How Many Runs Do SnowBrains Readers Typically Ski or Snowboard in a Day?

A typical day of skiing or snowboarding can look very different for people. Some early birds wake up before the sun rises to ride for a few hours and be off the slopes and home by noon. On the contrary, plenty of people arrive in the afternoon and don’t stop until the lifts are done spinning for the day. And the number of runs taken largely depends on several factors and can fluctuate from day-to-day.

So we asked SnowBrains readers, “How many runs do you typically ski/ride in a day?” While the results somewhat varied, the answers all shared a common theme: a clear love for being out on the slopes, no matter the amount of time. Here’s the breakdown.

• Related: What are SnowBrains Readers’ Favorite Ski Traditions?

There are a ton of variables that play into how many runs one can actually get in a day. How are the conditions: is it icy and treacherous, or a perfect packed-powder groomer day? What’s the terrain: 100 feet of elevation on a beginner slope, or 1,000 feet down a steep mogul face? How are the lift lines: nonexistent, or wrapped around like a TSA line? All of these, plus so many more factors, contribute to how a day on the slopes goes, and ultimately how much you’re able to ski or snowboard that day.

Around 7-10 Runs 

A handful of folks said that 7-10 runs is their sweet spot for a typical day on the slopes. That could look like keeping it mellow while taking in the views for a few runs before lunch, then doing the same in the afternoon. Or it could be arriving early for a morning power hour when the crowds are limited, and getting 10 hot laps in before heading to work for the day.

15 Runs

Even more people said they shoot for at least 15 runs in a day. At smaller ski areas, 15 runs with a few hundred feet of vertical per run might provide anywhere from 4,000-8,000 feet of vertical or so, which is a really solid day. However, that same number of runs on a bigger mountain with high-speed lifts could equate to at least double the vertical, upwards of potentially 12,000-18,000 vertical feet.

20-25 Runs

About the same number of readers like to go all out, skiing or snowboarding an impressive 20-25 runs per day. This amount of skiing takes some true grit and determination, as well as time and stamina. Regardless of whether the runs are short, steep, long, or flat, that’s a lot for a typical day of skiing or snowboarding.

As Much As I Can

Many commenters had the same thought: ride until you can’t ride anymore. That might be just a couple of hours before the kids get tired, or an entire day, crushing over 30,000 feet of vertical on a quiet weekday morning. Whatever it means, this is a very logical and realistic answer for most people.

No matter how many runs you get or what those runs look like, skiing and snowboarding are obviously about way more than any numbers or statistics could explain. Being on the slopes, whether you’re riding solo or with family and friends, and enjoying this amazing activity is a one-of-a-kind experience. From mellow cruiser laps while taking in the views to spending a day in the singles line getting as many laps as you can, a bad day skiing beats a good day at work, no matter how many laps are involved.

• Related: Washington Man Sets World Record by Skiing Over 137,000 Vertical Feet in 12 Hours at Alpental Ski Resort