The Northern hemisphere has already started their ski season and thousands of resorts all over Europe and America welcome outdoor enthusiasts until the melt kicks in around April.

Though even if you can’t make it work to travel to Europe or North America for this years season, that doesn’t mean you have to wait a whole 12 months until next year.

The Southern hemisphere boasts its own excellent scenery, luxury hotels, and reasonable prices, although the ski season will arrive in a few months time, running from early to mid June through to early October in Queenstown & Wanaka New Zealand.

Whether you’re looking to skip Europe’s ski season and jump down to New Zealand, or taking some of those epic European jumps, the following are five ways to prepare for ski season, regardless of your chosen hemisphere.

Four Ways to Prepare For Next Ski Season

Physical Training

Skiing and snowboarding are pure bliss, but this amount of satisfaction and fun requires a lot of stamina and work from your body.

You will use almost every muscle when you ride down snow slopes and on top of that, you will often have to climb back up, since not every section of a piste is accompanied with a lift.

One way or another, your legs will be working out constantly, so it’s important to start getting into shape at least 1-2 months before your trip. You can include morning runs, cycling, and gym workout in your physical training program.

If your body gets used to being active, your trips to the snowy mountains will be enjoyable and productive.

Take Care of Your Gear

Skiers who don’t have their own equipment normally rent skis or snowboard. However, this option is not suitable for everybody.

First of all, gear you rent might not be in the best shape. Secondly, renting is expensive, especially during the peak season. So if you head to the snow a lot, it may prove more cost effective to own your own gear.

But whether your ‘gear’ is large equipment like skis or a snowboard, or simply snow clothing like boots, bindings, and a ski suit, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking care of your gear.

It’s easy to forget about gear in off season when you’re at home, and just throw them under the house or into a cupboard somewhere. But you want to make sure that you’re storing equipment correctly so that it doesn’t get lost, damaged, or break inbetween seasons.

Choose a Ski Resort

There are no shortage of ski resorts in Europe. Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Germany are dotted with world-class pistes that are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

And the same goes with America, the level of choice you have when choosing a destination can often feel unlimited. But make sure that you book your ski resort early, as many of the more popular resorts and destinations sell out months in advance of peak season.

When choosing your resort / destination, remember that you can take advantage of ski resorts in the Southern hemisphere too. New Zealand is famous not only for beach holidays but also for excellent slopes with good snow cover and developed infrastructure.

If you think that New Zealand is insanely expensive, then you’ll be surprised to know that many resorts offer package deals affordable for every ski enthusiast. For instance, a Wanaka ski package includes everything you need for an enjoyable holiday at a very reasonable price.

First Time? Take Snowboard or Ski Lessons

Many beginners get their first ski lessons when they arrive at a ski resort, but these schools are often overcrowded in high seasons.

Besides, who wants to spend their precious time learning the basics when kilometers of slopes are waiting to be conquered? A great way to prepare for next ski season is to learn to ski in advance.

There are many schools around the world (in Europe especially) that will help you master the basic technique of skiing or snowboarding. The main thing is to choose a school that is a member of The International Ski Instructors Association.

Destinations like the UK have indoor ski slopes that operate all year round, so if you have a facility like this close to home, why not get some practice in before your holiday arrives.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.