Skiing Articles
Types of Ski Holidays
Deciding on a ski holiday is just the beginning. Deciding where to go, where to stay, and which slopes to ski are far more important, and you should take care to find the right type of ski holiday for you. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy a skiing break.
Chalet Break - Depending on the number of people you're travelling with, a chalet can be the best form of accommodation in terms of exclusivity and price. The higher end ones sometimes come with Jacuzzis and swimming pools, whilst all will come with a good amount of living space. Chalet accommodation is perfect for families who want a bit more room and privacy than they can get in a hotel. It's also a great idea for larger groups of friends, as some chalets sleep upwards of 10 people. You can often choose between self-catering where you'll prepare your own food and catered where an in-house host and chef will prepare the meals for the duration of your stay, and the latter of these options is often very affordable.
Hotels - Hotels are the obvious choice and offer great value for money, especially if booked early. These are ideal if you're travelling as a couple or a smaller group of 3-4 people, and are usually available as a range of boards, from half board to all inclusive. The drawbacks of having less space than a chalet is often made up by many hotels having their own bars, and hosting events each night to keep you entertained.
Apartments - if you want a combination of the pros of both chalets and hotels then resort apartments can be a good choice. They're private and affordable, but will always be self-catered. If you don't mind making all your own food then they're good as they'll be cheaper than chalets and quieter than hotels.
Shop around - Make sure you spend time deciding on a resort that's right for you. If you're travelling as a group with differing abilities then you must be sure to check that the slopes will be suitable. There are plenty of websites to help make the selection process easier between the different skiing holidays on offer. Try using their trip planner, and keep an eye on the offers they flag up on the homepage to find the best value.
Large v small - Larger and more popular resorts like Val D'Isere (France's most popular) come with all the extras to make your holiday memorable. From trendy bars and restaurants to excellent slope-side bars to stop for lunch or a drink before you resume your skiing for the afternoon. But bear in mind that these big results will be more expensive and much busier. If you're more about relaxing and unwinding then try smaller resorts like La Rosiere in France or one of the many in Andorra for a calmer, and probably cheaper break.
