When booking a ski holiday a number of things should be considered. Firstly what are the needs of your party? Are you a family who go every year, a group of young adults not just looking for a good snow but a holiday with plenty of partying or a couple of proficient skiers looking for a good week on the slopes? Depending on the answers to these questions will determine what kind of trip you will embark upon. As an avid skier I have been on all types of holiday and have skied with all levels. I now offer my advice to those wishing to embark on a week in the mountains.
If booking for a family, obviously depending on the age of the children ski lessons are usually a good idea. Even if you are an expert skier teaching your own children can be frustrating, spending your entire week on the nursery slopes when you would prefer to be carving powder off piste can embitter you by the end of the holiday. Most resorts have good schools with professionals who have experience with all levels of skiers. Even as a proficient skier, remember after a year away from the slopes a lesson may also be good idea for yourself. I have known too many people who have shot off down a black run on the first day, found themselves rusty and broken bones ruining their entire holiday.
When travelling with a group of friends and looking for a party atmosphere always study the resort you are booking carefully. Make sure it will have enough to entertain you when not skiing. Finding yourself in a resort with a single bar and no club can often put a downer on your trip when you have set out to spend all week having good times. Remember variety is the spice of life and picking a resort with a full choice of entertainment will add to your experience infinitely.
Travelling as a couple can be the hardest holiday to organise for you are often looking for the middle ground. It is worth considering each of your skill levels, for if they are vastly different you will not see a lot of each other throughout the week. I remember a holiday where my girlfriend had spent the week on the nursery slopes with her teaching group and I had been racing down the mountain. We had only seen each other in the evenings. This is why picking the right resort with the right venues is especially important when planning as a couple. It is advisable to go to a resort with a nice mix of good restaurants and lively bars. You do not want to be surrounded by either large parties or families so check when booking the types of clientele who travel to the resort.
Another major aspect of booking is the accommodation. A choice usually exists between hotel, chalet and B and B. Hotels provide a good service and are good for groups wishing to have the minimum of comfort, for those planning a trip of partying this is a good idea. Chalets however offer a nice homely feel with comfortable lounges and a variety of rooms, perfect for a family Christmas and with the added bonus of being able to ski to your door. Bed and breakfasts are much like chalets except you are usually sharing with others and are the guests of the chalet owner; these can provide an added diversity to your holiday, allowing you to get to know the locals.
When you know what type of ski holiday you want, go ahead and book it. If you are a first timer remember to take it slow and be careful, it is too easy to break bones; despite how soft snow may seem. The same advice can be offered to those more experienced; overconfidence has been the downfall of many on the slopes. The most important advice however is to simply enjoy yourself, enjoy the slopes, the clean air and the fantastic views, there is not much better than being literally on top of the world.
