The following is a comprehensive checklist to help you decide whether or not you are prepared for your next ski trip!

Sourced from CWSAA

1. Weather Conditions: 
   • What is the sun exposure level, and how prepared should I be to spend extended periods of time in the sun given the level of overcast?
   • How are the wind conditions looking? Am I prepared to call off my trip assuming the conditions are too hostile?
   • Do I have all the necessary equipment to tackle harsh weather? This includes goggles, underlayers, and additional clothing assuming conditions worsen as well as all the other essential ski gear.
   • If I am planning on going off-piste do I have an experienced group, sufficient training/skill, and the appropriate equipment to tackle the avalanche risk?
2. Road conditions:
   • Have there been recent reports of storms throughout the major highway networks in Alberta?
   • Do I have an appropriate vehicle with winter tires in the event that conditions on the road worsen?
   • Do I have the experience/am I comfortable enough to drive on low-visibility potentially slippery roads?
   • If road conditions become too extreme, where am I prepared to stay if I cannot continue driving?
3. Food/Drink:
   • Because I plan to spend extended time on the mountain, do I have sufficient water/access to water when I become dehydrated?
   • Skiing requires great focus so do I have the food available to sustain my mind and body during the day?
4. Group: 
   • Skiing can become very dangerous alone, particularly when no one knows where you are. Do I have friends/family that will be able to search for me in the event that I get lost and or sustain an injury?
   • Is everyone in the group prepared for the difficulty level of the hill?
   • Am I prepared to help another member of the group assuming they find themselves lost and or injured?
   • Is everyone familiar with the ski hills code of conduct/alpine responsibility code?

Good luck on the hill, and don't feel like you are obligated not to cancel a trip because of unforgiving conditions! The ski hill will always be there, your life may not.