BEFORE YOU GO

Driver's license or passport. Check expiration dates—some countries require 6+ months validity.

Required for Canada, Japan, Europe, and other international Ikon destinations.

Physical card or app installed with pass loaded. Test that it works before you leave.

Screenshot or print lodging, flights, rental car, restaurant reservations. Don't rely solely on email access.

International driving permit may be required in some countries.

Set a travel notice with dates and destinations. Most banks have this in their app now.

Same as bank—set travel alerts to avoid fraud blocks on legitimate purchases.

For international trips, use cards with no foreign transaction fees. Many travel cards offer this.

Second credit card, debit card, or some cash. If one card has issues, you have options.

Have some cash for tips, small purchases, and places that don't take cards. ATMs at destination often have better rates than airport exchanges.

Chip-and-PIN is common internationally. Make sure you know your credit card PIN for terminals that require it.

Mountain towns can have spotty coverage. Know which carrier works best there.

Add international roaming or buy a local SIM/eSIM. T-Mobile and Google Fi include international data. Check rates before you go.

Google Maps and Apple Maps both support offline areas. Download the region before you leave.

Most resorts have apps with offline trail maps. Download before you're on the mountain with no signal.

Portable battery pack, car charger, international adapters if needed. Cold drains batteries fast.

Ikon Pass app, resort apps, airline apps, Uber/Lyft, weather apps, ski tracking (Slopes, Ski Tracks).

Bring enough for the trip plus a few extra days. Keep in original bottles. Carry-on for flights.

Don't run out mid-trip. Check if you need to refill before departure.

Bandaids, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen), antacids, cold medicine, antihistamines.

Consider altitude sickness medication (Diamox) if going above 8,000 ft. Consult your doctor.

Bring your card. Know if your plan covers you out of state/country.

Look this up before you need it. Save the address in your phone.

UV is intense at altitude. SPF 30+ minimum. You will burn faster than you expect.

Dry mountain air + wind = dry eyes. Especially if you wear contacts.

Check credit card benefits, health insurance travel coverage, and homeowner's policy for travel provisions.

Companies like World Nomads, Allianz, and IMG offer ski-specific coverage. Compare policies.

Download policy documents. Save emergency contact numbers in your phone.

Edge sharpening and wax. Do this 1-2 weeks before departure—shops get busy pre-season.

Have a shop verify DIN settings and test release. Bindings should be professionally checked annually.

Check buckles, straps, and liners. Replace worn heel/toe pieces. Consider new footbeds if you have discomfort.

Should be snug but comfortable. Replace if it's taken a significant impact or is over 5 years old.

Microfiber only on the inside lens. Check for scratches. Consider bringing a spare lens for different conditions.

Test jacket/pant waterproofing. Reapply DWR treatment if water no longer beads. Check zippers.

Especially during peak weeks. Online reservations often include discounts.

Height, weight, boot size, ability level. Having this ready speeds up fitting.

Demo rentals cost more but give you current, high-quality equipment. Worth it for better skiers.

USPS offers free mail hold online. Or ask a neighbor to collect packages.

Set to a reasonable away temperature. Not so low that pipes freeze if you're in a cold climate.

Boarding, pet sitter, or friend. Confirm dates and share emergency vet info.

Water before leaving or arrange for someone to water during longer trips.

Smart plugs or timers make the house look occupied. Or ask a neighbor to vary things.

Nothing worse than returning to a smelly house. Empty fridge of perishables too.

Saves energy and protects against power surges. Leave router on if you have security cameras.

All doors, windows, garage. Hide spare key if you usually leave one out.

Give a trusted friend/family member your travel dates and contact info. Just in case.

Both at home (for travel day) and at destination (for packing decisions).

Confirm times haven't changed. Set up alerts for delays.

Lodging, rental car, restaurants, activities. A quick double-check prevents surprises.

Chain requirements, pass closures, construction. CDOT, UDOT, or state DOT websites have current info.

Gives you time to realize what you're missing and make a store run.

Use a checklist. Weigh bags if flying to avoid overweight fees.

Phone, headphones, portable battery, camera, anything electronic.

24 hours before departure. Get boarding passes on your phone.

Gas up, check tire pressure and washer fluid, load gear, set up chains if needed.

ATM run for tips and small purchases.

Travel is tiring. Altitude is tiring. Start rested.