December marks the unofficial start of ski season, and for moms who manage the mountain-bound mayhem, a little prep goes a long way. Whether you’re navigating school breaks, planning slope-side getaways, or simply trying to keep everyone warm and outfitted, this month’s checklist is designed to keep you organized and ahead of the flurry. From gear checks to après-ski essentials, we’ve covered the must-dos to help your family hit the slopes smoothly—and in style.
Start your countdown with a calendar
Mark key ski dates, school breaks, and travel weekends on a shared family calendar to stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambles. A visible countdown builds excitement for the whole crew and helps you prioritize prep time. I adore this opening day countdown. It’s a collaboration between Raising Little Rippers and Akova. Head here to get the printable PDF.
Set up your apps and log-ins for your passes
Make sure ski pass apps are downloaded and log-ins are saved so you can breeze through lift lines and parking access. Take a few minutes to update credit cards, check blackout dates, and enable notifications for snow alerts. As a bonus, I have the Slopes app. I use it to track vertical and my days. One day I’m going to make a ski journal to track my days and memories. For now, you can use the Ski Passport (it’s like a sticker book) or this Ski Journal I found on Etsy.
Keep the car packed for ski days
Create a go-bag system with essentials like extra gloves, hand warmers, snacks, and sunscreen so you’re always ready for a spontaneous ski day. A well-packed trunk saves time and reduces the risk of forgetting something critical on those early morning dashes to the mountain.
Wash and prep boot bags and make sure everything is labeled
Give boot bags a fresh start by wiping down gear, replacing worn-out items, and making sure everything from mittens to helmets is labeled. Having a clean, prepped bag eliminates clutter and helps kids stay self-sufficient on the slopes. Here are the steps:
Add ski-themed holiday decor to your home
Bring your love of the mountains indoors with festive touches like vintage ski prints, alpine-inspired garlands, or gear-as-decor moments. It’s a simple way to blend holiday spirit with your family’s favorite winter pastime.
Hit the slopes with early deals
December is prime time for early-season promotions on lift tickets and gear, especially during midweek and non-holiday periods. Take advantage of lower crowds and discounted rates to warm up those ski legs and ease into the season.
1. Empty It Completely: Take out all gear, snacks, boot warmers, etc. Shake out dirt, crumbs, and debris.
Vacuum the inside if needed, especially around seams and corners.
2. Check the Label: Look for care instructions (some bags can be machine washed, but many can’t). If there’s no tag, treat it like a delicate backpack.
3. Spot Clean the Outside: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent. Gently scrub dirty spots (especially the bottom and around zippers). Avoid harsh cleaners or bleach.
4. Wipe Down the Inside: Use warm water with a little dish soap or a gentle all-purpose cleaner. Wipe with a cloth or sponge—especially if boots were wet or muddy inside. Dry with a towel or let it air dry with the zippers open.
5. Deodorize (Optional but Recommended): Sprinkle baking soda inside and let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it out. Or use a fabric-safe spray like Febreze or Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Always air dry. Avoid dryers or direct heat (which can warp plastic or waterproof coatings). Hang it or leave it open in a well-ventilated area.
Plan and prep après-ski meals in advance
Stock your freezer with hearty soups, chili, or one-pan bakes that are easy to reheat after a long day outside. Après doesn’t have to be complicated—just warm, comforting, and ready when you walk through the door. Use our handy digital Ski Moms Cookbook for inspiration. It’s $8.99 and you get a PDF file to print or save. Some of our favorites are in here.
Hit the slopes with early deals
December is prime time for early-season promotions on lift tickets and gear, especially during midweek and non-holiday periods. Take advantage of lower crowds and discounted rates to warm up those ski legs and ease into the season. Right now Alterra Mountains have a KIDS SKI FREE deal going on. Yep. it’s a free one-day lift ticket for kiddos–no strings attached at 13 mountains on the Ikon Pass. No pass required for the kids (but you’ll probably need one adult to supervise. Get the details here. Ski Haus (one of our favorites) is offering a free pass to Tenney Mountain and Cranmore for kids, look for other deals like this and get started. Check out the lease deal here.
Add ski-themed holiday decor to your home
Bring your love of the mountains indoors with festive touches like vintage ski prints, alpine-inspired garlands, or gear-as-decor moments. It’s a simple way to blend holiday spirit with your family’s favorite winter pastime. Head here for some of my favorites.
Share your ski days with the community
Post your favorite family ski moments and tag fellow Ski Moms to inspire and connect with others hitting the slopes this season. Whether it’s a powder day selfie or a snack break in the lodge, your stories help grow the vibrant community of ski-loving families. I love the idea of a ski-themed holiday card sharing favorite photo of your family skiing . Minted has a ton of photo-cards you can personalize with ski themes on them. Check out my favorites here.
With a bit of planning and the right tools in your ski mom arsenal, December can feel less chaotic and more exhilarating. Tackle the checklist early so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking in the snowy moments that make the season magical. Here’s to fresh powder, happy kids, and smooth ski days ahead.
The post December Ski Moms Checklist appeared first on Mom Trends.
​Â
