Trail Etiquette 101: How to Avoid Being “That Person” While Skiing, Hiking, or Strolling the Beach
A little etiquette goes a long way when hiking, skiing, or even walking the beach! Read our blog on how not to be “that person”.
Whether I’m flying down a ski slope, trekking up a mountain, or simply walking on a sidewalk along the beach, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable trail behavior. And let’s face it — we’ve all had those moments where we accidentally break a rule or two. We’re all guilty of it but being aware of these unwritten rules might help you avoid doing it again.
On the Slopes: Skiing and Snowboarding Etiquette
Ah, the mountain — my happy place. But just because we’re all bundled up doesn’t mean we can forget our manners. Here’s how to keep things smooth on the slopes
1. Lift Line Diplomacy: You’re not merging onto the highway, so no aggressive line-cutting. Keep your crew together, fill the singles line if needed, and if you accidentally step on someone’s skis, offer a quick “oops, my bad!” instead of pretending you didn’t feel it.
2. Downhill Has the Right of Way: Picture it: You’re gracefully carving turns (okay, maybe not gracefully), and suddenly someone barrels in like. Don’t be that moose. If someone’s ahead of you, give them space — no one likes a surprise tackle.
3. Park it Responsibly: Need a breather? Pull over to the side of the trail. Stopping in the middle of a run is like parking your car in the middle of a rotary — legal in exactly zero states.
4. Know Your Limits: If the sign says “Double Black Diamond,” it’s not a dare. It’s a warning. And trust me, your knees will thank you later.
5. Lodge Etiquette: The lodge is for warming up, not for airing out your socks like you’re drying fish. Be kind, share the table space, and store your bags appropriately.
Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Mount Washington
On the Trails: Hiking Etiquette
Hiking is my version of therapy — fresh air, good views, and just enough challenge to convince myself I deserve a post-hike burger. But even out in the wild, some rules apply
1. Yield to the Uphill Warriors: Hiking uphill is basically nature’s version of a StairMaster. If someone is climbing while you’re cruising downhill, step aside and give them a break. Bonus points if you offer a breathless “you’re almost there!” even if they’re obviously not.
2. Keep It Single File: I love a good trail chat, but blocking the entire path with your hiking buddies is a rookie move. Walk like a polite conga line, not a wall of defensive linemen.
3. Leave No Trace: I get it — tossing a banana peel “for the animals” feels like a good deed. But unless squirrels have developed compost bins, it’s best to pack it out.
4. Leash Your Adventure Pup: I’m all for bringing dogs along, but not everyone wants a surprise greeting from your muddy four-legged friend. And if your pup is the type who thinks squirrels are sworn enemies, maybe keep that leash tight. Also be sure to take your bag of waste with you. No “I’ll grab it on the way back”!
5. Music Manners: Singing to yourself on the trail? Totally fine. Blasting your playlist like it’s an impromptu forest rave? Not so much. Let’s let the birds sing the songs, ok?
6. Don’t be a view hog: Everyone hikes the mountain for the view. Once you soak it in, maybe take a photo or seven, then step aside so any other hikers can also enjoy the views.
Charlestown Town Beach, RI
On the Sidewalk: Beach and Boardwalk Etiquette
Not every adventure is on a mountain. Sometimes it’s just a walk along the beach — enjoying the salt air, avoiding sunburn (in theory), and dodging rogue seagulls. But even on the boardwalk, there are a few unspoken rules
1. Stick to Your Lane: Sidewalks work just like roads. Walk on the right, pass on the left. And no sudden stops! That scenic ocean view will still be there in three steps.
2. Space Management: Walking four abreast on a sidewalk is a pet peeve of mine. Break it up. Other people would like to avoid doing an awkward sideways shuffle just to pass you.
3. Dog Etiquette (Yes, Again): I adore dogs, but the beach is not a choose-your-own-adventure zone. Keep your pup on a leash if required, and for the love of sandy feet, clean up after them. Be sure to take it away too!
4. Sunset Serenity: Watching the sunset is practically a sport in New England. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, savor it. And if you must narrate your every thought, maybe wait until the sun dips below the horizon.
Mount Osceola Summit
Whether I’m skiing down a powdery slope, conquering a new hiking trail, or even wandering along the beach with sand somehow already in my shoes, I try to remember one thing: good trail etiquette makes everything better.
A little courtesy goes a long way — and who knows? Maybe your kindness will inspire others to do the same. Plus, fewer angry glares from fellow adventurers? That’s always a win.
Now get out there, follow the rules, and may your trails be clear, your slopes be powdery, and your beach days be seagull-free!
Which Ski Pass is Best for New England?
Which Ski Pass is Best for New England? Do you enjoy skiing as much as I do? Ever wonder if a season pass to a specific mountain is worth it? Is it worth buying the big mountain passes like the Ikon Pass or the Epic Pass? How about that Indy Pass that Mike from Around New England is always talking about? How do you go about choosing which one is best for you?
