Ski Resorts
How They Work and What to Expect

Here's a bit about how ski resorts work and what to expect. Maybe you're new to skiing. Or maybe you're headed to the slopes on a different continent for the first time and want to know what's different.


Ski Lodges

Are you a parent with a toddler who isn't old enough to ski? Or a grandparent who doesn't ski but wants to enjoy the atmosphere while your family pops in and out?

Answer? Ski Lodges. With lockers, glove-dryers, cafeterias, and free seating, they're a great part of skiing in North America. Practically every ski resort has one. (more info)


Lift Tickets & Ski Passes

A day pass or a season's pass? Mid-week or no blackout dates? A lift, lesson & rental package? What ski lift ticket should you buy?

Lift ticket packages and prices vary from resort to resort but here are some standard guidelines. Plus, some discounts to look for. (more info)


Ski Lessons

Ski resorts almost always have a ski school. For children, for adults. For skiers, for snowboarders. For all levels.

Ski schools offer private lessons or group classes, as well as multi-day ski clinics. If you're a beginner, resorts usually offer lesson packages, which include equipment rentals and lift tickets. (more info)


Ski Equipment Rentals

Ski and snowboard rentals are a standard part of ski resorts. Rental departments carry the basic equipment needed—skis, boots, poles and usually helmets.

For beginners, renting at the resort is a good option. If you're further along, you may want to consider buying. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of each. (more info)


Ski Maps & Ski Run Grading

All ski resorts print pocket-sized maps of their ski runs and base areas. Plus, most have their maps online so you can check out the ski mountain ahead of time.

Ski runs are graded, but from resort to resort, country to country, there are some differences. The symbols are pretty much the same, but they don't tell the whole story. (more info)


Ski Chair Lifts, Ski Gondolas & Cable Cars

From chairs and cable cars to funitels and t-bars, ski resorts use a variety of lifts to transport you up the slopes.

This section covers what a button lift is, how surface lifts differ from chairs, what detachable means in terms of ski lifts, and more. (read more)


Ski Vacation Packages

Some skiers like to pay as you go. Others want a no-hassle, all-inclusive package.

Many resorts offer ski vacation packages called stay and ski deals. These include accommodation and lift tickets. In areas where there are multiple ski mountains, some packages allow skiers a choice of which slopes to head for.


Ski Deals & Discounts

Many resorts offer a lot of deals and discounts besides their standard lift tickets and passes. But they are not always obvious.

Check out our Ski Deals page to see what kind of discount you might be able to get. Then check your resort's website. Or better yet, ask when you get there. (more info)


Child Care

Are you a parent with a young child? Don't let that keep you off the slopes. Daycare is a standard service at most ski resorts.

Some operate as part of the ski school and have minimum age requirements. Others are full-service child care centers. Read about your options.


First Tracks

If you like skiing in untracked powder, you might be interested in hitting the mountain before everyone else. And you can.

Most resorts have a first tracks service. This means you pay a bit more to head out before the general public with a guide. Literally making the first tracks on the mountain. Why do it? (more info)

Guiding Services

Some ski areas are huge and a guided tour of the mountain would be nice. Many resorts use volunteers to offer just such a service.

Usually called mountain guides or hosts, they offer complimentary tours of the mountain. You'll learn which runs are crowded, which lifts are fastest and where you can find the closest bathroom or place for a hot drink. Read on for how to book a tour.


Skiers Responsibility Code

Ski resorts do have some rules. Some are to ensure a profit for the resort (like requiring a valid lift ticket). Others are to keep guests safe (like giving way to people in front of you).

The Skiers Responsibility Code is the equivalent to the rules of the road. Knowing when to give way, controlling your speed, riding the lifts safely are just a few. Read the full code here.


Help on the Slopes

This means the kind of help you'll hopefully not need. Ski Patrol helps when you get hurt or find yourself in a pickle.

Patrollers can be recognized by the cross (usually white) on their jackets or packs. If you carry a two-way radio and need help, you can usually turn to certain channel for help.


Ski Storage

If you're not staying right next to the slopes, carrying your skis and boots to and from the mountain can be a pain.

Some resorts offer overnight ski storage, especially if you've rented your equipment on site. Or, if you're headed to the same resort every weekend, you can also take advantage of season lockers...for a fee.


Country Specific Info

How ski resorts work depends a bit on which country you're skiing in. Two easy examples—base lodges and ski run grading.

Skiing in the USA and skiing in Canada is a tad different to skiing in France. And of course, Skiing New Zealand is an altogether different season.

Click on the highlighted links for an overview of each, plus a list of some of the country's main resorts.


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