TikTok’s Favourite Ski Hacks: What Actually Works? | SIA Austria
Contents Guide:
- Beginner Ski Tips
- Advanced Ski Hacks
- Money-Saving Tricks
- TikTok Trends Tested
Ask anyone scrolling through TikTok before a ski trip, and you’ll find the internet is full of “ski hacks.” Some are genius. Some are nonsense.
We’ve sorted through the noise to show you the ski tips beginners should know, the advanced ski hacks worth trying, and the money-saving tricks that actually work.
Ski Tips for Beginners
For anyone new to skiing, there are no gimmicks. Just hacks that save you stress, time, and if you’re lucky, cash.
Duct tape on boots
One TikTok favourite shows duct tape as a ‘repair’ for loose boots, whether rental or previously owned. It’s true: duct tape adds grip if your rental boots feel a little too roomy – but it’s only ever going to be a short-term solution. Ideally, you’d get boots fitted to you.
If you’re skiing for a season in Austria or Canada, get custom-fitted boots early on to get the best enjoyment on the slopes.
Cat tracks and side-step shortcuts
Some hacks suggest carrying “boot traction” covers (also known as crampons) to help you walk instead of slip on icy resort paths.
These little grips help beginners avoid slipping, protect ski boots, and are worth the space they take in your luggage.
Ski socks trick
A ton of videos mention double-socking to keep feet warm. Although it may keep your feet warm, the excess layers are renowned for being the cause of blisters. Rather than layering up, one good pair of ski socks always wins out.
Pre-ski warmup
TikTok trends showing keen skiers stretching before taking the lifts should not be underestimated.
Warming up reduces the chance of injury and keeps you skiing longer, making quick squats or lunges while waiting in line a hack worth considering.
Advanced Ski Hacks
Experienced skiers also share clever tricks online, but some need a reality check.
Wax at home with a travel iron
Plenty of creators suggest using a clothes iron instead of paying for waxing at a ski shop.
While this may work in theory, cheap irons may burn the bases if the temperature is even slightly off. If you’re skiing for a prolonged season in Canada or Austria, invest in a waxing kit dedicated to this purpose. It’ll pay for itself after a few runs.
Hydration hack
There are tons of photos and videos of people with their water packs under their jackets. It is a strategic move that keeps your water from freezing and prevents you from stopping at the lodge to rehydrate. An advanced skier going all out with runs back-to-back will be most likely to appreciate this hack.
Helmet audio systems
A DIY helmet audio system? It sounds cool, right? However, it’s important to consider the compromise to the fit of the helmet, and thus, the stability and safety of the headgear, too.
Instead, stick to approved Bluetooth speaker helmets to ensure ultimate safety on the slopes.
Ski straps for carrying
The “ski strap over the shoulder” trick looks simple to do but is awkward with poles and backpack attachments also in consideration.
Alternatively, use Velcro-like ski straps to keep the skis together – then you can carry them like a suitcase! Quick, easy, and doesn’t add any unnecessary strain to your shoulder.
Money-Saving Tricks
Social media is full of hacks that promise to make a ski trip cheaper – but some do hold up.
Food hacks
Packing ramen noodles or wraps in your ski jacket is a real trend. Resort food can get pricey, but with hot water stations a common feature in Austria, instant noodles are a match made in heaven. Meanwhile, in Canada sandwiches are a popular hidden treat after a morning skiing.
Season passes split with friends
TikTok trends about “pass-sharing” are not worth the risk. Resorts are heavily cracking down on it, and fines are steep.
Instead, investigate student or instructor discounts. If you train as a ski instructor in Austria, you often get discounted lift access as part of the package.
Gear swaps
Many seasonnaires film gear swap nights where students trade gloves, goggles, or spare layers. These are real and worth trying. They cut costs and keep kit in use all season.
Travel smart
One trending hack is booking travel from the airport via shared shuttles instead of private transfers to save cash.
In Austria, there are fantastic shuttle buses from Salzburg to resorts like Zell am See that cost less than half of a private car service (taking about one hour each way).
In Canada, look at the regional bus systems connecting resorts (Banff has shuttle systems going to Lake Louise).
TikTok Trends That Have Been Tried and Tested
While some hacks go viral because they look fun, they don’t always translate well into reality.
Ski with coins in your gloves
One trending video shows skiers putting coins or heat packs in their gloves to keep hands warm while skiing. Heat packs work. Coins do not, and they may even make your hands colder.
Goggles-in-the-oven hack
One video trend showed people putting foggy goggles in an oven to “defog.” Never do this as it will ruin the lens. Anti-fog wipes or sprays are safe alternatives.
Beer-in-the-snow cooler
Yes, it works. Stick your drinks in a snowbank outside your lodge.
In Austria, après ski often starts this way; in Canada it’s a fun touch on those cosy cabin nights.
Take All of This to the Slopes
Social media makes skiing look easy, but hacks only work when they’re practical. Beginner ski tips like warm-ups and good socks save more than duct tape tricks. Advanced ski tips like proper waxing and hydration packs will keep you on the slopes longer. Money-saving hacks like food prep and shuttle buses are worth stealing for your next trip.
If you’re planning a full season, training as a ski instructor in Austria or Canada adds another layer of benefits, from discounted passes to insider access. And while TikTok makes ski trips look like nonstop parties, the best hacks are the ones that let you ski harder, save money, and enjoy the mountain longer.