• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Because the Family that Skis Together, Enjoys Life Together.
  • Home
  • About
    • Awards
    • Featured Author
    • Brand Ambassador
  • Brave Ski Mom Stickers
  • Contact Me

The Brave Ski Mom

Building a new generation of skiers and snowboarders.

  • Skiing
    • Skiing With Kids
    • Ski Racing
    • Learn to Ski
    • Cross Country Skiing
    • Telemark Skiing
    • Snowboarding
  • Ski Resort Reviews
    • United States
      • Alaska
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Idaho
      • Maine
      • Massachusetts
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Montana
      • Nevada
      • New Hampshire
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • Pennsylvania
      • Utah
      • Vermont
      • Washington
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Bulgaria
    • Canada
    • Chile
    • France
    • Finland
    • Greece
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
  • Ski Gear Checklist and Recommendations
    • Equipment and Gear
    • Product Reviews
    • Brave Ski Mom Stickers
  • Hiking
    • Camping
  • Biking
    • Downhill Biking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Road Biking
  • Good Stuff
    • Parenting
    • Health
      • Getting in Shape
    • Reflections

All That You Can’t Leave Behind (Part Two)

November 16, 2010 by braveskimom

Last week, I shared with you some of the skiing essentials, which, in my opinion, you simply cannot leave behind.  Today, I present the remainder of my list: Five more items which most skiing families should ever be without.  Enjoy!

Wool Base Layers: Still wearing polypropylene?  Love the stench at the end of the day?  Free yourself from petro-stink and go au natural with wool.  I bought my first wool base layer top four years ago on Steep ‘n’ Cheap and I’ll never look back.  We are an all-wool, all-the-time family now and the ride home from skiing is much more pleasant.  Next summer do yourself a favor and pick up a wool running or biking jersey.  You’ll love it!

Camelbak: I love this ubiquitous personal hydration system in the summer and three seasons ago I started skiing with the small, winter version. I would never go hiking or biking without water. Why would I ski without water?  I quickly found that when I feel tired or a bit shaky on the lift, it is not a lack of food or energy, but dehydration.  Suck down some water and I’m good for another hour of skiing.  My pack is tiny – carries water and maybe an energy bar. I don’t even know I’m wearing it.  My husband got a larger winter Camelbak that has straps to hold his skis for the hike up Highlands Bowl.  And when we gets there, yep, he rewards himself with a drink.

Lunch, not lunch money: We ski over 40 days each season.  We have to save money on food.  Luckily, many ski resorts have picnic tables, either at the base or strategically placed on the mountain for brown-baggers.  (Heck, Copper Mountain even has a BBQ near  one of their mid-mountain tables. I have never seen anyone use it, but why not bring some dogs and briquettes and throw a party?)

Depending upon the weather, and how much we can fit in our pockets and camelbaks, we are fond of PBJ (the perfect pocket sandwich), carrots, ham and turkey on “thin” buns (they don’t smash and they don’t fill you up with bread) and of course, M&Ms. I once heard a story about a college classmate who was determined to improve his skiing by skiing all day, every day  he could, without stopping for lunch. He supposedly filled his pockets with dry oatmeal which he munched on the lift.  Delicious!

Cell phones: I know that families used to ski without phones and could find each other at the end of the day.  But with active and independent  boys, we have found it much easier to make sure everyone has a phone and the phone is turned on. We still arrange a meeting place and time if we get split up, but for ease and peace of mind, cell phones for all work great (so long as there is coverage…can you hear me now?)

Money for Lessons: I know that there are parents who have successfully taught their children to ski.  I know there are adults who have successfully taught their spouses  to ski. However, the disasters far outweigh the success stories.  Unless you have taught skiing and have PSIA cred, do everyone a favor and let the experts take over.

Just one example: two seasons ago, my husband and I met a very nice couple from Arkansas in a hot tub in Crested Butte. This was their first weekend away as a couple since their children were born.  She had never skied before.  He had skied quite a bit, but not for many years. He asked my husband “where should I take my wife first?” My husband answered, “to the ski school desk to sign up for lessons.”  They laughed. The next day, we saw the wife in the lobby of the hotel sporting a new, full-leg cast acquired after the first run with hubby.  She should have gone to ski school.

© 2010, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.

Spread the Love (thanks!)

  • Email
  • Print
  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr

Related

Filed Under: Equipment and Gear Tagged With: camelbak, cell phones, copper mountain, Family Skiing, lunch, ski equipment, ski gear, ski school, skiing, wool base layers

Primary Sidebar

2023-2024 Partners

FERA
World Snow Day
FERA

Welcome

I'm Kristen, a western Colorado mom, wife and trail boss in a busy outdoor family. Our family has a passion for skiing and my goal is to provide information to help other families enjoy their skiing adventures. Whether you have tiny toddlers just learning to slide or grown children with whom you're planning a reunion, you're in the right place. Cheers!

Never Miss a Post

Enter your email address to subscribe. You'll receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Me

FacebookInstagram Pinterest Twitter

Today’s Most Popular Posts

  • No Snow? No Problem: Summer Skiing in North America
    No Snow? No Problem: Summer Skiing in North America
  • Catching Up with US Ski Team Legend Ted Ligety
    Catching Up with US Ski Team Legend Ted Ligety
  • Bravery 101: Chairlift Safety for Parents and Kids
    Bravery 101: Chairlift Safety for Parents and Kids
  • Pick Ups Made Easy: The Kinderlift Ski Vest for Kids
    Pick Ups Made Easy: The Kinderlift Ski Vest for Kids
  • Ski Vacation 101: Feeding the Family
    Ski Vacation 101: Feeding the Family
  • Ski Fashion Preview: Women's Ski Jackets, Sorel Boots and More (Obermeyer Giveaway)
    Ski Fashion Preview: Women's Ski Jackets, Sorel Boots and More (Obermeyer Giveaway)

Categories

Footer

Recent Tweets

My Tweets

Featured In

snowlink world snow day snowkidz
liftopia mtn town learn to ski and snowboard mom trends
Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · Affiliate Disclosure · Product Review & Giveaway Policy · Guest Post Policy · Privacy Policy · Login
 

Loading Comments...