It may be 60 degrees outside as I am writing this, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start getting ready for ski season. Opening weekend is just around the corner, and there is snow in the forecast! I could shed a tear, I’m so excited for this warm weather to bid its final adieu so we can get back to what we’re all here for: sliding on the snow. There are a few things I (and I’m assuming some of you) still need to do.
Tune Your Skis
With the season rapidly approaching, you’re going to want your gear in tip top shape. Don’t be like me last year and need a quick turnaround to avoid missing the first weekend of skiing. You can get your skis tuned with us or around the valley at any of the great options. Below, find many of the options in the valley.
Farmhouse Demo, Rental, & Tune Shop – Get excited for the season by dropping off your equipment on the mountain! Stop by the 2nd floor of The Farmhouse at Lincoln Peak for any type of tune or wax you need. For the locals, we’ve got some great Tune Punch Cards to save you some dough. Oh, did we mention we do overnight tuning?
Mountainside Ski Service Inc.- Since 1995, Mountainside Ski Service has devoted itself to being the best full service alpine ski shop it can be. Conveniently located in Sugarbush Village at the base of Lincoln Peak, they will take care of all your needs and then some!
Alpine Operations– Alpine Options offers a complete range of tuning and mounting services. From a simple fresh coat of wax to the most complex ski repairs and binding mounts, they do it all. While there, be sure to check-out their Wintersteiger Scout automated tuner and Wax Future system!
VT North Ski Shop– This premier ski shop for the East Coast offers full service ski and snowboard tuning. No reservations needed. Walk ins welcome. Overnight tuning available.
Splinters (Snowboarders Only)– Get your board tuned and pickup any other last-minute gear you need at Splinters. This snowboard and skateboard shop is a staple to the valley.
| Shop | Days Open | Hours |
| Sugarbush Farmhouse | Opening 11/11 weekdays only | 9:30am-4:30pm |
| Mountainside Ski Service Inc. | Saturday+Sunday until Sugarbush opens. | 10am-4pm |
| Alpine Operations | Everyday | Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 9am-5pm |
| Splinters | Thursday-Sunday | Thu-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 9am-5pm |
| VT North Ski Shop | Pre-season: Friday-Sunday | Fri 10am-4:30pm Sat 9:30am-4:30pm Sun 9:30am-4:00pm |
Sort Your Tickets and Passes
There are a whole slew of different types of tickets and season passes this year. If you want a full breakdown, head to this blog post. Get your bearings, make your choice, and get ahead of it so you can enjoy your day on the mountain stress free.
Pro Tip: If you don’t already have a SugarXpress Card, you’re going to need one. Instead of getting held up at the ticket window, head to our online store to purchase and pre-load whatever you get onto the card so you can skip the line. If you need to pick up your SugarXpress card, head to a Pick-up Kiosks (top left photo), located at the base of both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen with your confirmation code. Kiosks can be used to pick up your season passes as well.
Get Your Gear Together
Don’t wait till the night before to drag your gear out. Pull it out now. Actually, stop reading this, go get your gear together, and then come back and keep reading. Deal?
Welcome back. Hopefully you have all the pieces, and if not, now you know what you need to find or get. You’re welcome. 😉 All of the places listed above also have great gear options. Head over to any of the experts to get yourself new gloves, boots, goggles, and anything else you might need. Or head to a ski swap to find some sweet deals.
Ski Swaps
Ski swaps are an awesome way to sell and buy gear while avoiding those high prices. You may not get the exact color you’re looking for, but it’s a great option for people on a budget and for kids who are outgrowing skis each year. The Waitsfield Elementary School Ski and Skate Sale is November 14th from 9am-4pm. You can also get early access at 8am for $10. All proceeds benefit the Waitsfield Elementary School so come shop and help out the community as well. It’s a win win!
Do a Fitness Check
Now hopefully you’ve all stayed active throughout the off season, but regardless of what you’ve been doing it’s always good to check in with your body. Don’t let that first walk from the parking lot to the hill with your gear leave you winded. It’s time to start adding some stretches and specific strength exercises into your routine to get yourself as prepped as possible to keep you on the slopes all day. You can check out my blog here for some ski/snowboard specific exercises that can help.
We also have a wonderful fitness center on the mountain where you can do all of this and more! Check out the SHaRC and all it has to offer to get your body prepped for the season ahead.
Book Your Trip
The last step in this checklist is to lock in those dates and book your trip! We’ve got plenty of options on the mountain and in the valley to stay at. Check out our hotel options here or go rogue and find something that suits your wants and/or needs! When you stay with us, lift tickets start at $99/day. Lodging is also 50% in the month of December. Do I sense a Holiday getaway in your future?
Pro Tip: We have tons of events throughout the season. Take a peek at the calendar and plan your trip around one of our DJ and Laser Light Shows or our competitions like the Side Surfers Banked Slalom
That’s the checklist! Once everything’s checked off, there’s only one thing left to do: celebrate. Join us for The Big Kicker on Saturday, November 21st, the party that officially kicks off the season. Bring your friends, bring your good vibes, and let’s get this winter started the right way. See you there! ❄️
