The ski shows have come to town and gone. The snow guns are roaring across most every resort. The temps are dipping and for those who absolutely love getting out to ski and ride, we are pushing up to the true start of the most wonderful time of the year.

Even if you’re not planning on getting your first vertical in quite yet, it’s time to get ready.

And if you’re a born-a-ski-dork like me, even that’s fun. With that, here’s a five-step countdown to be ready for the best season ever. Because it’s going to be.

5: Check your gear: It’s always a great idea to pull out your skis/board, boots and poles to other must-haves like helmets, gloves, and attire. For the hardware, I’m a big fan of an annual tune up and look over by your local shop. They’ll not only make things spiffy and sharp, they’ll also advise you if any of your gear is outdated.

Try on everything you wear in the ski season and make sure it’s all in good shape. I have a habit of cleaning all my soft goods at season end and then packing them away, together. Even with that, I sometimes find a hole in something or want something recleaned. Do it now and you’ll be carefree and ready come first tracks.

4: Buy some tickets NOW. While we certainly can still be spontaneous and last-minute ski, it’s smart budget sense to make some plans and purchase some tickets now, particularly if you are not a season pass holder. Why? First of all, particularly for busy dates like President’s week and other holidays, some resorts actually sell out. You don’t want to – like a person I know had happen last year – book and pay for a lovely hotel or chalet and then find out you cannot get lift tickets.

The biggest reason is savings. By purchasing now, you can really cut down on those one or just a few day ticket prices. Check your planned destinations website for early purchase deals, or visit spots like www.skinh.com and www.skivermont.com to find deals as well. www.indyskipass.com sold out, but keep an eye on them in case they release more passes.

Pro tip: If you are planning a full week trip some place this winter, even with the now-higher season pass prices, do the math because in most cases, you’re best off purchasing a season pass and then using it to ski and ride the rest of the season at either that spot or spots that share on their pass. (and next year, purchase a season pass in the spring. It’s the best deal),

3: Find your ski day friends: I know, I know. They say there are no friends on a powder day. And while I love skiing alone, skiing with friends and groups is a must do for all of us. Reach out to your friends who ski and ride and make plans now for your day out together this winter. And if you cannot find any, consider signing up for a ski camp program, even just a day program. I also really like the vibe of some social media pages, like the Indy Ski Pass and the Skiology Community Facebook pages. I see folks plan meetups via those pages often. Join in.

2: Recruit: People who think they don’t like skiing just don’t know how to do it the right way. How can anyone not want a way to soak in fresh air all winter long? Convince a friend – or an entire family of friends– to give it a real try. Guide them, making sure they take lessons, get decent rentals and have all the apres fun too. There are affordable learn to ski programs out there. A favorite is Ragged Mountain Resort’s Bebe Wood Learn to Ski Program. There are others too. And show your friends that skiing is fun on any trail by taking some green circle runs with them as they learn.

1: Embrace the NOW: It might snow a lot, it might snow a little. Lifts might work like a charm or end up on wind holds. There might be a long line, or it might be a quiet day when the mountain feels all yours. No matter the circumstance, there’s always beauty, calm, challenge, fun and peace to be had out there. Let’s make 2023-24 the best season yet. Meet me at the base lodge, ski friends.