After the checkride: Hit the slopes

Those wanting to escape a flying routine can boost the excitement level by taking up skiplane flying. True, the skills needed to master ski operations can take time to learn, and there are some caveats to remember. Taxiing can be especially challenging; close maneuvering usually means getting out of the airplane or propping under one ski to do a U-turn. Wide skis with no wheels are best, but skis with retractable wheels give you the option of landing on pavement. The drawback: Retractable skis are heavy and cost big bucks.

The coolest thing about flying on skis is that when snow is widespread there are unlimited “runways” to explore—miles of snow-covered lakes, snowmobile trails, and, if you’re lucky, mountainous landing strips are available. Another cool thing about flying on skis: You don’t need a rating. But common sense dictates that neophytes get formal training.