Skiing can be a hugely fulfilling use of your holiday time during winter. But if you want to really get the most out of your break, you’ll need to perform a few essential steps. The right preparation can help you to avoid problems, and shape the experience to your particular tastes and requirements.
Choosing the Perfect Luxury Ski Resort
Of course, to begin with, you’ll need to pick out the right resort. If you’re new to skiing, you might pick out Avoriaz in France, or Beaver Creek in the United States. For beginners, the ski holidays Austria has to offer might appeal: both Alpbach and Obergurgl offer a great mix of wide, flat blue runs.
The amenities on offer might make a difference, too. Look for the right combination of restaurants and non-skiing forms of entertainment. For families, childcare facilities might be worthwhile.
Accommodation: Chalets, Hotels, and Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodges
Your lodgings will also make a big difference to your experience. If you want to cut costs, you might look for a self-catered chalet. On the other hand, a hotel might provide facilities that you can’t find elsewhere. For many skiers, what will really make a difference is the ability to ski in and out of your accommodation. This will vastly reduce the hassle you have to deal with each morning.
Skiing in Style: Private Lessons and Exclusive Slopes
If you want a true luxury experience, then you’ll want to pick a resort that offers you the exclusive use of a few particular slopes, at certain times of the day. Of course, you can get close to this experience if you’re willing to ski at low-traffic times of the year.
The quality of your tuition will matter, too. If you go for one-on-one lessons from a private instructor, then you’ll progress much faster.
Après-Ski Experiences and Fine Dining
When it comes to luxury, it’s hard to beat an upmarket restaurant. Many of Europe’s top resorts offer a combination of excellent eateries, and most of them are surrounded by scenic beauty. Look for food, and other experiences, that reflect the culture and appetites of the country you’re staying in.
Travel, Transfers, and Personalised Services
Actually getting to the resort can be an ordeal. If you want a luxury experience, you might seek out high-end modes of transport that will cut down on the hassle. At the extreme end, this might mean chartering a private jet, or taking a helicopter to the resort. But smaller investments in minibuses and personalised holiday planning can go a long way to making your break an enjoyable one.
Adding Wellness and Relaxation to Your Ski Holiday
Skiing can be a gruelling way to spend your time, especially if you’re not quite in shape. This is where the right wellness activities can be pivotal. You might set aside a few hours in the evening, or even an entire day in the middle of the week, to devote to spa treatments, yoga, and simple rest. That way, you’ll be able to get more from your time on the slopes.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
