Expert Advice: Live Like A Local On Your Ski Vacation

I was a half-time local to Okemo Mountain Resort growing up (although most Vermonters would roll their eyes at that!) I lived one season in Bozeman, Montana as a local of Bridger Bowl, and four years in Jackson Hole.

We can always feel a general buzz coming on and the winter chill comes back in the air. Friends who leave to go travel around the world in the off-season roll back into town, restaurants are busier, and there's a big shift from not much work and lots of play to not much play and lots of work. But this isn't all bad – especially because locals in ski towns usually make their livings in the service industry. I love watching the town light up again, seeing friends out and about and still knowing where all the secret spots are for a quick bite to eat or fresh tracks on a powder day.

Sometimes tourist hot spots are local hot spots: it all depends on where the best drink specials are, what bands are playing, and what the snow is doing that day. On a powder day, I have my go-to routes, a lot of which most tourists wouldn't know about (but when it's snowed 16 in since lifts closed and I know that first tram lap is going to top anything else, I'll wait in line with my breakfast). The Jackson Hole base village isn't huge, so après options are limited, but each place has its own flair. I have noticed that some places (like the Spur) wouldn't be so obvious to tourists – if you want to know where the best après spot is day-to-day, simply ask around.

This is a tough one: if you've ever heard that old adage, "No friends on a powder day," you understand why. I guess you can look online at reviews and social media all you want to try to figure out where to go, but the best way to really get to the goods in riding the singles line (or picking up a single on your group chair) and ask a local's advice. We're not keen on spilling our secrets to the entire internet, but most people I know will share one-on-one. If you're lucky they might even show you the way!

There are so many! Really, based on what kind of skiing you're doing, and what resort you're at…you'd be so surprised about all the little quirky things that skiers can get annoyed at. Don't let any empty chairs go by when you're the next in line at the lift – if there's confusion about who is riding with whom, just load the lift however makes sense. Skiers ahead of you always have the right of way, so try not to cut anyone off. On powder days especially people can get edgy, so watch yourself there – don't let the gondola line turn into a stampede when the gates finally open. Lefties are there to help – with your skis, with your kid – so let them.

Here again, we have the golden rule of asking around. Know that sometimes the most obvious place isn't the best party – if there's a big band with loud music and not many people, they clearly went somewhere else. Check social media sites – the resort's and local bars and restaurants – to see where the drink specials are.

This is dependent on town to town, but I've found that most ski towns now have a social calendar both in the local paper and online. You can search these sites by type of event (like concerts, food specials, etc.) Public transportation often has advertisements – like inside the buses that run from resort to commuter parking lots. And always ask someone who looks like they know what they're doing! 

Some of the souvenir T-shirts these days are actually pretty great. But let's see…for the really good stuff? Know what you're looking for, or at least what the ski town is known for. If you were going to Okemo I'd say find a "sugar shack" that makes authentic maple syrup. In Jackson Hole, there are some great shops with high-quality western ware, and super hipster retailers specializing in handmade, local gifts. I love shopping and I don't want to miss anything, so whenever I go to a new mountain town I make sure I park somewhere downtown and walk around. If you know exactly what you want, map them online and go from there.

This is a frustrating issue with the best restaurants, especially during tourist season. Know that Friday and Saturday nights book up quickly at reservation-only restaurants. Early and later seatings (like 5:30 or 8:45) have some more openings. Sometimes parties cancel last minute, and you can leave a message with the host to call you immediately if something opens up. Most restaurants also have some walk-in tables or keep bar seats available for walk-ins. 

1. Be nice – to ski valets, servers, bartenders, ski instructors, lefties, bus drivers, hosts, and everyone else trying to do their best to make great experiences. It will get you a lot further than freaking out about the small things, and you'll fit right in with the laid-back mountain town vibe.
2. Buy local – this goes for shops, food, and brews (including coffee). Supporting local businesses means respecting the community and weaving your way into its lovely little economy.
3. Try an activity other than main-stream tourist stuff. Drop into a yoga class, sniff out an open mic night, or ask about other quirky things specific to whatever mountain town you're visiting. You'll get a great taste for local flair and dip into the town's fabric more than just as a tourist.