You just booked your ski condo and now the next step is to find a way to get your skis and gear there! There are quite a few things to think about when traveling with so much gear, so weigh all the options first, and then decide what will work best for you and your family.

Fly: Check your ski bag!

Most airlines will allow you to check a ski or board bag for the same price as a regular piece of luggage, which is a great low-cost option for getting your gear to your destination. However, check before you book as some airlines charge baggage fees. Also, don’t forget to weigh your luggage; keep it under 50 pounds to avoid excess weight charges.

You can pack your gear in hard sided sports tubes, these really do protect the gear well but can often be bulky and unwieldy. Most ski shops sell soft covers for skis or boards that are reasonably priced and offer sufficient protection. You can also wrap the skis in bubble wrap or plastic for added protection. Another option is to pack your clothes inside the bag… your jacket also doubles as packing material!

How to get to the Resort from the airport

Once you arrive at the airport, you need to decide how you and your team will get up the mountain to the resort. Most car rental companies have vehicles that come equipped with ski racks or boxes. You may also want to request 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to ensure you get there safely and worry-free, even if you run into snow!

Shuttle services are also common and will usually drop you off right at your lodging destination. Most airport transfers offer better rates for larger groups of people, so if you bring the whole family, the cost per person will be less. Be sure to schedule your transportation in advance and make a reservation. Shuttle buses are a great option because you leave all the driving to someone else, especially on an unfamiliar road with winter driving conditions that you may not be used to. Just sit back and enjoy the views…or take a nap!

Keystone, Colorado has an amazing free bus transit system that will take you anywhere you need to go, whether it’s the slopes, shopping malls or dining out, making it easy to survive without a vehicle. You can rent a condo in town and everything you need will be within walking distance. You don’t necessarily need to have a car in the high country!

Sending your equipment to its destination

An easy way to avoid airport hassles is to ship your skis or board directly to the accommodation company. Although it may cost a bit more, you may take comfort in the fact that you can insure the package and even track it. Get a sports tube or stop by a local sports store to see if they have cardboard boxes for skis. Most hosting companies have a simple procedure for accepting shipments and some may even go the extra mile and have your equipment waiting in your room upon check-in. Summit County has a few companies that specialize in shipping skis and snowboards.

Rent your gear instead!

If you don’t have your own gear or don’t want the hassle of traveling with it, another convenient option is to rent your gear from a local store once you arrive at your destination. It’s easy to find discounts on ski rentals; Be sure to ask your hosting company if they partner with any of the rental stores. You’ll find that the stores have experts on hand to provide excellent service and advice and will tailor to your interests and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line demo ski or just getting started on the bunny slopes, the store will have exactly what you need to enjoy the snow. Be sure to make a reservation in advance so they can be prepared for your arrival.

When you rent equipment, you can also choose your ski based on the conditions of the slopes. Did you have a lot of snow last night? Grab their thickest powder ski! Ski new groomers? Look for a stiffer, faster ski. It’s easy to change skis based on that day’s conditions and this will help you ski or ride to the best of your ability. Better yet, bring your own boots and rent skis! If you bring your own skis you may only be able to take 1 pair and you will have to take a chance on the weather, we all know how unreliable forecasts can sometimes be!

As you can see, there’s a lot of planning involved in a ski trip, but it’s worth it: When you finally arrive at the resort, everything will be ready and you can head straight for the slopes. The key is to be prepared and have a plan. Keystone Resort in Colorado boasts incredible ski terrain, one of the longest ski days (Night Skiing Rocks!), and is family-friendly with events and activities like Keystone Kidtopia, snow-tubing, ice-skating, and a veritable snow fort on top of the mountain!