Skiing holidays are always great fun, and when you’re with your friends, nothing beats it! But these trips are hard to organise at the best of times, let alone when they involve a group of people.
From choosing the right resort to coordinating travel dates and accommodation, planning a group ski holiday can be a little overwhelming. But with a bit of preparation and teamwork, you can organise a trip that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Follow these steps to ensure you plan a memorable ski getaway with your friends.
Pick the right destination
Choosing the right resort for your group is a very important decision and can set the tone for the whole holiday. You and your friends will likely have differing skiing abilities; therefore, you need to make sure the resort caters to various skill levels – check that there are plenty of suitable runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
You also need to consider other activities besides skiing. The resort should offer a range of other activities, for example, tobogganing and snowshoeing are great fun. Or maybe a snowpark, if your friends board.
The après scene is a huge factor, too. Make sure there are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained all night long after a day on the slopes.
Set a group budget and dates
Setting a budget that everyone is comfortable with is another important step. It helps ensure a smooth planning process and saves time when searching for potential getaways. Establish a clear budget per person, including accommodation, lift passes, equipment hire and travel expenses.
Selecting your travel dates can be tricky, especially with everyone having different jobs and prior commitments. Encourage your friends to be flexible, then select a few dates that work for the majority and vote for the favourite. If you can opt for dates outside the school holidays, you’ll save yourself some money and avoid crowded resorts too.
Choose your accommodation
Ski resorts tend to have plenty of different accommodation options, from self-catered apartments to boutique hotels and ski-in ski-out chalets.
One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to go for catered or self-catered. Self-catering options offer flexibility and are often more cost-effective. Also, if you and your friends enjoy eating out, then this may be the best option. However, it will require a bit more organisation and a couple of trips to the shops.
Catered accommodation provides a stress-free experience with all your meals included. But it is more expensive. It’s best to discuss everyone’s preferences and go with the favourite.
Sort lessons and equipment hire
For most groups, renting ski equipment at the resort is the easiest and most practical option. There are usually many rental shops dotted around every resort, and they tend to offer ski, snowboard, boots, and helmet hire. Despite there being plenty of rental shops, it’s crucial to book your gear hire in advance, as these get booked up and you want to avoid being stuck without equipment.
If some of your friends are beginners or would like a refresher ski lesson, you should get these sorted in advance too. Ski schools get very busy during the season, and you don’t want to leave it too late and miss out. If there are a few of you needing a lesson, you can book these together – it’s more fun learning with one another!
