1. Securely pack my boots, board(s), and gear in the van’s garage. I keep all of my gear in a big Rubbermaid Tub or a nylon bag and use bungee cords to tie everything down.
2. Ensure my Webasto heater is ready to go. While Webasto heaters are pretty much bulletproof, to function properly they require at least a ¼-tank of fuel. Nonetheless, I always crank the heater to 11 before I hit the road, just to make sure it’s in tiptop shape. I always turn it off before I start driving. And then back on when I get to the slopes. Because these heaters literally sip fuel by the drop, even after an entire day of boarding, not only is my heater still pumping, my fuel level basically stays the same.
5. Make sure my water tank is full (to fill my hydration pack), the fridge is stocked with beer, and my cabinets are stocked with lunch items. My go-to lunch is typically PB&J. But I have been known to put the electric kettle on and make myself a hot chili or soup, a la Patagonia Provisions… or even simple ramen.
As you can probably tell, I’m always stoked to talk about my van and the adventures we go on together. What’s so cool about owning a van converted by The Vansmith is that those adventures don’t stop when it starts snowing. In fact, they just start to heat up!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prep my van for winter snowboard road trips?
I start by safely packing my boots, boards, and gear in the van’s garage using a big tub or nylon bag and bungee cords so nothing shifts while driving. Then I check my heater, chains, boot tray, water tank, fridge, and food so the van is ready for a full day on the mountain.
What’s the best way to store snowboard gear inside a camper van?
I keep all my snowboard and ski gear in a large plastic tub or a tough nylon bag in the van’s garage area. As part of my basic van winter prep routine, I still keep it simple here. I use bungee cords to tie everything down so it stays put on bumpy mountain roads, whether I’m in my Ram van or checking out a friend’s Sprinter winter build.
How do you use a Webasto heater for winter van trips to the ski hill?
Before I leave, I crank the diesel heater up to make sure it’s working, then turn it off while driving. Once I’m parked at the slopes, I turn it back on and let it run all day so the van stays toasty. Because it sips fuel, my gas level barely moves.
- Secure your gear in the garage: Use a big Rubbermaid tub or tough nylon bag for boots, boards, and outerwear, then strap everything down with bungee cords so it doesn’t shift on icy mountain roads.
- Test your heater before you leave: Fire up your Webasto heater at home and crank it to max to make sure it’s working, and confirm you’ve got at least a ¼ tank of fuel so it can run all day.
- Run the heater while you ride: Turn the heater off while driving, then back on when you park at the resort so you come back to a warm, dry van for lunch and après.
- Always carry snow chains: Even with front-wheel drive and aggressive all-terrain tires, keep chains in the van and ready to deploy when the snow stacks up or passes get icy.
- Prep a clean boot tray: Clear out old mud, ice, and debris so you’ve got a dry spot for wet boots and gear, and you’re not stepping into cold puddles in your socks.
- Top off your water tank: Fill your tank before you head out so you can keep your hydration pack full and have water on hand for hot drinks or quick cleanup.
- Stock simple, warm food: Load the fridge with beer and easy lunches like PB&J, plus a few hot options—ramen, chili, or soup you can heat with an electric kettle—for quick, cozy meals between laps.
Do I need snow chains if my van has all-terrain tires?
Even with front-wheel drive and big off-road tires, I always carry chains in the van. When the snow is deep or the passes are icy, that extra traction can make the call between getting to the mountain or turning around.
Ready to prep your van for winter snowboard missions of your own? Reach out to The Vansmith to get a quote or explore our services for your next winter build.
How do you keep the inside of a ski trip van dry and comfortable?
I clean off the boot tray before each trip so I’m not stepping into puddles in my socks, and I keep my water tank full for my water pack. I also stock the fridge with beer and the cupboards with simple lunches like PB&J, soup, or ramen so I can warm up and refuel in comfort between runs.
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