Tips for winter skiing holidays

Whether it’s a trip to northern Scandinavia, the Swiss Alps or the Rocky Mountains, a ski holiday is a fantastic idea for a winter holiday. To ensure that your time away goes without a hitch, bear in mind the following tips.

Before you book the trip, it’s important to check that the resort you are considering meets your needs, in terms of skiing equipment, prices and accommodation. The size and formation of the ski slopes in resorts can vary quite dramatically and beginners who are considering a skiing holiday will need to avoid resorts which mainly offer the more difficult black and red runs, which are suitable for advanced skiers. Instead, novice skiers should look out for green and blue slopes.

When it comes to packing for a skiing holiday, the key is to bring clothing which can be layered. Ideally, holiday-goers should being an outer layer for protection against the elements, a mid layer and a base layer. Clothing should be quite practical for the most part and preferably multi-purpose; for instance, ski jackets which are windproof, waterproof and come with pockets for keeping the essentials such as keys and money. Waterproof, sturdy boots are a must for time spent walking outdoors. The restaurants and bars in ski resorts tend to be quite casual, so there’s no need to bring too much extra clothing for going out in the evenings.

In terms of insurance, it is essential to purchase travel insurance which comes with coverage for winter sports. Skiing is lots of fun but can cause injuries, and so insurance is an absolute must. The European Health Insurance Card does not cover winter sporting accidents, so check with your travel provider regarding what exactly is covered by the insurance you take out.