Ski & snowboard guides
Straight answers for skiers and snowboarders: sizing, first-day how-tos, gear buying guides, and head-to-head comparisons.
Tools and free downloads
- Snowboard size calculatorBoard length by height, weight, and style, plus width by boot size.
- Ski size calculatorSki length by height, ability, and terrain, plus pole length.
- Free Ski Trip Planner (PDF)Timeline, hub cities, pass guide, budget, and packing list.
- Free Powder Calendar (PDF)When the snow really falls at every resort Snow Way tracks.
How-to guides
- How to Ski: A Beginner's Guide to Your First DayHow to ski for the first time: what to book, how to stand, stop and turn, and how to pick a resort and a snow day that make learning easier.
- What to Wear Skiing: A Layer-by-Layer GuideWhat to wear skiing, from base layer to helmet, plus what to change for cold, snowy, or spring days and what to skip.
- Ski Trip Packing List: Everything to Bring (and Rent)A complete ski trip packing list for flying or driving: clothing, gear, documents, and what to rent at the resort instead of packing.
- Should You Rent or Buy Skis? How to DecideRent or buy skis and boots? A simple way to decide based on days per year, plus how to get the most out of ski rentals.
- How to Chase Powder: Plan Ski Trips Around the ForecastHow to plan a ski trip around the snow forecast: when to trust a forecast, how far out to book, and how to pick the resort getting the most snow.
- How to Snowboard: A Beginner's Guide to Your First DayHow to snowboard for the first time: stance, getting up, the falling leaf, linking turns, and riding the lift, plus how to pick your first day on snow.
- How to Wax Skis at Home: Step-by-StepHow to wax skis at home: the tools you need, how to choose wax for the temperature, and a step-by-step hot wax, plus how often to do it.
- What Is Après-Ski? Meaning, Etiquette, and What to WearWhat après-ski means, where the tradition comes from, what people do and wear after skiing, and how to enjoy it on your next trip.
- Ski Trail Ratings Explained: Green, Blue, Black DiamondSki trail difficulty ratings explained: green circle, blue square, black diamond, double black diamond, terrain parks, and how ratings vary by resort.
- Mogul Skiing: How to Ski Moguls Step by StepHow to ski moguls: what bumps are, the line and rhythm to use, absorbing with your legs, pole plants, and drills to get comfortable in mogul fields.
- Ski Terms Glossary: 70+ Words Skiers and Snowboarders UseA glossary of ski and snowboard terms, from après and bluebird to corduroy, crud, sidecountry, and sticks, explained in plain English.
- How to Stop on Skis: Wedge, Hockey Stop, and MoreHow to stop on skis, from the beginner wedge (pizza) to the hockey stop, plus how to control speed on steeper runs.
- How to Ski Powder: Technique and Gear for Deep SnowHow to ski powder: stance, turn shape, speed, and the gear that makes deep snow easier, plus safety basics for powder days.
- How to Turn and Carve on a SnowboardHow to turn and carve on a snowboard: from skidded turns to clean carves, edge pressure, body position, and drills to practice.
- Ski Lessons for Adults: What to Book and What to ExpectSki lessons for adults: group vs private, what a first lesson covers, how long it takes to learn to ski, and how to choose a ski school.
- Ski Boot Bags: How to Choose One That Fits EverythingHow to choose a ski boot bag: size, backpack vs duffel, heated bags, airline carry-on rules, and what to pack in it.
- How to Plan a Ski Trip: Step-by-Step GuideHow to plan a ski trip: when to go, where to fly, which pass, lodging, rentals, budget, and how to time it around the snow forecast.
- Family Ski Trip Planning: How to Ski With KidsHow to plan a family ski trip: picking a family-friendly resort, kids' ski school, gear for kids, lodging, budget, and keeping everyone warm and happy.
- Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodging: What It Means and Is It Worth It?What ski-in/ski-out really means, how it differs from slopeside and shuttle lodging, when it's worth the price, and how to find it.
Comparisons
- Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which Should You Learn?Skiing vs snowboarding compared: which is easier to learn, which is harder to master, cost, comfort, and how to choose for your first trip.
- Goofy vs Regular Snowboard Stance: Which Are You?Goofy vs regular snowboard stance explained: what each means, four quick ways to tell which you are, and how to set your bindings.
