❄️ Be Ready for Winter: Your Pre-Season Ski & Ride Checklist

Andrea Hamilton
Oct 1
2 min read

The mountains will be white before you know it. A little prep now means more time enjoying powder days (and fewer headaches when the snow hits). Here’s your handy Powder Poobah checklist to make sure you’re dialed in for the season.

🎿 Gear & Apparel

Tune skis & snowboards — fresh wax, sharp edges, bindings checked.
Do a gear inventory — boots, poles, helmets, gloves, outerwear. Replace what’s broken now, not on opening day.
- Check inside the boots. We've seen last year's socks in boots of all ages.
Inspect goggles — scratched lenses can ruin visibility. Time to swap if they’re beat up.
Wash your apparel — yes, even Gore-Tex. Proper washing restores breathability. Arc’teryx product care guide →
Reproof outerwear — restore water repellency (DWR). Nikwax and similar products keep your gear storm-ready. Find at your local shops or Nikwax products →
Merino wool layers — check for holes, wash out lingering funk, restock if needed.

🚙 Vehicle & Road Readiness

Winter car kit — blankets, flashlight, headlamp, extra gloves/socks, first aid kit, shovel, jumper cables, snacks, and water.
Extras to pack: phone charger cord + fully charged battery backup.
Pro tip: Keys! Consider carrying a spare key or get a key tracker (like a Tile or AirTag). This can save the day if you drop them in the snow.
Check your tires — tread depth and sidewalls matter. Don’t wait until the first storm to replace.
Chains — Washington requires them in the car during certain conditions. Learn the rules here: WSDOT Tire & Chain Requirements →.
Pro tip: Just in case! Pack a tarp or old blanket to put under your knees when installing chains or working under the car — way better than kneeling in slush.
Practice installing chains — way easier in your driveway than in a snowstorm.
Pro tip: Parents- What do your youthful drivers need to know?

🗺️ Passes, Lessons & Planning

Season pass in hand? Buy early before prices jump.
Pass deals — multi-resort or discount passes can save big.
Lessons — book now, especially for holiday periods.
- Beginners? Check out indoor classes for all ages Mini Mountain →.
Hiring season — local ski areas & shops are looking for staff (get perks).
Trip planning — check avalanche center updates, road reports, and alternate routes.
- Do you have the DOT app? Get it here →.

🛒 Bonus: Winter Shopping Guide

Scroll to the bottom to download the shopping list:

Jacket, pants, mid-layers, base layers (top & bottom)
Neck gaiter (x2), ski socks (thin x2), glove liners
Gloves/mittens (x2), extra lens for goggles, après-ski boots
Heated gear options (socks, gloves, vest, base layers)
Helmet, backpack, boot bag/board bag
Tuning kit, wax, scraper, stomp pad, snowboard binding tool
Boot/glove dryer, hydration bottle

✅ Wrap-Up

Want more? The GPOP doesn't always share useful links, but when he does… they’re ridiculously helpful. Stay informed, stay safe, and always be like a legend.

More resources here →: from Resort Elevations to the Chaos Effect.

Be prepared — snow tires on, gear tuned, and lift pass in hand.

See you on the slopes,

The Powder Poobah Team

Go ahead, click the PDF link to save and print.