Skiing and snowboarding holidays are great fun, but they can also be stressful if you don’t plan ahead properly. If you are planning to ski this winter, there are seven things you need to know before booking your holiday
Different types of ski holidays
Different types of skiing are best suited for different types of skiers. Skiing holidays can be broken down into five main categories: city, all-inclusive, hostel, chalet and self-catering. Depending on how advanced or social a skier is, one option may suit over another.
Where in the world can I go skiing?
With hundreds of destinations to choose from, knowing where in particular you want to go can make your experience all that much better. So, where should you book your next skiing vacation? Start by considering these four factors: snow quality, on-mountain activity offerings, resort pricing and crowd sizes. If one location stands out in terms of these considerations and works with your schedule and budget, it’s worth taking into consideration – we love ski holidays Flaine.
How long are ski holidays?
Ski holidays can be as short as one week or up to three months long. However, most people take 2-3 weeks off and visit somewhere like Chamonix in France. Most ski resorts are located between December and April (this is their peak season). This means that if you’re going to stay for longer than one week then it’s probably worth looking at other nearby locations outside of winter. That way, you can take advantage of cheaper flights and accommodation outside of these months.
Learning how to ski
If your travels have taken you somewhere snowy, don’t head for the slopes without first learning how to ski. Skiers of all skill levels should take lessons. Even if you fall and can’t get up, at least it will make an entertaining story for friends and family back home. If that isn’t enough of an incentive, consider these tips from our Skiing 101 guide: First-timers should rent skis, boots and poles; equipment is often very similar between rental and retail stores—so if something doesn’t fit well or is too uncomfortable, it’s much easier to exchange at a rental shop. And finally—no matter what skill level or comfort level on skis you have—don’t forget the sunscreen!
How safe is skiing?
Skiing isn’t without its risks. According to statistics, every winter many people get injured on European ski slopes. So, if you’re planning your first vacation in one of Europe’s world-class resorts and want to spend it enjoying some thrilling turns down some pretty steep runs, you should first familiarise yourself with easier sections.
Choose your package carefully
When choosing a package for your ski trip, it’s important to look at more than just the price. A cheap deal might seem great on paper but low-quality accommodation or poor service could mean that your dream vacation is nothing more than a nightmare. Make sure that you do as much research as possible into any business or place that is offering accommodation so that your expectations are realistic and you won’t be disappointed when it comes time for your trip. It’s also important to take into account what type of skiing experience you want. Do you enjoy fancy lodges with restaurants and bars? Or do you prefer something simpler where you can be away from other people?
Conclusion
Being on vacation is hard work and getting away from it all, takes some time. Skiing is by far one of my favourite ways to unwind. The fresh air, fantastic views and great fun can not be beaten – its a great way to tour the world!