Ski trips are the focus of this installment of our learn to ski guide.
Character and ambiance are just two of the many features of a resort that you will need to think about before selecting the right one for your ski trip; other considerations being budget, location, and what facilities are offered. We can break these important factors down into smaller components. . . .
The three most popular skiing locations are Canada, France, and the U.S., however Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, and Switzerland are also well-liked destinations. While prices may vary a great deal during different times of the year, the better-known countries will most likely be more expensive. Planning your trip to coincide with the beginning or end of the ski season can net you significant discounts.
There are many costs associated with a skiing trip, including travel and accommodations, ski passes and lessons, equipment rental and insurance, and, of course, food and beverage provisions. Research the cost of things at resorts as well as the costs of getting to and staying there. Because there is little competition for retailers in the mountain resorts, prices tend to be higher than they are at home. Doing a little research on-line in advance can save you some money on things you will need, as will taking items with you, such as sunscreen, that are sure to have a higher price tag once you get there.
Every country is different and every resort is different, so after you have decided on a location, make sure that the quality and types of facilities in which you are interested are offered by that country and/or resort. 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. Prices for all of these things can be drastically different from resort to resort, and you cannot rely on the price to give you a clue as to quality. 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.
While almost an intangible, it is also important to consider the character and ambiance of the ski resort you choose. Will you be happy with a modern, newly built ski facility out in the middle of nowhere, or is it important to be near a historic mountain town with lots of local color and flavor? Shy away from resorts that attract a party-crowd if your plan is to turn in early and hit the slopes while the snow is fresh; but if you want the energetic party atmosphere, do not choose a location where it's lights-out at 10:00 p.m. 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.
Character and ambiance are just two of the many features of a resort that you will need to think about before selecting the right one for your ski trip; other considerations being budget, location, and what facilities are offered. We can break these important factors down into smaller components. . . .
The three most popular skiing locations are Canada, France, and the U.S., however Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, and Switzerland are also well-liked destinations. While prices may vary a great deal during different times of the year, the better-known countries will most likely be more expensive. Planning your trip to coincide with the beginning or end of the ski season can net you significant discounts.
There are many costs associated with a skiing trip, including travel and accommodations, ski passes and lessons, equipment rental and insurance, and, of course, food and beverage provisions. Research the cost of things at resorts as well as the costs of getting to and staying there. Because there is little competition for retailers in the mountain resorts, prices tend to be higher than they are at home. Doing a little research on-line in advance can save you some money on things you will need, as will taking items with you, such as sunscreen, that are sure to have a higher price tag once you get there.
Every country is different and every resort is different, so after you have decided on a location, make sure that the quality and types of facilities in which you are interested are offered by that country and/or resort. 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. Prices for all of these things can be drastically different from resort to resort, and you cannot rely on the price to give you a clue as to quality. 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.
While almost an intangible, it is also important to consider the character and ambiance of the ski resort you choose. Will you be happy with a modern, newly built ski facility out in the middle of nowhere, or is it important to be near a historic mountain town with lots of local color and flavor? Shy away from resorts that attract a party-crowd if your plan is to turn in early and hit the slopes while the snow is fresh; but if you want the energetic party atmosphere, do not choose a location where it's lights-out at 10:00 p.m. 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.
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