feeling of floating through fresh snow are what ski trip dreams are made of. When new snow doesn’t happen, these dreams are dead. Icy, thin, and patchy runs can turn a ski trip into a disappointment, especially after spending hundreds—and sometimes thousands of dollars —on lodging, equipment, and lift tickets.
At the end of the day, ski trips are about getting on snow.
Oversleepers
With eight comments, sleeping in and missing first tracks is the second most popular dealbreaker for SnowBrains readers.
For many skiers and snowboarders, the first few runs of the day are the very best. Fresh groomers, untouched powder, and quieter slopes make waking up early worth the effort. Missing those prime conditions because someone refuses to rally can be frustrating.
With ski trips often only lasting a few days, every moment on the mountain counts. Sleeping in is less time riding, and while some people prefer a relaxed vacation, SnowBrains readers believe first tracks are a part of the ski trip experience.
“One or two days of sleeping in on a week trip is understandable, but come on, we are here to ski,” one commenter wrote. “I can sleep at home.”
Skill Matchup
Another popular dealbreaker for SnowBrains readers is a skills discrepancy between members of the group.
When everyone in the group has a different ability level, a ski trip can quickly become annoying. Expert skiers will want to head off for black diamonds and challenging terrain. More beginner and intermediate-level skiers will want to stick to greens and blues. This disparity in skills can make skiers feel like they are being held back or forced to ride terrain on which they are not comfortable.
If the group members are of a similar ski level, ski trips run much more smoothly.
“If it’s a ski trip, we’re riding at the same level,” one SnowBrains reader commented.
Crowds
SnowBrains readers brought up crowds multiple times, making long lift lines and crowded runs another key dealbreaker.
After spending money and time getting to the resort, few things are more aggravating than spending 15 minutes or more waiting to get on the chair. Holiday weekends, powder days, and popular resorts can all trigger big crowds on the mountain, and planning with that in mind is key for ski trips.
Besides longer waits, skiing in big crowds makes the sport less enjoyable. Crowded trails bring a higher likelihood of collisions, and fresh powder can get tracked out quickly. While sometimes crowds are unavoidable, SnowBrains readers do their best to plan ski trips avoiding them.
Other Dealbreakers
We heard a variety of other ski trip dealbreakers from SnowBrains readers.
Some commenters mentioned how they only plan trips with other skiers or snowboarders. “No snowboarders allowed,” one wrote. The ski and snowboard beef may never end.
Other comments expressed frustrations with high prices. “The cost, for sure,” another said.
Some SnowBrains readers even expressed their need for a sweet ride. “You don’t have a snowmobile” was yet another dealbreaker.
Whether it is lack of snow, people sleeping in or irksome crowds, dealbreakers often prevail on ski trips. All we can do is plan strategically and hope for the best.