- Camber vs Rocker: Which Profile Is Right for You?Camber vs rocker for snowboards and skis: how each profile rides, hybrid options, and which to choose for your ability and terrain.
- Bibs vs Pants for Skiing and Snowboarding: Which to BuySki and snowboard bibs vs pants: warmth, snow protection, bathroom breaks, fit, and which is better for powder, park, and kids.
- Ski Gloves vs Mittens: Which Are Warmer?Ski gloves vs mittens compared: warmth, dexterity, lobster and three-finger options, liners, and which to choose for cold hands.
- Balaclava vs Ski Mask vs Neck Gaiter: What's the Difference?Balaclava vs ski mask vs neck gaiter: what each covers, which is warmest, how they fit with a helmet and goggles, and when to use each.
- Freestyle vs Freeride vs All-Mountain SnowboardingFreestyle vs freeride vs all-mountain snowboarding: what each style means, the board and setup for each, and which suits you.
Gear: how to choose
- Best Ski Gloves: How to Pick a Warm, Waterproof PairHow to choose the best ski gloves or mittens: insulation, waterproofing, fit, and features that matter for cold days, spring skiing, and kids.
- Best Ski Goggles: How to Choose Lenses and FitHow to choose the best ski goggles: lens tint and VLT for sun or storms, interchangeable lenses, fog prevention, and helmet fit.
- Best Ski Helmet: How to Choose Size, Fit, and Safety FeaturesHow to choose the best ski helmet: sizing, fit checks, safety certifications, MIPS-style rotational protection, venting, and goggle compatibility.
- Best Snowboard for You: How to Choose Size, Shape, and FlexHow to choose the best snowboard: length and width for your size, camber vs rocker, flex, and board shapes for park, powder, and all-mountain.
- Best All-Mountain Skis: How to Choose Width, Length, and RockerHow to choose the best all-mountain skis: waist width, length, rocker profile, and turn radius for your ability and where you ski.
- Best Ski Boots: How to Choose Fit, Flex, and SizeHow to choose the best ski boots: mondopoint sizing, last width, flex rating for your ability, and when to see a boot fitter.
- Best Base Layer for Skiing: Merino vs SyntheticHow to choose the best base layer for skiing: merino wool vs synthetic, weights for cold and spring days, fit, and what to avoid.
- Best Ski Pants: How to Choose Waterproofing, Insulation, and FitHow to choose the best ski pants or bibs: waterproof ratings, insulated vs shell, fit over boots, and features worth paying for.
- Best Snowboard Boots: How to Choose Fit, Flex, and LacingHow to choose snowboard boots for men and women: sizing and fit, flex for your style, traditional vs quick-pull vs BOA lacing, and break-in.
- Best Snowboard Bindings: How to Choose Size, Flex, and SetupHow to choose snowboard bindings: sizing to your boots, flex, strap vs rear-entry, mounting compatibility, and stance angles.
- Best Ski Socks: How to Choose Thickness, Fit, and MaterialHow to choose ski socks: thin vs thick, merino vs synthetic, height and fit in your boots, and why one pair beats two.
- Snowboard Jacket Guide: How to Choose Waterproofing and FitHow to choose a snowboard jacket: waterproof and breathability ratings, insulated vs shell, fit, and features like powder skirts and vents.
- Snowboard Pants Guide: How to Choose Fit, Warmth, and WaterproofingHow to choose snowboard pants for men and women: fit and length, insulated vs shell, waterproofing, reinforcement, and pants vs bibs.
- Best Snowboard Brands: A Guide to the Major MakersA guide to the major snowboard brands: who makes what, what each is known for, and how to pick a brand for your riding style.
- Best Ski Brands: A Guide to the Major Ski MakersA guide to the major ski brands: where they're from, what each is known for, and how to choose skis by brand for your style.
- Heated Gloves for Skiing: Are They Worth It and How to ChooseHow to choose heated ski gloves and mittens: battery life, heat settings, warmth without power, and who they're worth it for.
- Women's Ski Jackets: How to Choose Fit, Warmth, and WaterproofingHow to choose a women's ski jacket: women's-specific fit, insulated vs shell, waterproof ratings, length, and features that matter.
- Best Snowboard for Beginners: How to Choose Your First BoardHow to choose a beginner snowboard: soft flex, rocker or hybrid profiles, the right length and width, and when to rent instead.