| Let's face it, packing for a beach vacation is a walk in | | | | far it has to go. You may even find that shipping |
| the park compared to packing for a ski vacation. | | | | your equipment to yourself is cheaper than paying |
| With a beach vacation you drop a few pairs of | | | | the airline for the extra baggage. |
| shorts and tops and your swimsuit into your bag and | | | | Besides your equipment, ski clothes and other warm |
| you're ready to go. | | | | winter wear, what else must you pack for your ski |
| Not so for a ski vacation. If you're bringing your own | | | | vacation? Well, here's where packing for a beach |
| ski equipment you have your skis, boots, poles and | | | | vacation and packing for a ski vacation is similar. For |
| bulky ski pants and jacket. What's a ski enthusiast to | | | | both types of vacations you need to make sure you |
| do? | | | | bring your sun block. Many people make the mistake |
| If you're driving to a nearby ski resort or area, | | | | of thinking they're out on the snow and don't need |
| packing all that equipment isn't much of a problem. | | | | protection. When the sunlight reflects from the snow |
| But, if you're flying on your ski vacation, there are a | | | | and hits your skin you could end up with a nasty |
| couple options which will make the packing much | | | | sunburn, so do lotion up before skiing. Also, you want |
| easier. | | | | to make sure your lips are protected with a good lip |
| First, you might want to consider leaving your ski | | | | balm. |
| equipment at home and renting your boots, skis and | | | | In addition, as with a beach vacation, you want to |
| poles at the resort. Of course, you may be the type | | | | make sure to stay hydrated. Again, many people |
| to be horrified at the thought of using rented | | | | think they don't need as much water because it's not |
| equipment. But, you might want to weigh your | | | | hot. Wrong! When you engage in any activity for an |
| discomfort with the hassle and inconvenience of | | | | extended period of time, you have a tendency to |
| packing and traveling with these bulky items. | | | | sweat and can lose up to a quart of water per hour. |
| If the idea of renting equipment is worse than the | | | | Skiing is certainly an activity that causes fluid loss, so |
| inconvenience of traveling with your own equipment, | | | | it's wise to carry a couple quarts of water with you. |
| then perhaps you might think about shipping your ski | | | | The easiest way to carry water while skiing is with a |
| equipment and clothes to the resort ahead of time, | | | | hydration pack. You can buy a simple hip pack or a |
| so that they will be there for you when you arrive. | | | | vest hydration pack that fits around your chest |
| Be sure to call the lodge or resort ahead of time to | | | | containing a reservoir, with a tube that transports the |
| make sure they will accept and hold the package. In | | | | water from the reservoir to your mouth. Expect to |
| most cases they probably will. Be sure, of course, to | | | | pay anywhere from $40 to $80 for a good hydration |
| tip them well for their efforts, and send the package | | | | pack, which can also be used for other sports such |
| to yourself, in care of the resort. Shipping can be | | | | as hiking or cycling. |
| overnight, two-day, or three-day depending on how | | | | |