Ski season has started early.

That’s the news of the week. A few mountains in Colorado opened at the end of October, weeks ahead of the typical mid-November season start. And you know what that means… it’s the perfect time for us to give you the DL on everything you need to know about traveling for ski season (scroll for more).

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• • More room.
    Spirit Airlines announced that they’re expanding… their seats. Your butt cushions 30,000 feet in the air are getting wider – a welcome change.
  • Here come the guides.
    The Cut released a list of the best travel gifts to give this holiday season – according to those who know best: flight attendants.
  • Exceptions to the rule.
    Contact wearers, listen up: Saline solution is one of the 15 items that don’t need to meet the 3.4oz TSA requirement for your carry-on.
  • Did someone say free?
    By “someone” we mean National Park Service (NPS) – this Friday, fees to enter National Parks will be waived in honor of Veterans Day.
  • Not strictly business.
    Business travelers have started a new trend, where they’re making trips out of their travels, causing airlines to add to their schedules.

Trending travel

Dashing through the snow.
Ski season is here – several weeks early. So grab your gear from storage and take to the mountains. We’ve rounded up the 10 top destinations you should be skiing in this winter – as well as tips on what to do, what type of skier these places are best for and how much you can expect to spend to travel and stay there. Here are a few of the destinations we’ve got our eyes on.

• Park City, UT, US
  Good for a weekend trip, especially if you’re coming from the East Coast (direct flights). It’s so close to the airport you can fly in, ski, get some sleep and head home the next day.
• Gatlinburg, TN, US
  This hidden gem is good for intermediate skiers looking for something different. Green and blue trails make up around 80% of the resort slopes so it’s a good learning resort.
• Steamboat Springs, CO
  Steamboat is a low-key, family-friendly option, just be prepared for a trek. If you’re not flying direct (and opt to fly into Denver instead) you’ll need to rent a car or hop a bus.
• Banff, BC, CA
  Picture it, the sun is cresting over the sky and the beautiful blue of Lake Louise spreads before you as you let powder fly. Definitely for advanced skiers who want stunning views.

Wondering what other powder-filled destinations made the list? See all 10 spots – and the rest of our holiday guide – here.

Tricks of the trade

Pack like you know what you’re doing.
Whether you’ve been on a board since you were 5 or this is your very first time outside the lodge, our friends at Smartwool have a list of everything you should be packing for your ski trip. From base layers to stylish zips to their signature wool socks, check out their list of must-haves for the season.

Social shoutouts

We love to see your adventure shots (thanks for the love @avivperets) – if you’re hitting the slopes this winter, be sure to tag us using #KAYAKPicks for a chance to be featured!  

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*Methodology: Destinations with the most searches for Stays from a list of ski and snowboard destinations curated by the KAYAK Marketing team based on search dates from 5/1/22 – 9/15/22 for travel dates of 11/1/22 – 4/30/23.

**Median prices for airfare, hotel rates and car rental rates were determined using searches from 5/1/22-9/15/22 for travel between 11/1/22-4/30/23. Airfare is round trip pricing with a US origin. Hotel and car rates are daily median rates excluding taxes and fee