Whether you’re going Hidden Valley for the day or a Colorado ski resort for a week, there are a few essential things I like to have access to while I am skiing. At Hidden Valley, I have access to my car since it’s no more than a 5-minute walk away, but on my last ski trip to Utah, we had to take a bus in to the mountain, so I had to think and plan a little more.

I brought a boot bag with me, so I didn’t have to walk in my ski boots, then I just put it in a locker that was close to the lift for just a few dollars.

Since I had a bag I brought some extra clothes, these items included a vest and a lightweight down jacket. I also had an extra set of lenses for my goggles and I brought some snacks along. Weather on the mountain can sometimes be unpredictable so I like to have my favorite vest at the bottom of the hill instead of 30 minutes away.

Before I go up the lift I put some of my snacks in my pockets. I usually bring granola bars, but one of my favorites is the Cliff Bloks Energy Chews. I don’t always want to eat a big lunch when I’m on the mountain, so I like having some lighter options.

One of my secrets to staying out longer is having water on me. When you’re in Colorado its very dry so you get dehydrated faster. I like to do 1 of 2 things, my favorite is using a collapsible water bottle. Make sure you buy a good quality one, you don’t want that thing leaking on you or breaking if you fall on it. The other option I use is a winter specific Camelbak backpack. Then I have nothing in my pockets and everything is in my backpack and the water tube is right by my shoulder.

Extra pro tip for beginners going to Hidden Valley. Bring two pairs of gloves and two pairs of socks. When you're learning your hands spend a lot of time in the snow, have a second pair waiting in the car just in case your first pair gets wet. Most ski and snowboard boots don’t leak; however, my feet have gotten wet before so only wear one pair of socks, but have an extra set as a backup.

I hope this helps you enjoy your time spent on the snow just a little more, always stop into Alpine Shop to talk to one of our experts if you have any questions.

Elizabeth Dugger, Alpine Shop Snowsports Hardgoods Coordinator