September Ski Moms Checklist

I saw my first orange leaf today, and you know that that means–we are just a few weeks away from fall. The nights are getting chilly and I’m starting to feel the anticipation of another ski season coming. With the kids back in school, life gets busy, but ski moms know that a good pre-season means a GREAT ski season.

September Ski Moms Checklist

Take a scenic lift ride at your favorite mountain.
Book seasonal ski rentals
Book boot fittings
Mark ski swap dates
Check school calendar for bonus ski weekends
Try on gear and check sizing (especially kids)
Register for ski school/race/development programs
Start a fitness program to build strength
Begin restocking essentials if you love to get ahead

Take a Scenic Lift Ride

Do some leaf peeping and take in the views at your favorite mountain. Many mountains will even offer you a free ride if you have a season pass. My favorite fall tradition is a ride on the Single Chair at Mad River Glen. Each fall during peak leaf-peeping season, the co-op fires up the single chair for scenic lift rides. It’s a can’t-miss Vermont experience and the ultimate way to see the fall colors. Get all the details here.

Book Your Seasonal Rentals

Book your appointment for your seasonal ski rentals. Shops like Ski Haus start making appointments on September 6th and the best locations will run out of rentals especially in kid’s sizes early. Head to Ski Haus here to get the details and be sure to check with your local shop.

Mark your calendar for your local ski swap

We’ve got a full listing here. These are the place to get your new equipment dialed in and your old equipment cleared out. Ski swaps are often held by local ski clubs or communities, making them a fun social event and often are a kick-off to the season.

Creative Scheduling

Check your school calendar for good dates to book an extra ski trip. For instance, if you have a random teacher training day on February 4th, you could have the kids miss school on the Monday and create a 4-day ski trip.

Time for a Boot Fitting

In addition to rental gear, it’s also time to start thinking about ski boots. You can read all about the process here. Find out more about boot fittings here on our Ski Moms Podcast.

Try On Gear and Check Sizing

Kids grow fast — and somehow those boots that fit in March are now two sizes too small. Have everyone try on their gear now while you still have time to replace or adjust. Check for tight boots, too-short pants, and helmets that don’t sit quite right. A quick fit check now can save you from a meltdown in the ski lodge later. Anything that doesn’t fit can got to Geartrade, your local ski swap or to a sibling or friend.

Register for ski school/race/development programs

Spots fill up fast — especially for popular weekend programs and holiday camps. Take a few minutes to research your home mountain or nearby resorts and get your kids signed up early. Whether they’re just starting out or training gates with the race team, getting on the schedule now means fewer headaches later — and better chances of locking in your preferred dates.

Join a Fitness Program to Build Strength

Ski season is coming — and strong legs, core, and cardio can make a huge difference on the mountain (and in how you feel afterward). Look for ski-specific workouts, Pilates, strength training, or even a local moms’ group that helps keep you accountable. You don’t need to be in Olympic shape — just strong enough to keep up with your kids and enjoy every run.And right now, Ski Moms Podcast listeners get a special offer:
👉 Use code SKISTRONG to get $20 off your Strong Training Methods package.
Sign up here.

Begin restocking essentials if you love to get ahead

Now’s the perfect time to check your stash of hand warmers, base layers, socks, sunscreen, and snacks. Getting ahead means less scrambling when the first ski day sneaks up. Stock up slowly, take advantage of sales, and keep a bin or basket where you collect your go-to winter items — your future self will thank you. This is especially important if you have a rental home and pre-buy supplies for your big season. We’ve got a rental home checklist here.