Do you enjoy skiing as much as I do? Ever wonder if a season pass to a specific mountain is worth it? Is it worth buying the big mountain passes like the Ikon Pass or the Epic Pass? How about that Indy Pass that I’m always talking about? How do you go about choosing which one is best for you? Unless you have a favorite mountain that is practically in your backyard, the choice can be complicated! The right pass depends on how often you ski, your budget, and the locations you plan on skiing that year. Spring and Summer are usually the best time to purchase the following year’s pass, so here is a little info to help you decide which ski pass is best for you as a New Englander.
Black Mountain of Maine - Indy Pass
Before getting started, there are some questions you need to consider. Realistically, how often are you going to ski? It really only makes sense if you plan on utilizing a pass on vacation or plan on going somewhere specific a bunch of times in the season. If you aren’t sure that you can commit to many days on the mountain, buying day passes ahead of time online might be your best option. What is your budget? The key is to look at how expensive it would be to go on that trip if you had to pay out of pocket? For the most part, resorts have a pricing model that incentivizes some sort of pass to keep you loyal to that mountain or family of mountains. Usually getting the price per-ski-day down to under the “window” price takes less than a full week now. Many of the lower tier passes allow you to get your per-ski-day price down even further.
Saddleback Mountain - Indy Pass
Indy Pass (2 days at each resort, 25% off a third day): Berkshire East, Big Moose, Big Rock Mountain, Black Mountain of Maine, Black Mountain (NH), Bolton Valley Resort, Bousquet Mountain, Camden Snow Bowl, Cannon Mountain, Catamount Mountain Resort, Dartmouth Skiway, Jay Peak Resort, Lost Valley, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snowbowl, Mohawk Mountain, Mt. Abram, Pat’s Peak, Ragged Mountain, Saddleback Mountain, Saskandena Six Ski Area, Waterville Valley Resort, Whaleback Mountain, plus several cross country skiing areas! There are also several “Allied” resorts which offer 50% discount off the window ticket price.
Pros:
The price for this is affordable.
Great for exploring smaller mountains that have a certain local vibe.
Less crowded resorts, but still some decent size resorts in there.
Best for skiers who like variety and want to avoid corporate resorts, the crowds and price tag that goes along with all that.
There are a lot of mountains to chose from for New England.
Cons:
Limited to 2 days at each resort.
No really big name mountains included.
Most of the mountains have some sort of blackout dates, but not all!
Sunday River - Ikon Pass
Ikon Pass: Unlimited Access at Stratton and Sugarbush. 7 days at each at Killington, Loon, Sunday River, & Sugarloaf plus some of the largest resorts around the US.
Pros:
Some of the biggest resorts on the east.
Also good at some of the largest resorts in the West if you are traveling outside of New England.
There are several different level passes available to purchase. The example above is for the most expensive, highest level pass. Passes with less days per resort are available at lower rates.
Over 50 destinations in the US including Aspen, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snowbird, and Alta.
Cons:
Limited number of days, no unlimited pass available.
Bigger mountains usually means bigger crowds.
Expensive unless you fully utilize it.
Wildcat Mountain - Epic Pass
Epic Pass: Mount Sunapee, Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow, Attitash, Wildcat, & Crotched Mountain.
Pros:
Different levels of passes available.
20% Discounts off food, lodging, rentals, heli-skiing, summer activities, and group lessons.
Discounted tickets for friends.
Epic Coverage is included - Refunds for job loss, injury & illness.
Over 30 destinations across the US including Vail, Breckenridge, Heavenly, and Park City.
26 European Partner Resorts.
Cons:
Limited number of days, no unlimited pass available.
Biggest mountains usually means biggest crowds.
Crowd management and employee tensions have become a concern at some Vail owned resorts.
Expensive unless you fully utilize it.
Gunstock Mountain - Season Passes
Local Resort-Specific Season Pass: One pass good at one mountain for the whole season. Sometimes the pass is good at another affiliated resort, but it’s usually resort specific. For details on this, visit the website of the resort you want to become a season pass holder.
Pros:
Usually unlimited skiing/riding for that one specific resort.
Season Passholder discounts in the lodge and ski shop.
Great if you have either a favorite mountain, or a mountain that is very close to you.
Cons:
Limited to one resort.
Can be quite expensive.
You need to go a lot to make it worth it.
Black Mountain (NH) - Indy Pass
Personally, I have over an hour drive to any ski mountain regardless, so I enjoy traveling and utilizing the Indy Pass. There are 6 resorts on the pass within a 2 hour drive or so, and I have found some affordable lodging options to make the further resorts like Saddleback and Jay Peak manageable. Both are fantastic independently owned mountains. They are well worth the trip from anywhere in New England. I have skied some of the larger resorts that are on Ikon and Epic out West and they are some of my favorite ski trips ever, but for me, I can’t justify spending the money on either pass based on where I live, my budget, and the type of mountain I like to ski, but that’s just me! When I plan my next trip out West, I might consider either Epic or Ikon depending on where I end up going. There is a pass out there for anyone who plans on skiing a lot in the winter. See you on the slopes!