Skiing holidays are a fantastic opportunity to make some incredible memories with your families and friends. With so much fun to be had, trips to the mountains take careful planning to ensure you get the most out of them. This blog covers how to book a ski holiday, so your checklist is complete before hitting the slopes…
Which resort should I choose?
There are many different ski resorts spread across the French Alps, so it can sometimes be difficult to choose one, especially if you’re a first time skier.
Altitude, in-resort transport, tuition and child-friendly slopes are important factors to consider before you decide on your chosen destination. Check out our blog on the best ski slopes for first time skiers to find out more on how to book a ski holiday for beginners and what resort will suit you and your family.
Also, don’t forget to make your time off the slopes just as special as your time spent skiing! Find out more about the fantastic winter activities you can try on your ski holiday this winter here!
When should I go?
Choosing the right time for your ski holiday is key. Peak times such as Christmas, New Year and half term are extremely popular with families and are usually the times when there’s the most going on in resort.
However, due to their popularity, these periods can become expensive and the slopes tend to be busier. So, if you’re not travelling with children, it could be a good idea to consider visiting during a quieter time.
Another important factor to remember is snowfall and weather conditions. Mountain enthusiasts looking for powder skiing tend to book their holidays for January, when the snow is usually the best and the slopes have quietened down after the holidays.
How do I book my accommodation?
The accommodation you stay in can make or break your ski holiday, and your choice depends on who is coming with you. So, if you’re wondering how to book a group ski holiday, it’s a good idea to consider self catered large capacity chalets which are close to the slopes- especially if you have younger children.
Ski-in ski-out chalets are a great option for both beginners and large groups, as they minimise the time and effort spent on getting to the lifts.
It’s also important to consider the facilities available at your accommodation. Ski/ boot storage areas, spacious communal rooms and good cooking facilities are the basis of a great self catered accommodation. But what about the extras? Families with young children should consider kid-friendly chalets with baby equipment, safety equipment, indoor and outdoor entertainment. For older families, chalets with facilities such as hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and home cinemas are a fantastic idea to keep everyone entertained off the slopes!
How to book a last minute ski holiday?
Those with a fair amount of flexibility can benefit from booking a last minute skiing holiday. This is a good idea if you are open to staying in any resort, but bear in mind this approach will usually only be possible for off-peak periods.
If you’re after the best deals, sign up to the newsletter on our website to keep up to date with our latest exclusive offers for last minute bookings.
Book with confidence
The rise of Covid-19 has had a great impact on the way we all travel, so it’s understandable to want to book with confidence. OVO Network‘s clear covid protections have been put in place to provide guests with the maximum amount of information and confidence before travelling.
Our 24-hour hold also allows you to place a free hold on your perfect property, helping you plan your holiday with the rest of your party without missing the chance to book your favourite chalet.
Book a stay in the French Alps
How do I get there?
Driving
Driving is a great option if you’re travelling as a family. The benefits of travelling by car is you don’t have to pay extra for ski equipment or extra luggage. If you’re travelling from the UK, you can take the ferry or the Eurotunnel. Wherever you’re travelling from, make sure to consider the cost of the tolls when you arrive in France.
Flying
Geneva airport tends to be the most popular choice for travellers coming on skiing holidays. It has frequent flights and is close to a lot of the well known ski resorts. However, other choices could be Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon St Exupery.
Some ski areas with short transfer times from Geneva include Les Portes du Soleil, Les Aravis, Megève / Evasion Mont Blanc, Mont-Blanc / Chamonix, and Le Grand Massif.
Train
You can travel to the Alps from Paris, Lyon and Geneva by train. Or, if you’re travelling from the UK, then you can board the Eurostar from St. Pancras International or Ashford International train stations and arrive in Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice.
Where can I get some equipment?
To hire or to buy?
If you’re a first time skier, then we always suggest renting your equipment initially. Ski gear can be costly and it’s worth trying different types of kit before committing straight away. There are usually many ski rental shops to choose from in resort, but we advise booking in advance, especially at peak times, to avoid disappointment.
Where to start?
We understand that the checklist can be long when it comes to packing for a ski holiday. That’s why we have created one for you! Read our blog on what to take on a skiing holiday to help you get started.
How do I get out on the slopes?
You’ve booked your holiday and planned your trip- but what about the skiing part? There’s just a couple of things to think about before hitting the slopes…
Lift passes
Getting hold off your lift pass is relatively straightforward once you have made a few simple decisions. Whilst a full area, week-long pass may suit some, others may want to test the waters a little bit before investing in a pass for the duration of their trip. Additionally, different resorts offer different prices and varying packages, so it’s best to do some research before your holiday and book in advance if you can to avoid the queues.
Tuition
Whatever your level, lessons are always a great way to improve. But if you’re a beginner, they are a necessity. Tuition helps you get the most out of your time on the slopes and improves your technique, skill level, and overall confidence.
Group lessons or private lessons are available, and if you’re travelling with kids, ski school is a great way for them to learn in a sociable environment. See our blog on ski schools to learn more.
Skiing holidays have so much to give- with a great number of activities to try, events to go to, restaurants to try and more! So why not browse through our full range of blogs to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your skiing holiday in the Alps!
Head to our website to book accommodation for your stay and don’t forget to follow @ovonetwork and use #ovonetwork to share moments from your holiday!
