Updated August 22, 2025
Fancy finally booking that trip to Kashmir, Japan, or Alaska but have no one to shred with? Fear not. Here’s your guide to making it happen, from first idea to final run.
Why Go Solo?
Ski and snowboard travel has never been easier. There are tempting new destinations popping up every season (hello Georgia). The problem? Your dream trip might not match your friends’ plans.
You want heliskiing in the Himalayas, but they want the Alps.
You dream of Japan’s legendary powder, but your family prefers sunny pistes.
You crave Norway’s sea-to-summit couloirs, but your mates refuse to hike uphill.
You’re set on Alaska heliskiing, but no one else has the budget.
Sometimes, if you really want to go somewhere, you have to bite the bullet and go it alone.
Personal note: After years of watching dreamy Japan Youtube videos, I finally went solo in 2020. A month in Hokkaido, with only myself to please is still one of the best trips I’ve ever done!
The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel
Pros:
Total freedom no compromises.
Deep personal connection with the mountains.
Flexible plans based entirely on your mood and conditions.
Cons:
Safety is 100% your responsibility. Backcountry opportunities are limited (without a guide).
No one to split costs with.
Some moments are simply more fun shared.
If you plan well, the pros can easily outweigh the cons.
My Solo Ski Trip Checklist
Pack smart, ride smart, get home safe.
- Share plan with a trusted contact, include start time, route, and cut-off time
- Check weather, wind, and avalanche bulletin for your region
- Save resort map offline or download GPX for touring
- Charge phone and watch, bring a small power bank
- ID, bank card, a little cash for emergencies
- Water flask or soft bottle that fits a jacket pocket
- Calorie dense snacks that do not freeze easily
- Small repair kit, multi-tool, spare strap, zip ties
- Mini first aid kit, blister care, pain relief
- Warm up first run, test edges on mellow terrain
- Keep breaks short and regular, sip water each lift
- Stop where you are visible from above, never in landings
- Trust your energy meter, dial back when legs get shaky
- Dry spare socks in a zip bag, game changer at lunch
- Neck gaiter and thin liner gloves for chair rides
- Anti-fog wipe, small cloth for goggles
- Sunscreen and lip balm in an inner pocket
- Set phone emergency contacts and medical info
- Whistle and small light in a reachable pocket
- If leaving bounds, carry beacon, shovel, probe and know how to use them
- Screenshot patrol number and lift closing times
- Hard turn-around time that you actually follow
- Last lift time noted, route back to base saved
- Message home when you finish, then enjoy après
Other Tricks and Tips
1. Choosing Accommodation
Accommodation is your best chance to meet future ski buddies. Choose wisely.
Look for social lodges: Examples like Black Diamond Lodge in Japan attract dedicated freeriders.
Dorms vs private rooms: Dorms are cheaper and more social; private rooms give you space to recharge.
Shared meals and bars: Big breakfasts or common areas make it easier to connect.
Tip: Avoid being isolated in a remote Airbnb unless you’re happy to ski alone every day.
2. Sorting Transport
Getting to your destination is easy moving around once there can be tricky.
Transfers: Solo means no cost-splitting on taxis. In budget-friendly destinations like Kashmir, it’s less of an issue.
Public transport: In Japan’s Hokkaido, trains are cheap, reliable, and solo-friendly just allow extra time for navigation.
Remote areas: In places like Norway or Canada, distances are huge public transport may be impractical.
Best solution:
Join an organised road trip or ski tour. You’ll:
Skip costly transfers.
See multiple locations.
Have a ready-made group of ski buddies.
3. Hiring Guides or Joining Camps
Guides can make or break a trip but solo, the cost can sting.
Private guides: €400+ per day is common, and you can’t split the cost alone.
Freeride camps: Combine guiding, instruction, transfers, and accommodation into one price.
Heliski/cat ski operators: Often great at grouping solos with similar skill levels.
Tip: Choose operators who match your terrain preferences, budget, and group size.
4. Safety First
Solo skiing demands extra caution:
Stay within your ability.
Check local avalanche reports daily.
Carry and know how to use rescue gear.
- Never go out of bounds alone. Seriously.
Final Word
If you’re dreaming about it now, chances are you’ve been dreaming about it for years. Don’t wait for the “perfect” group make your trip happen.
With the right preparation, a solo ski adventure can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You’ll come home with not just powder turns, but new friends and stories to last a lifetime.
