Ski holidays for families, groups and solo travellers

Ski season

It is generally known that the main skiing season runs from Christmas/New Year through to Easter. Generally, you get more and better snow - deep, fluffy powder with no ice - if you go earlier in the year, but it can be pretty cold.

If you go towards Easter, there may be less snow and it may not be in such great shape, but the sun is more likely to be shining. If you do go late in the season, it's best to choose a resort that is higher up in the mountains.

But the chances are that if you are travelling as a family or in a group, the most important challenge is that of trying to co-ordinate a time when everyone is available and free to go, as well as affordability. That may affect your departure dates and locations. Of course, for solo travellers, this is less of an issue.

Learn to ski

If you are travelling as a group, it can be more fun if everyone is at roughly the same skill level as yourself. It makes sense to learn to ski or snowboarding by taking lessons on a dry ski slope at home before you go - this will enable you to learn good basics and a good technique. It also means that if you are being taught at the resort, you stand a better chance of being taught together.

If you are going as a family, making sure any kids in your party have a good time is important. You can prepare younger children by showing them videos and books of skiing before they go. Also, make sure they spend time outdoors wearing their winter gear so they know what to expect. Practice at home. Show them a little bit about standing, turning, and get them used to some speed. For example, let them ride their bicycle down a light slope.

Although you don't have to be fit or sporty, it does help if you prepare for your skiing holiday with some exercise. Apart form anything else, it also helps if everyone in the party is at roughly the same level of fitness.,

If your friends and family are already experienced skiers, don't let this put you off going.  Once you are at the resort, join a ski school during the day with other beginners - there are always plenty of people just starting out and you'll make some new friends as you learn. It also pays to book a couple of one-to-one lessons too to help you progress faster.

What to take with you

If this is your first skiing holiday, one of the main questions you will be asking is what to take with you on your break.

For many beginners, the feeling that skiing is too expensive is all down to the fact that they feel the cost of all the kit is too costly - especially if it is only likely to be used once or twice.

Here are some tips to make your ski experience far cheaper than you think:

• Skis and Boots - these can be hired either at the resort, or if you don't mind carrying them with you, here in the UK.  There are many online ski and boot hire sites and it is worthwhile comparing between them to get the best price.
  
  
• Ski Wear - find out if you can borrow from friends - but make sure that it fits properly and it is suitable. Think about warmth - not fashion - relatively light gear suitable for some European resorts will leave you frozen if used in much chillier US and Canadian winters. Alternatively, consider hiring at the resort.
  
  If you have planned a ski or snowboarding trip long in advance, think about buying your gear during the summer sales/
  
  Expert Tip: look for a two piece ski or snowboarding outfit, particularly for children - all-in-one outfits can cause havoc when using the bathroom!
  
  
• General - clothes: It gets cold up in the mountains, especially when the sun goes down, so make sure you take enough layers including a good set of thermals, T-shirts, a fleece, a couple of well fitting polo necks, plenty of socks, gloves, sunglasses and goggles for the children.
  
  Sun cream: Remember to pack this as you burn easily at altitude - you will need at least Factor 15.  Also, remember sun block for your lips.
  
  Small waterproof backpack: To carry everything you might need whilst out on the slopes including cash, painkillers, water, snacks, tissues, sun block etc..
  
  Swimwear: This is something most people forget, but there are great pools at most resorts and a Jacuzzi is a great way to rest those tired muscles after a hard day on the slopes.

Safety on the slopes

It is crucial for skiers and snowboarders to stay on piste at all times.  Mountains can be extremely dangerous and locations are chosen accordingly.  Moving off-piste can open you to the threat of avalanches, rocky climbs and ditches. Ensure you pick up a piste map so you don't lose your way.

Also, dehydration is a huge problem for skiers, so stop often for a drink of water in the mountains and apply sunscreen every time you stop.

Ski and winter sports insurance

Above all, make sure you take out insurance! Medial treatment is expensive - you could be looking at £3,000 - £6,000 for a broken arm or leg and over £50,000 if you have to be airlifted off the mountains. It is often possible to take out joint cover for both adults and several children in the same family: annual cover often includes two, sometimes three children. It always makes sense to check.

Where to go

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on ski holidays