By Mark Walters
In this installment of our learn to ski guide we look at planning a skiing trip.
When planning a skiing trip, there are several things that you need to consider before selecting a resort: location; budget; the types and quality of facilities on offer; the character and ambiance. So, let's look at each of those important considerations individually
Firstly, location; the most popular destinations are Canada, France and the USA, but Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy and Switzerland all attract large numbers of skiers too. While prices may vary a great deal during different times of the year, the better-known countries will most likely be more expensive. Going at the start or end of the ski season can result in considerable discounts.
As far as costs go, just some of the outlay for your trip will go towards travel and lodging as well as expenses for food and beverages, but you must also remember that you will be paying for passes, maybe lessons, equipment rental, and a very important, but often over-looked expense, insurance. When searching for affordable air fare and lodging, remember to ask about the costs of these other items. Because there is little competition for retailers in the mountain resorts, prices tend to be higher than they are at home. To minimize costs, plan carefully and take with you those things that could be more expensive in the resort town, and do a bit of advance research to see what discounts you might find on-line for the things you will need.
Having decided on a location, evaluate the types and quality of facilities offered at the resorts in that country. Look at how many slopes they have, the availability of ski schools, what other activities can be undertaken (snowboarding, tobogganing, ice skating, etc.), what sort of lodging is available (hotels, chalets, dormitories, etc.) and the number of bars and restaurants. Keep in mind that higher prices do not always mean better quality, and that prices can vary wildly among resorts. Being cost conscious does not mean that you have to give up amenities and services, however, when you take in to account that countries like Bulgaria and Andorra are home to ski resorts that rival those of the better-known properties in more prominent countries.
Then you'll want to look into the character and ambiance of potential resorts. Your personal vision of what a ski vacation means to you should drive your choice as to resort selection - you may wish to have a more cutting-edge resort with all the modern conveniences, or you may wish to forego high-speed internet in lieu of a small village where you can taste and feel the local culture. If you see yourself sitting by a relaxing fire and turning in early, you will want to find a quiet resort that does not encourage a lot of partying; but if you want to party on your vacation, that will affect your choice, as well. You can find a resort that caters to your taste with a quiet, homey atmosphere, a well-defined party vibe, or a little of both and researching on the front end is the best way to determine what will make your stay a good one.
Luckily, the internet is available to assist you with your research - look up the official websites of the resorts in which you are interested to see what amenities, facilities and services they offer and read reviews by other people by typing the resort's name and the word 'review' into any search engine.