President’s Day weekend is the Super Bowl of ski season. It’s one of the busiest ski weekends of the year, when families, college students, and every level of skier head to the mountains for a long winter getaway. We want this guide to not just help your family survive…but to thrive!
For moms managing the logistics, it can either be a magical family ski vacation—or a crowded, chaotic marathon of lift lines, ski school drop-offs, and mid-mountain meltdowns.
If you’re navigating skiing with kids for the first time—or just need a refresher—be sure to review our essential guide to making ski school drop-off a success. A smooth start sets the tone for the entire holiday weekend.
At Momtrends, we believe smart planning equals stylish, stress-free fun. Here’s your strategic guide to navigating a President’s Day ski trip with confidence, fewer tantrums, and maximum mountain time.
1. Start With a Full Ski Gear Check (Before You Pack)
If you haven’t tried on ski boots, snow pants, base layers, and helmets since November, now is the time.
Kids grow. Teenagers change sizes. Gloves mysteriously disappear.
Before you leave:
- Try on all ski clothing and ski boots.
- Check helmet fit and goggle straps.
- Label everything.
- Borrow or swap sizes with friends if needed.
- Lay it all out near the front door for easy loading.
Pro tip: Avoid loading ski boots into the car overnight. Cold, frozen boots are a brutal way to start a ski day. Keep them warm indoors and bring them out last.
2. Pick Up Ski Rentals Early (Off-Mountain If Possible)
President’s Day weekend means long rental lines.
Whenever possible:
- Reserve ski rentals in advance.
- Pick up equipment the night before (many shops allow late-afternoon pickup without charging an extra day).
- Choose an off-mountain ski shop to avoid base area congestion.
This one move can save you 30–60 minutes on a peak morning.
3. Ski Early. Call It Early.
The best skiing on a busy holiday weekend is almost always 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Fresh snow. Shorter lift lines. Happier kids.
Have a simple, hearty breakfast ready to go—overnight oats, egg muffins, or slow cooker oatmeal. Fuel up and get out the door quickly.
By late morning:
- Ski school lessons begin.
- Lift lines swell.
- Crowds increase.
If your children are enrolled in ski school, preparation makes all the difference. We’ve shared our best advice in this guide to making ski school drop-off a success, including what to pack, how early to arrive, and how to avoid first-day tears.
A smart strategy? Ski hard in the morning, then transition to lunch and downtime by 11:30 a.m. Secure a table before the rush or let ski school handle lunch while you recharge. Then head to the cross country trails for more skiing or maybe snowshoeing.
4. Consider a Private Ski Guide
If your budget allows, a private ski guide can be the ultimate busy weekend hack.
Why?
- Guides often use ski school lift lines.
- You save 15–20 minutes per lift.
- You access insider knowledge of terrain and timing.
Requesting a guide by name can also improve your chances of getting a top instructor—and they’re often thrilled to be specifically requested.
On a holiday weekend, time is everything.
5. Study the Resort Map Before You Go
Not all ski resorts are laid out the same.
Some require gondolas from parking. Others have multiple base areas. Larger mountains like Okemo or Stowe demand strategic planning.
Before arrival:
- Review the resort map online.
- Confirm your base area.
- Establish a designated family meeting spot.
Phones die quickly in cold weather. Reception can be limited. A predetermined meeting location prevents end-of-day stress.
6. Pack Smart Snacks (Yes, Even the Candy)
President’s Day weekend is not the time to fight every nutrition battle.
Long lift lines + hungry kids = meltdowns.
Strategic snack packing might include:
- Trail mix
- Protein bars
- Fruit snacks
- A few emergency M&Ms or Skittles
Think of it as crowd management through morale boosting.
7. Plan Dinner Before You’re Exhausted
Holiday weekends mean packed restaurants—and occasionally, pizza shops that run out of pizza.
If you’re staying in a condo:
- Prep a slow cooker meal in advance. There are lots of ideas in our Ski Moms Cookbook here.
- Freeze ingredients at home and transport ready-to-cook.
- Have a backup plan for takeout.
- Make reservations early if dining out.
Counterintuitively, staying in for dinner can feel more relaxing than navigating crowded resort restaurants. Open a bottle of wine, let the kids unwind, and enjoy a slower pace.
8. Build in Après-Ski Alternatives
When the mountain gets crowded in the afternoon, pivot.
Many ski resorts offer:
- Snow tubing
- Ice skating
- Mountain coasters
- Indoor pools
- Family-friendly activities
The final afternoon of a long weekend—especially on Monday—can also be surprisingly quiet as travelers head home. If your schedule allows, that’s prime ski time.
9. Add Small Surprises to Elevate the Trip
A little magic goes a long way.
Bring:
- A new ski-themed children’s book
- A small LEGO set
- A family puzzle
These small additions create cozy downtime moments and build anticipation for the next ski day.
10. The Ultimate Insider Tip: Ski Midweek When You Can
If you can manage it, consider pulling the kids out of school for a midweek ski day later in the season.
Midweek skiing offers:
- Shorter lift lines
- Quieter lodges
- Better instruction ratios
- A more relaxed overall experience
President’s Day weekend can be exciting—but midweek skiing is transformative.
Final Word: Plan Smart, Ski Early, Stay Flexible
A President’s Day ski trip doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With strategic planning, early mornings, smart food prep, and realistic expectations, your family ski vacation can be both stylish and stress-free.
At Momtrends, we’re all about helping moms stay smart—and stylish—even in ski boots.
Wishing you fresh tracks, short lift lines, and plenty of cocoa breaks this holiday weekend.
The post President’s Day Ski Trip Survival Guide: Smart Tips for Families to Beat the Crowds and Maximize Mountain Time appeared first on Mom Trends.
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