When you decide to plan a ski trip, there are a lot of things to take into consideration to find the perfect spot. Whether you want a quick day trip to a local mountain or an extended vacation, planning and research will help you choose the right destination.

Here are some of the things to think about:

• What activities do you want? Many ski resorts have a lot more going on than downhill skiing. There’s cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and sledding. Depending on who you are vacationing with and what they are interested in, make sure you know what people want to do. Chances are you will be able to find a place that makes everyone happy.
  
  
• What amenities are important to you? Some people don’t even like skiing, but they like a ski trip because of the hot tubs, hot chocolate, and roaring fireplaces. Take an inventory of what you want to do when you’re not on the slopes and compare what’s available at different resorts.
  
  
• What kind of accommodations do you want? There is a range of types of accommodations available at ski resorts. Decide if you want to stay in a lodge with a common area to meet other visitors or enjoy your rustic cabin with solitude and privacy. Another essential aspect of accommodations is how far they are from the slopes. Some skiing resorts are set up so you can ski right onto the mountain, whereas others require a bit of a trek to get to the slopes. You can also save money by staying at a hotel or motel near a ski mountain but not actually at the resort.
  
  
• Romantic ski resort? Family ski resort? What kind of trip are you planning? Whether you plan a trip with a group of friends, with your romantic partner, or with your family, you’ll want to find a ski resort with the right vibe. When you’ve narrowed down some of your priorities for your trip, check out the websites for your choices to see if the atmosphere is right for your trip. You can also call and talk to someone at the resort to see if they are in the right spot for you.
  
  
• Do you want to bring your pets? Make sure you check ahead to see if the resort you are considering is pet friendly.
  If you’re going to ski without booking a stay ahead of time, one of the most important things to check is whether or not the slopes are open! Just because you are ready to ski doesn’t mean the mountain is necessarily open. Check the mountain’s website or call to confirm so you won’t be showing up to find the slopes closed due to season or snow conditions. Review BBB’s tips for planning a vacation to help you with your ski trip.

If you’re going to ski without booking a stay ahead of time, one of the most important things to check is whether or not the slopes are open! Just because you are ready to ski doesn’t mean the mountain is necessarily open. Check the mountain’s website or call to confirm so you won’t be showing up to find the slopes closed due to season or snow conditions.

Review BBB’s tips for planning a vacation to help you with your ski trip.