Most Skiers Miss These 2 Words in Gear Checklists—and It Costs Them

I once watched a guy duct-tape his boot shut in the parking lot—said he "forgot to check them."
Rookie move.
But here’s the thing: he wasn’t new.

Hey ski fam—Sasha here 👋

That moment stuck with me, not because of the duct tape (okay, maybe a little), but because it’s way too common. So many skiers—even the seasoned ones—treat opening day like it’s a surprise party. They show up with stale gear, stiff legs, and high hopes.

By lunch, they’re done.

Why? Because their “gear check” was really just a shrug and a prayer.

The Real Gear Check Starts With Two Words: Fit and Function

Most folks look for what's there. You’ve got your skis, your boots, your helmet—check, check, check. But the right question isn’t just do I have it? It’s…

• Does it still fit?

• Does it still work?

That’s the test.

Let’s start with fit:
Your boots from last season? The liners might be packed out. Your gloves? They might’ve shrunk. That jacket you scored two years ago? It might not flex the way it used to—especially layered.

Now, function:
This is where it gets sneaky.
Bindings that stick. Zippers that freeze. Buckles that don’t click. A tiny strap tear or fogged goggle seal can turn a bluebird day into a one-run meltdown.

🧠 Sasha’s Rule: If it doesn’t fit perfectly, or it doesn’t function smoothly, fix it now. You’ll save money—and your ski day—later.

SoCal Gear Prep: My Ritual Before the First Flake Falls

Every September, I go full nerd in the garage:

• I try everything on—jacket, gloves, helmet, boots, even goggles

• I flex my skis and check for edge burrs

• I snap into bindings and make sure they release

• I walk around in my boots like I’m late for a flight

• I stretch in my base layers like I’m at yoga in the lift line

It takes maybe 30 minutes—and saves me 3 hours in ski shop chaos later.

Oh—and While We’re Talking About Saving Time and Money…

Let’s talk season passes.

I get this question all the time—especially from SoCal skiers like us:

Here’s the reality:

• One lift ticket can run you $150+

• Go skiing just four days? You’re already looking at $600

• That’s the cost of most full season passes

So if you’re skiing more than three weekends this winter, here’s what I recommend:

🎫 Pass Picks That Actually Pay Off

Wondering if a season pass is worth it? If you're skiing more than 3 weekends this winter... it is. Here's what’s hot right now:

• 🎟️ Ikon Pass – Access to Mammoth, June, Big Bear, Snow Summit, and 50+ more. Perfect if you chase powder across state lines.
  💬 Ideal for: Road trippers, Mammoth regulars, and anyone who calls I-395 their second home.

• 🎟️ Cali Pass – Unlimited access to Mountain High, Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, and 21 Powder Alliance resorts.
  💬 Ideal for: SoCal weekend warriors who want max value + short drives.

• 🎟️ Ski California Gold Pass – Unlimited, no-blackout skiing at 36 top resorts in CA + NV. Fully transferable.
  💬 Ideal for: Families, teams, or folks who like the VIP lane at life.

🧠 Sasha’s Tip: Run your numbers now. Lock in the savings before prices spike—and passes sell out.

Pre-Season Is Also When the Deals Drop 🎉

If you’re not stalking resort email lists this month, you’re already missing the good stuff.

Here’s what’s already showing up:

• 👶 Mammoth’s Kids Ski Free Week (Dec 7–13) — huge win for ski families

• 🛏️ Lift + Lodging Bundles — cheaper now than in November

• 🎧 Snowshoe tours, après ski DJs, and fireworks shows — most calendars go live this month

So get on those mailing lists. Now. Seriously.

Final Word 💭

Look, I know the beach still looks tempting. But if you want to hit the ground carving this year, now’s your moment.

Because the best ski seasons?

✅ Check your gear for fit and function
✅ Start moving your legs again
✅ Choose your pass before prices jump
✅ Watch for early season event drops
✅ Plan that first ski weekend now—not in a panic later

📣 Let’s Talk:

💬 What’s your first ski trip this year? Mammoth? Mountain High? First-timer?
⭐ Save this checklist so you’re not scrambling come November
📩 Share this with your ski crew—especially the one who always forgets gloves

—Sasha “Waxed & Ready” Everett

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