What Does ‘Ski In Ski Out’ Really Mean?

by Robert Stanley | Updated: October 27th, 2022 |  Skiing Articles

If you have been skiing for a little while you know that, there is an entire glossary of slang and ski terms that get tossed around the mountain. The term 'ski in ski out' has been around for a long time, and it has less to do with physically skiing and more to do with your accommodation on the mountain.

Ski-in Ski-out means a type of accommodation at ski resorts that is accessible to arrive and leave on skis. It means that you have access to ski trails or runs right outside the door of your accommodation. Making it easy to go from the warmth of your hotel or lodge to the ski slopes and vice versa. 

You can literally ski in - to your accommodation - then ski right back out. So how does it work?

How does Ski in Ski Out Work?

Picture this: you wake up, pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, leisurely put on your ski gear, walk out the door, put your skis on and ski down to the nearest chairlift.

Ski-in ski-out truly is as seamless as it gets. At the end of the day, simply ski back to the front door of your accommodation, unclip your skis and kick back for some relaxation. This is what a day can look like at this type of accommodation. 

Why Choose Ski in Ski Out?

This has become an increasingly important selling point for ski resorts over the years and for the accommodations that occupy real estate on these resorts. More resorts are being designed with ski in ski out in mind and are frequently developed to include lodging that offers this perk to skiers.

As skiing continues to grow in popularity, these accommodations will continue to be in high demand. 

Access to the Ski Slopes with Ease

It boils down to accessibility. People that are flying in, or traveling great distances to enjoy a ski vacation want to maximize their time skiing, and ski in ski out stay will provide them that luxury by reducing travel time to and from the mountain every day.

It also allows you to be close to any of the Après Ski festivities the resort offers, which for some, is a deal-breaker.

Expect to Pay a Premium

In many cases, hotels on the mountain can charge a premium because of the greater accessibility of getting on and off the slopes. For some skiers, this is a necessary component of any ski trip or vacation and they are willing to pay any additional costs to secure a ski in ski out accommodation.

So even though the price point may be steep for some, this type of lodging tends to get booked up fairly quickly relative to lodging off of the resort. The benefits outside of price tend to outweigh the cons in that sense. 

Memorable Experience

The more you travel to ski resorts or destinations, the more you will begin to notice how much these places are designed to offer the best possible experience to skiers and guests. Ski-in ski-out is just one of many ways they can offer a memorable experience to travelers. 

Luxury Ski Accommodation

Popular luxury ski in ski out accommodation located in beautiful Jackson Hole Wyoming is the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. It is an award-winning resort accommodation with all the amenities a skier could ever need and ski in ski out access to one of the most challenging and popular ski resorts in the US - Jackson Hole. 

For a more affordable ski in ski out option on the same ski resort, consider the Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole. It has similar amenities and all the convenience that ski in ski out hotel has to offer at a much more affordable nightly rate. 

Who is Ski in Ski Out For?

More time for skiing. When you nullify your commute to and from the mountain, this means you can get out on the mountain earlier for fresh tracks and really get the most out of your skiing. 

If you are one to take breaks throughout the day this is a great option. If you would like to give your legs a quick break during the day, ski in ski out accommodations allow you to do just that and get back on the mountain seamlessly. This comes without having to haul your gear back to your car.

Ultimate Convenience

Convenience. If you are skiing in a group or have a family, there are logistical challenges that coincide. Getting everyone’s gear on and out the door at a reasonable hour can be a hectic undertaking for parents. Ski-in ski-out option reduces the logistical stress of getting to and from the mountain. 

Ski-in ski-out accommodation also has its perks for Apres ski. You will likely be walking distance from many dining options, bars, or shopping that the resort has to offer. If the resort has a village, the perks of ski in ski out accommodations extend beyond skiing. 

Downsides of Ski in Ski Out Accommodation

With all that convenience and accessibility to the mountain comes a higher price point. Ski trips can be expensive and it will be worth evaluating whether this type of accommodation lands within your budget.

Keep an eye out for end-of-season deals for Spring skiing and you might be able to enjoy the same luxury at a lower price point than peak season rates.

It Can Be Too Busy or Too Quiet

It can be busier. If your ski in ski out accommodation is on a popular resort, there will generally be more people, which usually means more activity and foot traffic after hours. If you are looking for a quiet, secluded stay - a ski in ski out hotel on a resort might not be for you.

As long as occupants are being respectful, this will likely be a minor inconvenience.

You will have to plan your day around when the nearest chairlift to your accommodation closes so that you can easily ski back at the end of your day. Having to hike up to your accommodation at the end of the day can be exhausting, especially after a long day of skiing.

It is important to get your bearings when you arrive so that you can better understand where your accommodation is on the mountain and which trails will take you back to said accommodations. 

Is Ski in Ski Out Right For You?

Other Options Might Suit you Better

It is not the be-all and end-all for ski accommodations. Staying off the mountain has its benefits as well. You will be able to explore the mountain’s surrounding area or local town and remove yourself from any hustle and bustle that a ski resort in peak season can bring.

Ski-in Ski-Out Is Expensive

This might also reduce the cost of your accommodation significantly, and although ski in ski out is considered the gold standard in terms of places to stay when skiing, there are always other options that best fit your needs and budget. 

Skiing is an expensive pursuit, to begin with. If you are looking to save some money on your trip, a ski in ski out accommodation might not be for you, however, they do provide a great deal of convenience and accessibility to lifts, so that you can make the most of your time skiing. 

If you are looking to book your first or next ‘ski in ski out’ accommodation check out this Forbes article which features 'The 30 Best Ski-In And Ski-Out Resorts In The World'.

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