Is there any ideal solution to keeping water on you while you're skiing?

I've done the little backpack thing... that's fine but a little cumbersome. Last year I also tried this little "sack" of water (a bendable, bag-like I bought at Eddie Bauer) that could fold into a large pocket if I didn't put much water in it.

I always get really thirsty while I'm skiing but don't like to break to get to a lodge unless I really need to.

I know the answer can be a matter of individual preference and some folks always ski with a camelback type hydration system. I go back to the days when the only time you ever saw anyone drink something on the ski slopes it was probably out of a wineskin.

But for me in the East I don't usually carry any water because there is always a lodge close by and I haven't ever had any memorable dehydration issues. In the West I do subscribe to the theory that hydration fends off altitude issues, headaches, etc, and I carry a regular old 12oz plastic bottle of water and just refill it a couple times a day in lodge water fountains. For us guys that kind of bottle tucks into a jacket pocket pretty unobtrusively, especially the shorter, stubby bottles. (Actually, I also have a collapsable plastic bottle too, like what you mentioned and use that sometimes too.) I also grab a cup of water (or two) whenever I make a pit stop during the day. Most places out West now are quite good about making available many sources of free water because they know it keeps customers happy and active.

yanno... snow=ice=frozen water.. Just sayin.

I have a Dakine Helipack that I use out West. Skiing in the east I don't do a backpack I just stop in a lodge.

For most places in the east the runs are short enough that stopping, walking 30 steps and getting a drink isn't a big deal. I can't ever remember feeling like I'm "stranded" at part of an eastern resort like I have out west.

The other issue is if you do any sidecountry skiing. A small pack will let you toss in any essentials for sidecountry stuff.

Some ski areas use sewage plant effluent for snow making water ( I think Wisp used to and may still do). Also the water in the snow making ponds contain alot of nasty stuff. So unless you're absolutely sure it's natural snow that has fallen from the sky, DO NOT EAT THE SNOW. It may not look yellow but it may taste like it.
I see kids eating this stuff all the time. If parents only new what they were eating!

Better not follow me in the trees when yer thirsty. Yanno ... Just sayin. Yell be feeling black n gold.

Small camelback (no/minimal pouches, pockets, etc.) that fits under my parka. With an insulated hose.

Has worked for 20 years or so.

Hip flask.

After all, 80 proof is still 60% water.

can haz brandies?

I have a camelbak but bought one of those 1/2L platypus bottles and really prefer to carry that in my coat.

Hah, I'd knew PJ would chime in!

Or better yet, hollowed out ski poles with screw tops that serve as a flask. Gotta love it when PCMR ski patrollers see a bunch of tourons and morons tilting back a ski pole on da slopes at 10 in the AM. Another story to tell...

lay off the weed

As mentioned already, I carry a platypus and fill it with hot water when it's available. I used to carry a camelbak but they have leaked on my extra layer in the backcountry one time too many. They are very nice for warm season bike rides. OTOH, right now appears to be warm season. Damn!

I wear as fanny pack that holds two water bottles (a bit over a quart of water). It also has a zippered pocket that holds up to three granola bars. I wear it whether it's 30 below or 50. With the granola bars I'm good to go all day without having to stop to munch on $9 burgers unless I choose to do so.

I learned my lesson in June of 1993 on the last day of my season. I was skiing at A-Basin. I assumed that I'd be able to get water at the top of Exhibition lift so I didn't bring any water. I was wrong. It started out at 28 degrees at 8:30. By noon when I quit it was 90.

After getting off the hill I drank two gallons of water before I had to hit the head.