Winter is here. What screams winter more than a ski holiday? If you like to ski, of course. And now is the perfect time to start planning especially for 2023 skiing holidays. However with any type of holiday there is a lot of planning required. Even more when your family isn’t here to plan for you, tell you where to go and when to go. Here are the best questions to ask yourself when planning a skiing holiday as a student.
These will come in very useful. And most of them can be reused when planning other types of holidays.
Where are you going?
Number one and most important where are you going? Especially if you are going skiing you need to pick a skiing resort carefully. The bigger ones in France like l’Alpe d’Huez, les 2 Alpes and Val Thorens are big with plenty of space to ski but are a bit more expensive.
However, smaller resorts have less skiing areas but are more intimate and might be a bit cheaper. There are pros and cons to going to either. But between France, Switzerland and Italy there is plenty of choice.
Does your university organise a ski trip?
Many universities have snow societies who will often organise ski trips. The University of Nottingham has not one but two trips every year, Oxford Brooks, Kings College London has two as well. These, whilst on the pricier side, organise food, accommodation, ski rentals and transport.
Looking into your universities snow society and its ski trips could really save you a lot of hassle when it comes to planning such a big trip.
How are you getting there?
The biggest thing when it comes to a ski trip or any trip in that matter is how you are getting there. Are you flying, taking a bus or a train? These are important questions to ask yourself because a trip cannot start until you have arrived at your destination.
Have you talked about the details?
With any trip there are often some details that need to be talked about. Ski days are consuming so food is important. During the day where will you eat? On the slopes? At a restaurant or will you make a sandwiches? Consider that restaurants on the slopes are expensive.
Do you plan on partying/doing after ski? Does everyone want to do that? These are all questions that you need to ask the group you are going on this trip with.
See also: Building Up To Solo Travelling Abroad
Book your rentals
Most people do not have the important things needed for a skiing trip. The skis, the boots, helmets (yes wear a helmet, its a bit annoying but safety is the first priority). Ski resorts are busy all the time, so you will queue the day you want to get your rental. Plan ahead.
Research where you want to rent your equipment, what your budget is and try to book early. Also will you ski or snowboard? Think about it. Do something you know you can which won’t be too difficult for you.
Accommodation
This is vital when planning a skiing holiday as a student. Where are you staying? Hotel, hostel, rental apartment? Research before you book. If you are skiing, where you are in relations to the slopes? You don’t want to be too far because trust me walking in your ski boots, with your skis on your back for miles and miles on end is not comfortable.
Food
Food is always important. Groceries in ski resorts are often more expensive because there aren’t as many big grocery stores. Plan you groceries in advance and plan if you want to eat out as well. These are all things that need to be included in your holiday budget.
When are you going?
When it comes to skiing, timing is everything. For summer holidays going in the middle of summer whilst everyone is on holiday is bound to be more expensive. In the winter if you go at Christmas time, peak skiing season it will be more expensive. And busy.
If you go in the spring, make sure there is plenty if snow because in some places spring skiing is harder. But if you plan on going skiing France make sure you go outside of school holidays because otherwise it will be very busy and you will spend more time in the queues for gondolas than doing any skiing.
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