How to Plan a Big Ski Trip, Part 2: The Details That Make It Happen
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This is Part II of how to plan a great ski trip; read Part I Here>>
You’ve got the crew. You’ve picked the zone. The flights are booked. But how do you actually pull off a big ski trip? This is the nitty gritty: packing lists, travel logistics, meal planning, and staying psyched through the midweek energy dip.
1. Choose a Trip Planner (Or a Few Designated Roles)
Every trip needs someone to take the lead. This doesn’t mean controlling every detail, but it does mean keeping things moving. A little organization from the top down can help folks stay aligned and organized, without pushing into overbearing territory, of course. Sometimes, a little delegation goes a long way. Have one person book the car, another run point on guide communication, and another manage the grocery list. It’s a fun, inclusive way to play to people’s strengths while staying organized.
Some helpful tools to get the group on the same page and out the chalet door include:
- A shared Google Doc or Notion board for itinerary, lodging, car rentals, and weather links.
-A WhatsApp or Signal thread to keep communication centralized.
- Venmo or Splitwise to track shared costs in real time.
2. Plan Food You Actually Want to Eat
If you're doing a hut trip or camping-based mission, food matters. A lot. Don’t skimp on meals, whether that’s portions or what you’ll be cooking. A long day in the mountains, day after day, requires a different appetite than that when sitting behind a computer screen. Plan food that will be enjoyable, rewarding, and nourishing for fueling tomorrow’s adventure.
Keep in mind:
- Plan simple, hearty breakfasts and DIY lunches that can fit in a jacket pocket.
- Go heavy on snacks: nuts, jerky, bars, chocolate.
- Bring one or two “wow” dinners (like pad thai, risotto, or curry) and save them for the midweek slump.
If you’re lucky like Thor, maybe you’ve got a chef friend named Matteo who bakes you a wedding cake in the mountains. If not, plan ahead—freeze meals, pre-chop ingredients, and don’t forget a spice kit.
Food at Thor and Tay's hut trip wedding Credit - Tufts, Retzlaff, Zehren
3. Gear Strategy
Big trips mean big packing decisions. This is the true make-or-break part of a trip, and your gear strategy should be both individual and group based.
Make sure your own basics are covered: skis, boots, poles, helmet, goggles—at the very list. If you’ll be touring, tack on beacon, shovel, probe to that list, as well as skins, repair kit, headlamp and multiple gloves/mittens. YOu’ll be thankful for layers for variable weather, and some comfy après gear.
Check out the Renoun team's favorite gear here>>
Once your basics are dialed in, it’s time to consult the group. Not everyone needs to bring a Jetboil. Make sure your group list is covered, and then make sure what you said you’ll bring actually makes it into your pack.
In the very common case of forgetting an item, there’s always the opportunity to hit up a rental shop or a gear shop found in most mountain towns. Be warned, though: it might cost you a pretty penny.
Credit - Ahlberg
Credit - Ahlberg
4. Stay Psyched (and Sane)
Credit - @fenlonphoto
Halfway through a big trip, people get tired, hungry, sore, and occasionally cranky. Here’s how to stay stoked:
- Pack a tiny luxury (think book, board game, mini speaker).
- Create small rituals: a morning coffee ceremony, group stretch, or hot seat storytelling. Something that feels low stakes but creates a bit of bonding goes a long way when folks get tired. The key here is not to force it. There’s nothing that kills a buzz faster than feeling like you’re part of a group project on your vacation.
- Let go of “perfect days.” They’re unicorn days and often, the more you push for it, the farther out of grasp they are. Real, slightly chaotic, bluebird-to-whiteout ski days? When you lost a ski then someone dug it out after an hour looking together? Those are the ones you’ll remember.
Credit - Lauzon, Jauvin
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re skiing in Sweden, celebrating love in the British Columbia backcountry, or just trying to make the most of your one week off, a big ski trip isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about going deep with good people in beautiful places. And letting skiing be the thing that pulls it all together.
Why Trust the Renoun Reviews Team?
Renoun Skis Reviews team has over a decade of ski design and manufacturing experience, and decades of combined ski-industry experience ranging from certified PSIA ski instructors to shop technicians, racers, and coaches. We also have a deep passion for and love of all things skiing. The team utilizes this experience to provide unparalleled reviews that dive deep to help guide your purchase for just about any ski-related item and help inform you of any ski-focused tips and tricks about maintenance, on-hill performance, and even the best places to enjoy your Après-Ski. Through written and video content, the Renoun Skis Reviews team is here to help inform you on all things ski-related.
Our team curates recommendations based on an intensive research and review process and leverages our unique expertise in the industry. A product must be exceptional in quality and have unique features to qualify for consideration in our review process. For all tips and tricks, all advice is based on on-hill and ski manufacturing knowledge, as well as intensive research to ensure accuracy and help skiers like you stay informed.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at info@renoun.com.
Credit - Lucy Higgins
The Author: Lucy Higgins
Lucy is a seasoned editor and writer with a background in magazine publishing and creative directing. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief at Backcountry Magazine, she now works as a freelance writer and editor.
When Lucy's not at a desk, she can be found running, skiing, and spending time with her toddler.
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