Come closer so I can see you, because you seem to be coming down with something.

You’re trying to focus on that Excel sheet that needs spiffing up, but your mind keeps wandering to the weather tab opened at the top of your screen. Your hands feel strange in the open air; they want gloves. And your heart is pounding a bit more than usual and for some reason, no amount of deep breathing makes it slow.

You, my friend, have the powder flu. And if the forecast holds up in the coming days, your cure is coming. With as much as two feet of snow forecasted for the coast and at least a solid half foot for interior areas, your ski doctor (that’s me) insists you stay out of work and treat your symptoms. A powder day may be coming.

It’s an old joke, but still a very real one. Skiers far and wide save up sick days for those special days when you know you’ll find freshies all day. And last minute can be done – after all, all you really need is to get yourself there – but some solid preparations for future powder flu sick days are a great idea.

Since skiing powder isn’t an everyday thing for eastern skiers, some of us not only don’t know how to handle it while on skis, but are not aware of some super basic steps to experience powder skiing at your very best. Here are my tips for powder skiing; the things to put in your “sick day kit” for such a time.

Skiing deep into the trees like this is seductive, but don’t go alone. (Moira McCarthy photo)

Rent skis: Yes, I know, you have skis and you love them. But most eastern skiers (rightfully so) ski on carving skis with narrowness underfoot. Can you ski powder on those? Well, sure. But given that true fresh powder days aren’t every day, invest in renting some fatter skis for the day. Fatter skis make powder skiing easier and, yes, more fun. Any good ski shop can help you pick the right pair. Do use your own boots though; no need to change there. (Shout out to the woman who insisted on using her 76 underfoot carvers on a two-foot powder day rather than rent. I soared all over the mountain. She struggled on a green all day. How is that fun?)

Book a lesson: Powder skiing is, in my view, some of the smoothest and most graceful skiing you’ll do. But – and this is particularly for those who ski firmer or groomed most times – it’s a different feel. The good news is, once you feel it, you’ve got it. I suggest booking one lesson with an expert in powder, alone or with your group of friends. It will click and you’ll reap the benefits of that lesson for the rest of your ski life. Jay Peak Resort (https://jaypeakresort.com/) is a great spot to do this; they almost always have some powder stashes to play in. I was lucky enough to be at Stratton Mountain Resort (https://www.stratton.com/) a few years back when they got a historic snowfall. I was able to jump into a group lesson first thing and feel confident playing in all that snow thereafter.

Dress properly: Waterproof is a must. If you have a jacket with a powder skirt, use it. And bring along your boot warmer/dryer or use a hair dryer (carefully!) to try out your boots apres. What’s worse than being damp in the cold? Also be sure to wear glove liners and goggles. You’ll be glad you did.

Take breaks: You’ll be using different muscles and working a bit harder. Take breaks, drink water and be aware of your energy level.

Do not tree ski or head into side country alone: You’re going to be fine, but on the off chance that you get hurt, have your gear break or worse, get lost, you want to have help. If you’re out there alone and want to head off piste, ask someone riding the chair with you to join you. Be safe. I promise it’s just as fun.

Fluffy powder — on trails and off — are the calling card for Jay Peak Resort. (Moira McCarthy photo)

Pick your spot the night before: (And cross your fingers a little bit). Storms hone in on certain regions, and while nature can change her mind overnight, it’s a good idea to choose your spot the day before. If you are not a pass holder, you can purchase a ticket online and save some cash. If you’re super motivated, you can head up the night before and grab a hotel room (or if you are equipped for it, camp). This storm looks like it might put the Bay State’s own Wachusett Mountain Resort (https://www.wachusett.com/) in the bullseye. We shall see.

The only thing we know for sure is you’ve got the powder flu. And there’s only one cure. See you at the treatment center.

Affordability the goal of Snowvana

With the announcement that Snowbound, Boston’s biggest annual ski show, will move to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for the 2026 season, Bay State mountain sport lovers may be feeling a bit blue.

Good news then: Snowvana (https://snowvana.com/), the Northern Pacific and Midwest’s largest show, is coming to the Bay State. Set for Nov. 6-8, 2026, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlboro (about 30 minutes from Boston), the show will feature the usual ski show scene like resort and product booths, speakers and tons of products for sale.

But there’s more. Snowvana also features a mini ski film festival, live music and – get this – a huge ski consignment area where you can buy or sell much loved ski and ride gear that needs a new home.

Snowvana has a unique goal for a ski show: Affordability. That makes sense when you realize the owner and operator of Snowvana is Doug Fish, the same man who brought The Indy Pass (https://www.indyskipass.com/), one of the world’s most affordable and popular passes, to life.

Why Boston? It’s not simply a case of Snowbound’s relocation.

“Boston is the number one ski market there is,” Fish told the Boston Herald. “There are so many great resorts in the region and so many passionate skiers. We’ve seen it with the IndyPass. Boston is our number one market. With this void, we saw an opportunity.”

Snowvana is coming to Marlboro in November. (Courtesy photo)

The show’s lineup is evolving, but already has sponsors signed on. Toyota is the lead sponsor for all Snowvana events (Portland, Seattle and Milwaukee are the other locations in 2026). In addition, the Marlboro show will feature the Wachusett Mountain (https://www.wachusett.com/) Learn-to-Ski Ramp, giving you a chance to feel those edges under your feet preseason.

“We are excited to support this exciting new event where we can showcase our award-winning ski and ride school,” said Wachusett owner Carolyn Stimpson.

Bretton Woods, Ragged Mountain Resort and others will be in the house as well. Tickets won’t be on sale until September. As Fish and his team build the event, he’s focused on one thing – other than stoke and fun – the most.

“Affordability,” he said. “And by that I mean for it all. What IndyPass did for lift tickets, Snowvana can do for gear and more.”