Pre Season ToDo List

Now that the kids are back in school I find myself more motivated to get organized. As I do every year at this time I start to plan the year so that the things that are important to me don’t get overlooked. This is the time of year that I sit down with a pad of paper and a calendar and focus on when and where we are going to ski this year.

Planning ski trips is the most fun part of getting organized for this time of year but there are many more issues that need to be addressed so the season goes smoothly. Proper planning will save you time, money and make the season more enjoyable overall. To ensure a fun season on the slopes use this handy pre season ToDo list. Add your own notes and build on it to keep for the start of each season. When you realize how easy hitting the slopes can be you will thank yourself!

Make a Ski/Snowboard Budget
Skiing and snowboarding are often viewed as expensive sports but after I saw what my neighbor pays for her son to play hockey I think it’s quiet a bargain! It can actually be quite a value if you plan carefully and make a budget in advance then look for creative ways to stay within that budget. Your budget should take into account everything you will spend to ski or snowboard including clothing, travel, accommodations, tickets and food. Include it in the budget even if it is something like winter clothing that you will use for other things or food that you would be eating anyway even if you weren’t on the mountain.

Check Old Gear
The beginning of each pre season should start with going through your old equipment and clothing to see what needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. The earlier you do it the better prepared you will be for your local pre season sale. Keep in mind bargain shopping will help you keep within your budget!

Check Your Calendar
Planning weekend getaways and trips can be tricky with today’s busy schedules. Make sure to look at school, work and activity schedules and pencil in a few ski dates right away so that the time isn’t taken up by some other less important event.

Talk To Friends And Family
Coordinating calendars can be very difficult but it is worth asking around to see if anyone is interested in hitting the slopes with you. Traveling with larger groups can also bring costs down to help you fit within your budget.

Plan Trips
Trips large or small require some advance planning. Start the day dreaming early so that you have some idea of when and where you want to go. Early planning will help you to make travel arrangements that satisfy your needs.

Start Your Preseason Training
Regardless of your level of fitness everyone can benefit from some extra pre slope training.

Racers
Ski and snowboard racers have got to be prepared for the season early. Make sure you have joined the USSA and other necessary associations. Get your race schedule so you can plan other activities and trips around them. Talk to your fellow racers for carpool and training partners and follow the rest of the ToDo list to ensure that you are in shape and have the gear you need to have a winning season.

Anticipating Winter

About this time every summer I start to feel the pangs of anticipation for my favorite time of year. One may think that August is a bit early to start yearning for snow but there is a lot to think about – and for the winter enthusiast that is part of the fun.

My ruminations regarding the coming season are usually triggered by a desire to escape from the often-oppressive summer heat. My minds eye finds me swooshing down a freshly powdered slope and sooner or later my more practical side wants to get into the game and I begin making mental notes about what my family and I will need for the coming season – this mental list of new fleeces and socks, sweaters and pants serves me well as a check list for the local pre season sale and our on line wish list.

I also start thinking about how we will juggle family obligations while I contemplate our weekend ski trips and mid winter getaway so we have a clear calendar and I can score great accommodations.

Ultimately, however, the most of my daydreaming is spent on how I am going to improve this year. I think about my pre season fitness plan and the new products that will make this year even better than the last.

The truth is that just THINKING about the season gives me a chill – and it is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.