I'm considering going on my first ski vacation. What do I need to know?

First of all, congratulations! Becoming a skier or rider or making that first destination vacation a reality is like joining a special, lifelong club. Nothing can compete with the joy, natural beauty, fun and adventure of a ski vacation. However, they're not exactly the simplest of vacations to plan and book. If left to your own devices, you could spend hours doing online research to collect all the info you need to feel prepared. That doesn't include all the time you'll spend trying to piece together and book all the components of your travel. Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts and our First Ski Trip guide are here to give you in the inside scoop on what to expect. Once you've decided on where you would like to go, we're also by your side to help get your travel and lodging booked in one convenient place.

Ski Vacation FAQs

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What does ski in ski out really mean?

It can mean different things to different people. Some properties may tout themselves as ski in ski out, but might actually be 50 yards from the slopes. When in doubt, just ask us or look at the property description on Ski.com. We have visited the properties and can tell you exactly how far an accommodation is from the lifts, a certain restaurant, downtown or whatever is most important to you and your traveling companions. See our top resorts and properties for ski in ski out access>>>


Is it possible to book a ski in ski out property if I’m on a tight budget?

Yes, it is. Generally, ski in ski out properties are about 20 percent more expensive than non ski in ski out accommodations. However, some resorts, like Snowmass, Steamboat and Big Sky Resort, have an abundance of ski in ski out or slopeside lodging options, so more affordable accommodations are available there.


What are the top resorts for families?

Using our Mountain Travel Experts' advance knowledge of the 120+ ski resorts we sell worldwide, we created the Resort Finder. This tool sorts which resorts are best for the things that matter most to you on your ski vacation. On the Resort Finder page, select the Family icon at the top of the page and then choose the locations you'd like to see, which can include a worldwide view, a regional view or a country or state view.

Alternatively, you can use these quick links to see top resorts for families:


Which resorts are best for beginners?

Using our Mountain Travel Experts' advance knowledge of the 120+ ski resorts we sell worldwide, we created the Resort Finder. This tool sorts which resorts are best for the things that matter most to you on your ski vacation. On the Resort Finder page, select the Beginner icon at the top of the page and then choose the locations you'd like to see, which can include a worldwide view, a regional view or a country or state view.

Alternatively, you can use these quick links to see top resorts for families:


Should I rent ski or snowboard equipment?

Whether you own your own equipment or this is your first time, renting is a great idea. Not only are you able to avoid the airlines’ baggage fees and the schlep factor, you’re able to use the newest equipment on the market. Your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can book the appropriate equipment based on your abilities. For the utmost convenience, we can arrange for your rental equipment to be delivered right to you. All equipment is conveniently fitted right in your hotel room, condominium or house.

Learn more about why you want to rent ski equipment>>>


Should I book a rental vehicle or ground transportation?

When in doubt, ask your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert. The answer usually depends on the proximity of the resort to the airport and the number of travelers in the party. The answer can also depend on the location of and services offered by your lodging accommodations. Once in the destination, however, most resorts are easy to get around on foot and/or have advanced public transportation systems.


When is the best time to book? How early can I book?

To make sure you get your preferred travel dates and accommodations—especially during peak travel periods, like the Holidays/New Years, Presidents' Week and spring break—book as early as possible. Though some properties don't release availability until well into the summer months, your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can take your early-booking requests and work to get results for you as soon as the information becomes available.


Do you offer travel insurance and what does it cover?

We not only offer travel insurance, we strongly recommend it. Since certain components of your packages are totally non refundable at a certain point prior to travel, having insurance may be the only way you can receive money back should a cancellation or delay be necessary due to illness or weather. For full details of coverage, see our CSA travel protection policy.


How much do your services cost?

Our services are free.


How long has Ski.com been in business? Can I trust you?

Ski.com is North America’s largest provider of complete ski vacation packages and has been in business gainfully for more than 40 years. Our No. 1 priority is and has always been to arrange worry-free ski vacations for our customers. We have fostered strong relationships with mountain resorts, lodging accommodations, airlines and ground transportation companies for decades and continue to do so today. By booking with Ski.com, our current and future customers can rest assured knowing that they will receive the high-quality vacation experience for which Ski.com is known to deliver each and every time.

Learn more about Ski.com>>>