How To Plan The Perfect Last-Minute Powder Chase | Ski.com

Planning a successful powder ski or snowboard vacation is no small feat—it’s an art form. With the weather being perhaps the most unpredictable variable affecting a potential ski or snowboard trip, chasing powder is unpredictable by nature. Snow lines, orographics, timing and a plethora of other factors go into the makings of a heroic powder day and that’s not even mentioning the travel aspect. So to unpack this very complex and intricate art form, Ski.com is laying out a step-by-step guide to chasing and catching the ultimate powder day. We start with…

1) Checking the NOAA Climate Outlook

“The first step to a great powder day is knowing where to go.”
- Barclay Idsal

The starting point for any seasoned powder chaser is NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. The NOAA long-term forecast tool uses advanced meteorological models and data points to predict snowfall patterns weeks in advance. While planning a powder ski vacation months out is risky, NOAA’s month-long outlook provides valuable insights to narrow your focus. Thanks to meteorological advances in the past decade, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has become a go-to for long-range forecasting based on the most diverse models and data points in the world. So, with the admission that planning a powder vacation over a month away is perhaps leaving a lot up to chance, we think that this is a good place to start in terms of initial planning, yet still a ways away from booking. For example, regions like Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Colorado often show promising forecasts. This is your initial planning phase, not your booking window—there’s still more research to do. You can find the month-long outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center here.

2) Next up, who's got the deepest base?

While somewhere may be forecasted to see significant snow, it’s vital that you make sure there is something for that powder to sit atop of, especially as it concerns early-season or end-of-season powder chasing. Once you’ve identified the regions with promising forecasts, the next step is ensuring there’s enough snow for the new powder to land on. Early in the season or near the tail end, base depth becomes even more critical. Visit each resort’s website for up-to-date information on snowpack. A few resorts with consistently deep bases include Jackson Hole, Alta, and Snowbird. Narrow your choices to three resorts with healthy base depths, and you’ll be ready for the next step in the powder chase.

3) Focus on the 7-Day Forecast

Ask any meteorologist and they’ll tell you: it’s nearly impossible to accurately forecast snow totals for a specific location further than 7 days out. So, with your three options in hand, go to weather.gov and begin your 7-day research by typing in the name of a resort into the search box in the upper right-hand corner. There, NOAA will give you an illustrated 5-day forecast with details up to seven days out. You can also use the NOAA Satellite Forecast Radar, which shows estimated snowfall totals across the United States for up to 5 days out. Once you’ve found out which forecast looks the most promising, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert is standing by to help you figure out the rest, which includes…

4) Flights, Lodging, Ground Transfers and Powder Skis

There’s nothing like having someone back you up in terms of your powder ambitions and one of Ski.com’s 65+ Mountain Travel Experts knows exactly what conditions are like on the snow. Once you’ve picked your powder paradise, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert will customize the entire journey including flights, slopeside lodging and ground transfers. Many times, you can take advantage of last-minute rates as long as you avoid busy weekends or the holidays. Need gear? We’ll connect you with top demo shops nearby, so you can rent the perfect powder skis for those dreamy floaty turns.

BOOK LAST MINUTE: Reserve your spot on the mountain this season with a Mountain Travel Expert

5) Pack Smart

Packing for a powder trip is often overlooked and underappreciated as a crucial element for a smooth experience. A veteran chaser knows that traveling with ski equipment via plane, train or automobile can be difficult if you’re not adequately prepared. A couple essential items for those chasing powder include a good boot bag and a rolling ski bag if you’re bringing your own planks. If you’re only bringing one pair of skis (powder), you can typically get away with using just these two luggage items for the entire chase. Just make sure to carry-on your boot bag with your ski or snowboard boots, ski pants, ski jacket, ski socks, goggles, thermals, helmet and whatever else you might need to get on the slopes for day one. This way, if the airline misplaces your luggage, you still have everything you need on hand to rip up the powder.

Related: Ski Trip Packing List From The Experts

6) First Tracks and VIP Perks

Once in-destination, you may be surprised that you can pay to skip lift lines altogether via priority lift line access and/or first-tracks options. Taking advantage of one or both of these options can seriously make for an epic day on the slopes. Resorts like Jackson Hole offer early tram rides, while Aspen Snowmass provides guided first-tracks experiences to get you fresh powder before the crowds. Not sure where to start? Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts will ensure you’re set up for an epic day.

Ready to plan the perfect powder vacation? You can browse our top inventory or simply fill out a free quote to be matched with a Mountain Travel Expert today.