GOING OFF PISTE

As we head into another winter season, we are busy booking lots of Ski holidays and thought it would be useful to give you some top tips in choosing the right ski resort.  

Ski holidays can be quite costly, so it its crucial to make the right choices.  Keep in mind that there are additional expenses to consider, such as lift passes, ski and boot rentals, and lessons.  Therefore, it is wise to factor these into your budget and explore all-inclusive packages, as they often offer better value for money.

There are options to have lessons and brush up on your skills before you go so you can maximise and get the best from your ski adventure.

Booking the right resort is vital for the overall enjoyment of your holiday.  Consider whether you will be going with friends or young children and create a checklist of important factors to guide your decision-making process.  This includes selecting the appropriate county, resort, and accommodation.

So here are my TOP ski tips. 

  1. Choosing the right resort - if you are planning on going early or later in the season then a high-altitude resort is a must that way you are more likely to get snow – and you need snow to ski.  If you plan to go early or late season then choosing a resort that is at least 2000m is recommended and there are plenty in France, Italy, Austria, and Andorra.
  1. Easy Access to the slopes – so choosing a hotel or chalet that is close to the ski lifts is important as remember you will be carrying your ski equipment and after a long day on the slopes you will be exhausted so a long walk back to your hotel is far from ideal.  So, a hotel offering doorstep skiing is the ideal option – this is known as ski in and ski out.
  1. Transfers: Scotland provides a great selection of flights to most European ski resorts. However, be mindful of the duration of your transfer, as it can range from 90 minutes to 5 hours. This is especially important when traveling with children. Additionally, consider flight times, aiming for an early departure to allow time for equipment arrangements and potentially hitting the slopes. For the return journey, a later flight is ideal, taking into account the transfer time to the airport.
  1. Après Ski – this is a huge part of the overall experience of ski holiday but be mindful if travelling with children as some of the busier resorts can party into the wee small hours.  The location is key when choosing your resort to get it right for everyone travelling.  You can still get fabulous ski in ski out resorts but in the quieter villages giving you a more restful holiday when not on the slopes.   
  1. 5. Skill Levels: Be honest with yourself about your skiing abilities to ensure an enjoyable experience. If there are varying skill levels within your group, select a resort that offers options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. This way, everyone can make the most of their holiday.
  2. What’s included – be mindful that a ski trip does not include the essential extras that you will need like a lift pass, ski and boot hire and any tuition – most resorts will offer ski school where you have lessons for 2-3 hours each day and you are on the slopes putting into practice what you have learned.  If you have your own skis, then you need to remember to book ski carriage and do this early as airlines have limited space for skis.   Your accommodation is also important as many of our clients will request a bath along with the shower to help relax the muscles after a long day on the slopes.  Hotels with a sauna and or a swimming pool is nice to relax at the end of the day.
  1. Travel Insurance: While it may seem obvious, many people are unaware that travel insurance does not automatically cover winter sports. It is essential to have the appropriate coverage in place, as winter sports insurance is an additional add-on to standard policies. 

By following these tips, you can ensure a well-planned and enjoyable ski holiday.

BEST RESORTS FOR APRES SKI 

  1. Val Thorens, France 
  2. Les Deux Alpes, France 
  3. St. Anton, Austria
  4. Verbier, Switzerland 
  5. Val D ‘Isere, France 

BEST RESORTS FOR FAMILY

  1.  La Plagne, France 
  2. Avoriaz, France 
  3. Obergurgl, Austria
  4. Mayrhofen, Austria
  5. Flaine, France 

BEST BUDGET RESORTS 

  1. La Thuile. Italy 
  2. Les Menuires, France 
  3. Pamporovo, Bulgaria 
  4. Alpbach, Austria
  5. Borovets, Bulgaria 

BEST LUXURY RESORTS 

  1. St Moritz, Switzerland 
  2. Gstaad, Switzerland 
  3. Val D ’Isere, France 
  4. Verbier, Switzerland 
  5. Courchevel, France

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