What is the seating arrangement on the bus?
The first couple of rows are reserved for leaders. Other than that, you may choose any empty seat. The seat you have on the bus trip up, however, may not be the seat you have for the rest of the trip. We expect all our participants to honor any personal belongings left to hold a seat. If you need to change your seat, ask others politely, or ask a leader for help.

What should I pack?
Check the weather for the ski areas you are going to (click here for some links to weather sites) and plan on bringing appropriate ski clothes and equipment as well as after ski wear. Don't forget to bring a bathing suit if your trip has a pool, hot tub, or jacuzzi. (Check the trip description for information.) Group activities and meals are informal.

Will we stop for dinner on the way up, or should I bring my own meal?
About half way up we will make a rest stop, but it is not a dinner stop. Expect enough time to visit the bathroom and grab a quick snack. Many people bring a sandwich and snacks for the trip up, or you can buy food nearby if there is time after you check in.

Generally speaking, how long are the bus trips?
Our day trips to Windham are about 2 1/2 hours from the city. The trips to Stratton and killington are between 5 and 6 hours; to Stowe is about 7 hours and to Lake Placid is just about 6 1/2 hours. The ride between our hotels and the ski areas can range from 5 minutes to almost 45 minutes, depending on which group gets dropped-off or picked-up last. Snow storms, rain, and traffic can add to the trip time, of course.

What is a typical day like?
We usually rise early for breakfast and aim to be out of the hotel before 8:30. The leaders announce the day's plans durring breakfast and on the bus, going to ski. Sometimes leaders suggest plans for a group to meet for lunch or for an adventure on the trails. When we arrive at the area, we purchase lift or trail tickets, and then you are free to ski either on your own or with an informal group. You can also opt to sign up for a lesson with the ski center or demo some new gear. The bus will pick you up at the designated time to take you back to the hotel. There is usually some time before dinner to relax; check the trip description for information about a hot tub or swimming pool. Sometimes we make plans for a Saturday night out.

I'm a vegetarian - can you accommodate me?
Yes, we do arrange vegetarian meals, but we need to know this in advance. Be sure to check this option on the trip reservation form, and check with the trip leader if there is any concern.

What time do we get up in the morning?
This varies from trip to trip - depending on what time we get in the night before, and what the day's conditions are expected to be. You can be sure that we will start early enough to get maximum ski time. If you want to sleep in, make sure you tell the leader the night before; otherwise, we expect you on the bus at the prescribed time. In some cases, there are ways to arrange getting to the ski area on your own (taxi or shuttle bus), but generally speaking if you miss the bus, you miss out.

What do we do about lunch?
All the areas we go to have some kind of cafeteria, snack bar, or restaurant. Some people also just bring snacks from home. Lunches are not included in the trip price.

What time is dinner?
This varies from trip to trip; the leader will make an announcement as to exact time, generally on the way home from the ski area.

Will I have time to go into town?
Most trips let you take advantage of a local shuttle system that runs to and from the ski area and town. Occasionally we can drop people off in town on the way back from skiing, and they can get back to the hotel on their own before dinner.

This is my first time skiing - what should I wear?
Dress in layers. Start with long underwear made of material that wicks sweat from your body (never wear cotton). The next layer depends on your sport - are you going to be at the downhill area, where you may be sitting on a cold lift, or are you going to be skiing cross country, where you are constantly active? Downhill skiers will need heavier layers, like fleece and a ski jacket, while cross country skiers need light layers and a windbreaker. A good hat and gloves and a neck warmer are a must. If you have questions on what to wear given your wardrobe, ask us and a volunteer will give you specific advice. Many retailers offer advice through their web sites.

I'm not really in good physical condition - is that okay?
You should be in generally good health, but you can pace yourself or ski only half a day if you feel out of shape. If you haven't been physically active lately, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor.

Do I have to ski all day?
No. Ski an hour or ski 6 hours - it's up to you. Just don't decide to go out with a group that may be more ambitious or keeps a faster pace than you would like to ski. Also, be sure to be back with plenty of time to make the bus.

What happens if I am injured?
The ski areas have a ski patrol and first aid station. If you are helped by the ski patrol, let them know you are with the Ski & Snowboard Club of New York. If you've been hurt, tell the leader of your trip as soon as possible. Should you need medical help, the club is NOT responsible for transportation or any medical costs incurred.

What if I need instruction?
All the ski areas we go to have professional ski schools that can help get you started. Most areas even have beginner packages that will give you a group lesson with your ski rental at a special rate, and many areas have advanced instruction.

I don't want to ski alone; do you ski in groups?
There are often groups that go out together in the morning. This is an informal arrangement - just ask around to match your interests and abilities. You can also ask your group leader for guidance. In addition, listen in the morning to announcements on the bus - your leader may plan an organized group trip.

What should I bring on the trail with me? Should I carry a backpack?
Along the trail, you may need snacks, water, lip balm, and a way to carry any extra layers; this can usually be accomplished with a fanny pack. Unless you are going back country skiing, a backpack is not necessary and may throw you off balance.

How much are the ski rentals?
The leader usually announces this on the trip, but expect to pay about $20 for cross country skis, boots, and poles, and about $30 for snowboards and boots, and downhill skis, boots, and poles. Some areas offer a special rental rate with instruction.

How much are the lift tickets and trail fees? Is it included in the price of the trip?
Trail fees at cross country areas vary from about $10-$18; lift tickets at the downhill areas range between $50-$70, with holiday weekends being more expensive. In order to qualify for a group rate, we usually collect fees on the bus, so expect to bring enough cash (no checks or credit cards) to cover the weekend. Check trip descriptions to see if the lift pass is included in the price of the trip. (For ski rentals, you are on your own.)

Is the lift ticket or trail fee included in the price of the trip?
Check the trip description to see if the lift/trail pass is included in the price of the trip. If not, then you should bring enough cash to cover this (see the question above).

Are snowshoe rentals available?
Often, but not always. You may wish to contact the nordic ski area first for information about this (see our links page for specific areas) or ask us if you want to do this on a specific trip.

Do I need goggles?
For downhill skiing you will definitely want goggles; for cross country skiing you are fine with a pair of sun glasses.

How cold does it get?
You may wish to check the weather before packing. We have had trips in the past where it was extremely cold. Other trips have had daytime temperatures in the 40's. Plan ahead by looking at http://www.weather.com. If you arrive on a trip and do not have the proper cold weather gear, you can often purchase items at the ski area (for inflated prices, of course!). Also, please keep in mind that although the temperature may be mild, you will be outside for quite a while and there may be a wind chill factor.