Ski holidays are an exhilarating adventure and unmitigated luxury all in one. They combine the incomparable thrill of racing down powder-snow mountain slopes with the serenity of the five-star chalet. Additionally, they are pitch-perfect for everything from annual family trips to special solo excursions. But they aren’t without their difficulties in the planning department.
Whether you’re scouting out ski holidays in Austria, checking out the slopes of the Rockies or some famous ski resorts, you’ll need some preparation to make the most of your trip. So, what are the necessities for planning your next ski holiday?
The Gear
First and foremost, you’ll need to think about the gear you take with you. If you’re already a veteran holiday skier, then why are you reading this? Seriously, though, as a newer ski traveler, you’ll benefit from making some key initial investments. You’ll likely be fine renting skis and boots at your destination, but you should at least buy a ski coat, gloves, and winter trousers for your comfort on the slopes. But before going on this trip, you should take ski lessons.
Insurance for Ski Holidays
It’s not the most thrilling or glamourous of considerations, but you should absolutely spend some dedicated time looking at travel insurance policies for your holiday, and for yourself and your fellow travelers – especially if it’s a family trip.
Travel insurance might feel like an unnecessary cost, but there is truly no price you can place on peace of mind. Travel insurance is essentially blanket coverage, reimbursing costs arising from lost belongings, medical expenses, or costly disruptions to your plans. While an EHIC card can cover medical worries in European countries, skiing elsewhere can put you at the mercy of local healthcare expenses – making it wise to think ahead for a holiday centered around a patently dangerous adventure sport!
Don’t Neglect Training and Health
The dangers associated with skiing may depend, in small part, on the routes and slopes you take. However, even the most banal of slopes can bring accidents and injury to the unprepared body. As such, you should make sure that you and your fellow travelers are fit for the task.
Keeping on top of your general fitness is a great thing for your overall skiing aptitude, but if you can get a little time on some domestic or dry slopes beforehand, all the better for your safety and your enjoyment on your holiday.
Check Your Budget
Finally, but perhaps most importantly of all, you need to make sure you have the budget to put all of this together. Grab the prices for all of the above before you buy the tickets for your next adventure, and make sure you have enough left for champers apres-ski!