15 Ways To Live Like A Local On Your Ski Vacation

Ski Resort

Sometimes going on ski vacations is like dropping into a foreign culture, complete with different geography, pastimes, clothing, and dialects. It's all part of what makes the experience, of course, and getting clued in on some of the ways to integrate into the culture can be quite helpful. Getting a glimpse of the local lifestyle means accepting it, respecting it, and trying it out for size, and we've compiled a list of 15 ways to do just that.

1. Get In The Groove

You've now landed in ski town paradise, leaving the stress behind and tuning into the local laid-back vibe. 

2. Be Friendly

Locals in ski towns enjoy a stress-free lifestyle. Kindness gets you what you need and helps you blend in.

3. Pack A Snack

I grew up with the adage, there are no friends on a powder day. If you're looking to get some serious time in on the slopes and don't want to bother with crowded cafeterias, opt for quick snacks and enjoy more time on the slopes. Chairlifts and picnic tables make the best lunch spots on sunny days.

4. Respect Lift(ie) Policy

Lifties are lift attendants: they are the ones who are trying to get you the most ski time and the littlest wait time possible. And mark my word, they know how to do their job better than you, and me, and anyone giving them a hard time. So, trust.

5. Buy The First Round

What goes around comes around, and buying the first round at the bar, or waffles in the sugar shack will set the laid-back tone of your ski vacation.  If you met a new local friend to include in that round, of course, even better.

6. Use Your Travel Mug

Small actions matter; Taking along a reusable mug to the coffee shop and your own bag to the grocery store are major bonus points for living like a local. It demonstrates respect for the environment and sustainability.

7. Don't Smoke (Cigarettes)

This primarily refers to smoking in lift lines, on chair lifts, and anywhere in the vicinity of a lot of other people who are out in the fresh air. Respect no-smoking areas. Locals of mountain towns very rarely smoke cigarettes on account of health-minded lifestyles, so respecting that is appreciated.

8. Love Thy Neighbor

If you're there to party, be considerate of neighbors next door especially if they have young kids or a baby that needs to get quality sleep at night. If you have like-minded neighbors into the same activities – snowshoeing, drinking, live music, whatever – that's great! Don't be shy, make a few friends.

9. Listen To A Local

Young locals listen to old locals, new locals listen to long-time locals, so you should listen to locals too. As much information as there is out there on the web about the best places to eat, stay, ski, et cetera, only a local will know the time of day to ski a specific aspect of a peak or the best beer on nitro at the brewery that week. Ask, and you shall receive.

10. Go To Yoga

Yes, go to yoga. Or spin class, or pilates, or a good hike. Being on vacation doesn't mean you are obligated to drink your face off and over-eat. In fact, one of the best parts about skiing and ski culture is that you can enjoy all the pleasures of such things in moderation and appreciate an active lifestyle. Allow yourself some true self-care, and you'll get a taste of what it's like to be a resident of the place you're visiting.

11. Dress For The Occasion

There is one primary rule for "looking cool" on your ski vacation: dress for the weather. Locals always make sure they are comfortable, and we suggest you do the same.

12. Tip Generously

If you experience great service, let the tip show it! There are times in life to pinch pennies, and there are times to be generous: your ski vacation is the perfect place for spreading good cheer and good karma.

13. Buy Local

Ski towns love their quirky little shops and local artisans, and supporting each other in this is important for local business and morale. Regulars of resort towns frequently and authentically sport local brands, whether they are skis, outerwear, accessories or stickers.

14. Head To Happy Hour

Your day may have been long, cold, and exhausting, but guess what…you're in a ski town, and you got to wake up and go skiing, and that's plenty to celebrate. Locals know that no matter what, every day on the slopes has some good in it, and to be able to share experiences with friends at the watering holes at day's end is a beautiful gift. So go ahead, celebrate.

15. Seriously, Have Fun

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten is to play seriously and seriously play. And there's possibly no better place to learn how to do this than in a ski town. Locals don't live in these places for decades because of the glitz and glamour: they're there because they get to play in the mountains and simply enjoy life. Whether you dip into the place for a long weekend or a couple weeks' vacation, let go and let live, and you'll get the most authentic experience of anyone.