10 Essential Things You'll Forget On Opening Day

It's almost here! Opening Day is FINALLY upon us, and we just got a bunch of new snow. If you're like me, which you probably are because you're reading this blog, you've been itching to slide around on some snow for a few months now. Thankfully, the wait is over and it's time to break out the gear and head up to the mountain on Friday Dec. 12 for the Longest Opening Day in Vermont. 10am-10pm w/$19 night skiing starting at 4pm. Get. Excited.

With that in mind, it seems like every season I ALWAYS forget something on Opening Day. One year, it was gloves, another it was boots (I know!), an iPod or a second pair of socks. I think one time I even drove all the way up to the mountain pumped to shred some lines, and when I arrived, I didn't have my skis... crushing. So I've created a list here of 10 things you'll probably (but hopefully not) forget this season when you step on the slopes for the first time. Please, prove me wrong and let's all have a fantastic season.

1. Skis/Snowboard - Pretty self-explanatory. You'd think this must be impossible, but if you keep your gear in a season locker at your favorite resort, it's an added thing to double-check before you leave the house. Have you brought them up to the mountain to store them yet? Are they still at the shop? That back corner of your closet or garage? Sneakily high chance to misplace these.
2. Poles - Some people plain can't ski without them. Don't be that person.
3. Gloves/Mitts - It might be early season, but it still winter and it's still Vermont. Put something on your hands, or you're gonna have a bad time.
4. Optics - For some reason, people forget/lose goggles pretty easily. Whether you're in the goggles or sunglasses camp, eye protection is vital when you're soaring down the slopes at 30+ mph. Bonus Tip: Don't lose your eyewear in the lodge after the first day on snow! 
5. Helmet - Yes, it's exciting to be on snow again. Yes your muscles will remember how to do it. Yes you're going to have a blast. NO, you can't cab triple cork 1440 on your first day. But I know you're going to try anyway. Protect your head while your body catches up to your stoke.
6. Dry Socks - Most people forget this. Don't drive to the mountain in the same socks you plan to ski in. They'll be damp with sweat by the time you boot up, and that leads to cold feet. Cold feet lead to a short day of skiing & riding. Bring extra socks.
7. Music - Because who can ski without Katy Perry blasting through their helmet speakers. If you forget this one, might as well just skip the access road and keep driving all the way home.
8. Boots - Again, pretty self explanatory, but triple-check your car before you leave the house. It's a real sinking feeling to get all the way to the lodge and have nothing to boot up in. Just don't do this.
9. Pass - Arguably more important than any piece of gear on your body, your pass can't be replaced. Worst case scenario, you could rent equipment for the day, but you can't get anywhere without a season pass. Stick in your ski pants pocket and leave it there. If you only wear one pair of pants, you'll be good all season.
10. Winter Tires - We're skiers & riders in Vermont. We know ski areas have access roads, and most involve driving up pretty steep slopes to get there, including ours. Please, please, PLEASE get snow tires. You won't just be making your own life easier, you'll be making the roads safer for everyone else on it as well. 

Lastly, don't forget your STOKE! Winter is back and it's going to be a wicked fun season. Get excited and stay excited. Show off your smiles all day long and if you're feeling great, come find me on the hill for some photos & videos of yourself. You might just make it onto the final cut for Bolton Valley Access! Ski & ride with care and passion, and make this season your best one yet.

~Mike