A guide to getting the perfect ski holiday

If you are fairly new to ski holidays, then here are what we hope are some useful tips and a guide to getting the perfect ski holiday. Even if you are experienced in booking your winter ski trip or holiday, there may be something new for you here.

First things first

You need to have a clear and realistic budget in mind. Skiing holidays with good accommodation and access to the slopes are not cheap. Beware of the amazing offer that appears to offer everything for very little.

Remember to include in your budget:

• Ski and boot hire unless you have your own – and if you do consider the baggage cost to transport them
• Lift passes.
• Lessons if you need them. Even if you ski regularly you may get the most of the trip if you have a lesson or two to get you back into the zone and to get to know the resort and the geography of the slopes

Where to stay

In general, your accommodation can be of the following types:

• Hotel
• Hotel chalets or apartments,
• Private chalets where you can choose the board basis you want –with either self-catering or chalet board.

The perfect place for you will depend on the size and makeup of your group and the range of activities that you prefer; Ski or non-ski related.

Consider whether the accommodation is ‘ski in/ski-out’ (accommodation from which it’s possible to ski from the door to the lifts) meaning no crowded shuttle rides or long walks from the shuttle stop to your home.

Know your ski slopes

When choosing a resort, you need to make sure that it has enough of the right type of slopes to satisfy all the members of your group and to keep everyone happy but safe.

Blue Run – Beginner level ski slope

Red Run – Intermediate level ski slope

Black Run – Advanced level ski slope

Where to go

There is a huge and varied choice of destination, and the list below is just a sample:

France has some of the best skiing in the world and is right on our doorstep. Snow fall is pretty reliable and predictable and offers high altitude skiing in some the largest areas you can imagine. There are also a wide range of ski resorts to suit different budgets and needs.

Austria is probably best known for intermediate level skiers. There is a vast variety of places to choose from. The scenery is incredible – pretty villages surrounded by the Alps. The schnapps and schnitzel are firm favourites for après ski!

Italy is probably best known for the Dolomites and provides large ski areas with some of the most striking scenery. It is generally good value for money with a laid back atmosphere, tasty food and generally uncrowded slopes.

Andorra is very much for beginner and intermediate skiers and is very affordable for those wanting to ski for the first time. It has excellent ski schools to get you on the slopes quickly and to start having fun.

Switzerland has some of the most attractive resorts in the Alps, surrounded by the likes of the Matterhorn and Eiger. It has the largest concentration of 4,000m peaks and so it is the best in Europe for guaranteed snow. It is generally best for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Canada is of course a bit further afield, but it really does have it all; the Rockies, powdery snow and its famous hospitality. Combine that with top quality accommodation, high class restaurants and mind-blowing scenery, it is a bucket list ski destination.

How to book your ski holiday

Unless you are an experienced ski holiday addict it can be quite daunting to book a ski holiday. There is so much choice that it is easy to make a mistake and end up not having the experience that everyone in your group was anticipating.

I have years of experience booking ski holidays for my clients and am supported by a wonderful ski specialist team when putting together the perfect bespoke holiday.

So, if you thinking about a first ever ski holiday, or the first family or group ski holiday you can feel confident in contacting me so that we can discuss everything that will make your holiday experience one that you will remember for all the right reasons.