Proposing to the one you love is an incredible experience in itself, and when you are on top of a mountain it is even more magical! When it comes to proposing while skiing or snowboarding, there are a few factors to keep in mind. As a professional ski proposal photographer, I’ve photographed countless proposals and these are my best tips! Below you’ll find some guidance on how to propose on your ski trip and also coordinate to have the moment professionally captured.
Having Your Ski Proposal Photographed
If you would like your proposal photographed, there are two main routes you can take:
The Complete Surprise (aka the hidden photographer) or The Photo Session (your partner knows there is a photographer there, but thinks it is for some couple photos).
Your decision on which route to take should be based on your partner’s personality. Are they someone who can sniff things out from a mile away? If so, they might see through having a “couples’ photo session”, and a Complete Surprise is probably the way to go. If you guys have had professional photos taken together in the past, a Photo Session might not cause suspicion.
Make sure not to tell a cover story to your partner before booking a photographer. It becomes difficult to fit into your plan and make any adjustments to improve the logistics.
Picking a Perfect Spot to propose while skiing
Maybe you’ve been to that mountain before and there is a spot that is special to both of you- great! If not, you’ve got a lot of locations on the mountain to choose from. If you’re on top of a mountain, chances are any direction will be incredible. You will want a scenic spot with not too much ski traffic. When I work with my clients (who often are visiting from out of state) I ask them what kind of look they want, and how much privacy. I then am able to suggest locations that fit with their vision. Below you’ll find different location ideas for your proposal.
Top of the Mountain
Once you get off the lift, you could propose on the top of the mountain where there are sure to be spectacular views. This would also allow your photographer to blend in without suspicion. If you are interested in something private, the downside to this is that there will be more witnesses.
By the Lodge
Sometimes the lodge and the top of the mountain are the same location! This is what I most recommend to my clients, especially skiers. This is because in order to get on your knee, you have to remove your skis first. Randomly taking off your skis for no reason is pretty odd, and could tip off your partner that something is up. So instead you could take a break at the lodge or have some lunch. Then afterward before putting your skis back on, you can admire the view and pop the question.
Top of a Run
You could pop the question at the top of a run, where traffic is slower. It’ll most likely be flat, you won’t have to worry about people hitting you on the way down the mountain. This is a great option for snowboarders- you can propose as you are about to strap in.
Isolated Part of the Mountain
For most ski areas, there is the main section which gets crowded pretty easily. Then you have some runs off to the side, or some back bowls, that the general public doesn’t bother venturing towards. One of these areas would be a great option because there are fewer people around. Again a great option for snowboarders!
At the Base
The base of the mountain might not have a view of the surrounding area like the top of the mountain, but you do have a view of the mountain you just came down. It also allows you to go celebrate with some food and drinks right after! If you worry about the logistics of getting your skis or snowboard off to get down on one knee and don’t mind having witnesses, proposing at the base is a great option. You could propose right as the two of you get to the bottom and take off your skis or snowboard. Or, if you’re a faster skier/boarder than your partner, you could race down first and have them come down the mountain to the sight of you on your knees.
Coordinating Your Location With a Ski Photographer
If you went with the Photo Session route, coordinating is pretty easy! Pretend you’re taking a photo, and then have a code word when you’re ready to propose. Maybe you say “hey can we get one with our goggles off?”. Or the photographer can prompt it and say something like “I’m going to get one more shot”, then that’s your cue to get down on one knee.
If you opted for a Complete Surprise, you have a little more coordinating to do. Ski Resorts have a lot of trails and very little cell phone service, which means there is more room for error. But, if you plan properly and in advance, things will run smoothly and your partner will be completely taken by surprise.
Pick Your Location in Advance
You can use the above info as to what general area you want. If your photographer is familiar with the area, they might be able to pick a great spot for you. In order for this to work, you have to be on the same page. Look at a map, circle your spot, and confirm, confirm, confirm.
FIND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Meeting up with a photographer you’ve hired for a surprise proposal is a bit like a blind date, because you have no idea who you’re looking for. To make matters worse, everyone’s faces are covered and wearing similar clothing. I always have my clients send me a picture of them and their partner in advance (preferably in their ski attire) and give them a description/photo of my ski attire.
We pick a spot in advance and have a plan of meeting there at a specific time. When they get to the spot, they recognize the color of clothing and gear I’m wearing, and then stand a short distance in front of me to propose.
Getting Your Partner’s Attention to propose while Skiing
The time has come! You’ve found the perfect spot, your photographer is ready to go, and now you have to get your partner’s attention so you can pop the question. If you’ve planned a Photo Session, pose for some photos, use your code word, and get down on one knee.
If this is a Complete Surprise, suggest stopping for a break. Ask to take a selfie with the view. If you do this, suggest a “goggles off/mask off” picture, so that you can see their reaction and their excitement can be captured. You can also suggest getting a photo with your skis or snowboards off so you don’t have to worry about sliding away. I always recommend the selfie route because then you can make sure your partner is camera-ready and in the right spot. Then when you slip your phone back into your jacket you can grab the ring. (It’s way smoother than patting your pockets looking for the ring as your partner stares at you in confusion). I coordinate with my clients beforehand so they know where to stand and how to best orient themselves to have their partner’s expression captured.
Tips & Tricks
Stash the Ring
The good thing about snow pants and ski jackets is there is a lot of room and it won’t be obvious you have the ring on you! Make sure to stash it in a pocket and zip it up!
If you are worried about a bulky ring box showing, you can always buy a slim ring box to be more discreet.
Keep the ring in its box. This way it won’t get lost and you can just pat your jacket to ensure it is there.
Take off both your gloves to put the ring on your partner’s finger so you don’t have to worry about fumbling the ring.
Make sure your partner’s goggles are off
If you are able to naturally bring it up, suggest that your partner takes off their goggles. If you used the “taking a selfie” ruse from above, this shouldn’t be an issue. Having their goggles off isn’t necessary for your proposal, so don’t sweat it if this doesn’t naturally fit in.
Stay on your knee longer than you think
You’d be surprised how many people profess their love while standing and then are only down on one knee for half a second. I always tell my clients to stay down on their knee for longer than they think you need to be. It might feel strange, but I promise it is super romantic. Tell your partner how much you love them from there! This helps ensure a perfect shot.
A Drink to Celebrate
Have some champagne to pop or a drink to celebrate! If you want a “popping champagne” photo but alcohol isn’t allowed, sparkling cider does the trick! My clients can request a drink of their choice at cost, which I stash in my backpack and bring out once they are ready to celebrate! If you want some cool champagne photos, check out this video for how to pop and spray champagne the fancy way.
My hope is that this information inspires you, and makes you feel confident that with a little planning and preparation you can make this unique idea for your proposal while skiing into a reality!
ABOUT THE Photographer
I’m Gabrielle, the creator and photographer behind Ski the Day. I specialize in photographing ski and snowboard proposals, engagements, weddings and elopements. As an avid skier and wedding photographer, I aim to be a resource for couples who want to incorporate their love of skiing or snowboarding into the biggest day of their lives. I’m based in Colorado and available for travel worldwide.
