How To Plan a Ski Bachelorette Party

1. Pick a Destination

First, pick a mountain. Some things to consider when choosing your destination are conglomerate pass locations, après and nightlife options, non-ski activities available (you know, just in case), transportation (tiny ski towns aren’t known for their reliable airports…), in-bounds versus backcountry access, and gear rentals.

Somewhere like Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that’s on the Ikon Pass but has a more affordable town hill and good backcountry access could be perfect. Steamboat provides a variety of options for skiers of all types, as well as a nearby airport, tons of lodging options, and a few ski shops is a great spot for your ski bachelorette.

2. Invite That Friend Who Has All the Extra Gear

If you’re planning a bachelorette, odds are you’ve already chosen your bridal party. But just in case you need some ideas on more folks to invite to make that ski town Air B&B a little cheaper, invite that friend (we all have one) who has an extra probe and shovel or pair of gloves to lend whenever. If you’re trying to lower costs with equipment rentals a bit and help kit out members of your party who maybe aren’t avid skiers (or are just prone to forgetting things), definitely make sure this person is on your list.

3. Invite That Friend Who Will Remind Everyone to Drink Water

Even though it doesn’t always feel like it in the cold, skiing is still a physical activity that will dehydrate you. Bringing that friend who will remind everyone to drink water and eat snacks will keep anyone from being hangry or dehydrated on the slopes. Many ski towns are at higher elevations, and drinking water will help combat any altitude or alcohol-related dehydration.

4. Make a Playlist

It’s not a good time without a good playlist and a way to listen! Make a playlist and have everyone contribute a few songs that remind them of the bride. Throw a Bluetooth speaker in your car for parking lot après and rides to the mountain so everyone can listen together. 

5. Get Ski-Themed Party Favors

It’s not a bachelorette without silly matching accessories, so might as well get ones you’ll actually use a lot. Colorful beanies and personalized koozies for après to keep your head warm and your drink cold by the hot tub make easy party favors. Biodegradable glitter is always a great way to add some sparkle to everyone’s ski ‘fits. If you really want to splurge, puffy booties are a great gift for your bridal party and make everyone’s feet happy after being in ski boots.

6. Plan Your Après

Maybe you’re a beers-on-the-tailgate kind of bride, and après is as easy as a cooler and a grill thrown in the back of your truck. Mountains like Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon have great parking lot tailgate scenes. If you’re looking for more of a bar vibe for your after-ski-snacks, many mountains have great places to après with drink and food specials when the lifts close. There are some pretty iconic ski area bars out there, like the Mangy Moose at the base of Jackson Hole or the Goldminer’s Daughter at Alta.

7. Find a Non-Skiing Activity

Let’s face it: Everyone’s legs get tired eventually. It’s nice to have some built-in chill time to explore and experience all that a mountain town has to offer on any ski vacation. Hot springs are a great option, and many ski mountains, including Steamboat Springs, Jackson, WY, Telluride, CO, Winter Park, CO, and Taos, New Mexico, have springs nearby. A spa day or yoga class are also great options for sore legs and are plentiful in ski towns.

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