How far ahead should you book a group ski trip?

Book lodging as soon as dates are set. Big cabins and slope-side rentals go first, especially near holidays. Buy passes early if your mountain discounts advance purchases.

How do you split a ski cabin with friends?

Split by nights stayed if people come and go at different times, and keep passes, rentals, and lessons individual. Share groceries and dinners across everyone who’s there.

What should be on a ski trip packing list?

Layers (base, mid, waterproof shell), ski socks, gloves, helmet and goggles, a neck gaiter, sunscreen, your pass, and warm clothes for the cabin.

Group trip guides · Updated November 2026

How to plan a ski trip with friends

Group ski trips have more moving parts than most: lodging that books up early, lift passes, rentals, lessons for some people and not others, and weather that can change the plan. A shared plan and clear rules for splitting costs keep it fun.

Planning timeline

Early in the season (or the summer before): pick dates and a mountain, and check which pass products cover it. Some passes are cheaper bought well in advance.
As soon as dates are set: book lodging. Slope-side places and big cabins go first, especially around holidays.
4-8 weeks out: everyone books travel. Decide who is renting gear, taking a lesson, or needs childcare, and reserve those.
1-2 weeks out: share the packing list, the car or shuttle plan, and a rough plan per day (ski days, rest day, dinners).
The week of: watch the forecast and road conditions, and adjust days if a storm is coming.
After the trip: settle up the cabin, groceries, and gas.

Splitting costs fairly

Split lodging by nights stayed, not just by head, if people arrive or leave at different times.
Keep passes, rentals, and lessons individual. Everyone books and pays their own.
Split groceries and shared dinners across everyone who’s there; split gas between the people in each car.
Log costs on the day they happen. Ski trips generate a lot of small expenses.

Ski trip packing list

Base layers, mid layer, and waterproof shell
Ski socks (a pair per day)
Gloves or mittens, plus liners
Helmet and goggles (or rent them)
Neck gaiter or balaclava
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Lift pass or pass confirmation
Boot bag and hand warmers
Comfortable shoes and clothes for the cabin

Plan it in Cotravel

Cotravel is a free group trip planner, free for everyone in the trip, on the web, iPhone, and Android.

Invite the group free and build the day-by-day plan together, with ski days, rest days, and dinners.
See everyone’s flights and stays alongside the plan, so arrivals and car pools are easy to work out.
Check the weather for your trip right in the plan.
Use a shared packing list and a prep checklist (book passes, reserve rentals) tracked per person.
Split the cabin, groceries, and gas between the right people, and settle up once.

Plan it free with your group

Questions

How far ahead should you book a group ski trip?: Book lodging as soon as dates are set. Big cabins and slope-side rentals go first, especially near holidays. Buy passes early if your mountain discounts advance purchases.
How do you split a ski cabin with friends?: Split by nights stayed if people come and go at different times, and keep passes, rentals, and lessons individual. Share groceries and dinners across everyone who’s there.
What should be on a ski trip packing list?: Layers (base, mid, waterproof shell), ski socks, gloves, helmet and goggles, a neck gaiter, sunscreen, your pass, and warm clothes for the cabin.