Ski holidays in 2023: how to plan the perfect ski trip

Would you like to spend your next holiday enjoying the snow? Great! Skiing is an exciting and fun way to make the most of your free time, especially if you love nature and outdoor sports.

If you’ve ever wondered how to organise the perfect ski trip, don’t worry, here are some tips to help you plan your dream holiday in the best possible way.

How to plan your ski trip

Antes de empezar con la organización, es muy importante tener en cuenta algunos aspectos clave. First of all, are you sure who you are going to travel with? Are you going alone, with friends or with your family? Depending on this decision, the choice of destination and the perfect type of accommodation may vary.

Another relevant factor to take into account is your skills and level of skiing ability. Are you a beginner or very experienced? This can also influence your choice of destination, as some resorts are more focused on beginners and others are more geared towards advanced skiers. You will have to choose the most suitable place for you according to your physical conditions and your learning.

Choose a skiing destination

Once you’ve decided who you’re going with and your skill level, it’s time to choose the most appropriate place to ski. Fortunately, Europe has plenty of amazing destinations to choose from!

Some of the best ski resorts in Europe are:

Les Trois Vallées, France: this region is located in the Tarentaise valley and is Europe’s largest ski resort with 600 km of skiing. In the heart of the French Alps and with a wide variety of slopes for all levels. Val Thorens, located in this area, is considered the best ski resort in Europe.
Zermatt, Switzerland: This alpine resort is one of Europe’s most famous ski resorts and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. It is located in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland and is a perfect area not only for skiing but also for mountaineering and hiking.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: This town is one of the best skiing destinations in Italy. It is located at the top of the Dolomites, in the province of Belluno (Veneto) and with its more than 120 km of extension it is perfect for advanced skiers. Italy is also home to Val Gardena, another perfect destination for outdoor activities and skiing.

Other great skiing destinations in Europe include: Kitzbühel (Austria), Verbier and Gstaad (Switzerland), Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) and Baqueira Beret (located in Val d’Aran, Spain).

What you need for skiing

Have you already chosen your destination? The next step then is to make sure you take with you everything you need and essential for a great holiday, avoiding unpleasant surprises and being prepared for any problems that may arise.

Here’s a list of essentials to pack in your backpack or suitcase for your skiing holiday:

Technical ski clothing: the main thing is that your attire should be suitable to keep you warm. Make sure you wear warm clothing that will protect you from the wind and keep you dry while you are on the mountain. Some of the items you should bring are: insulated jackets, gloves, thermal trousers, hats, etc.
Footwear: ski boots should fit well and provide good support and protection from the elements. For the break in the lodge, remember to wear your favourite Havaianas slippers and enjoy maximum comfort and convenience on your feet.
Ski goggles: goggles are much more than an accessory, they will protect you from the wind and the sun’s harmful rays (ultraviolet rays) while you are skiing. When choosing goggles, remember that they must be approved and that the colour of the lens is important so that the goggles do not let light through.
Helmet: helmets are highly recommended for safety. Choose according to your intended use (resort skiing, off-piste, racing, snowboarding…). In any case, the priority is always to choose helmets that meet basic protection standards.

How to choose accommodation

Among the many accommodation options available, from luxury hotels to hostels to shared flats, the most important thing to consider is that the place suits your needs and budget. Some important points when choosing accommodation are:

Location: the most important thing on any ski trip is location. There is little point in staying somewhere luxurious if you have to travel a long way to ski and waste time and money. Make sure your accommodation is close to the slopes.
Price: although the location is the most important thing, it is also important to make sure that the price does not get out of hand. Comparing prices online will help you to be clearer about everything. Remember, when choosing accommodation based on price, also check how much it will cost you to get to the ski slopes from there, as sometimes something cheap can be expensive.
Size: travelling alone is not the same as travelling with friends or family, so if there are many of you it is important to choose a place with enough space for everyone.

How to choose the dates

Don’t know when to go skiing? If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that there has to be snow. Depending on the place you have chosen, you will have a wider or narrower range of possibilities. As much as possible, avoid the busiest dates in season and take advantage of the best prices. Skiing in low season doesn’t mean you’ll be alone on the slopes, but at least you’ll be able to avoid the crowds to a large extent.

How to plan a ski trip with your family or children

If you are organising a trip with children or a family, you need much more planning than if you are travelling alone or with adults. The destination and accommodation should meet your needs and transfers should be as short and comfortable as possible. When planning a family ski trip, there are some important issues to consider:

The destination should have ski slopes and activities for children. There are many schools with beginner facilities, making it easy for children to learn to ski, meet other children and have fun. There are also some places that offer other activities for the little ones or for the whole family to enjoy. The most important thing is that the destination suits your tastes and that you can spend a pleasant time enjoying the outdoors, in the snow or indoors.
Spacious accommodation. When travelling with children, accommodation becomes even more important, as it should have room for everyone and have all the necessary amenities. This can be either a hotel with family rooms or a flat. The latter can be a good option if you decide to have lunch or dinner yourselves.
Safety. Ski slopes should have appropriate safety measures for children. For example, include handrails, adequate slope protection, and have the necessary emergency services.
Travel insurance. When travelling with children and family, surprises multiply, so it is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any eventuality. This will give you peace of mind during your skiing holiday.

Other things to consider on a ski trip

I’m sure you already know how to plan your skiing holiday! However, here are a few more details you should bear in mind:

Ski lessons: it may seem obvious, but if it’s your first time skiing, it’s best to take some lessons before going on an adventure. Most ski resorts have classes adapted to all levels.
Book the tickets and ski equipment you need in advance: this will ensure that in the event of any problems, you can still have your ski slopes and ski accessories, and in many cases it saves money to book in advance. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that everything will be ready when you arrive.
Money: for unforeseen events, make sure you have enough cash and a credit card.
Drink plenty of water: replenishing fluids is essential for any physical activity.
Rest: although skiing is great fun, it can also be exhausting. Make sure you get enough rest to keep you alert on the slopes. Take advantage of your time at the lodge to slip on your Havaianas Velvet Slippers and relax.
Protect yourself from the cold: in the mountains, the cold can be very intense. It is important to wear appropriate technical clothing and protect yourself from the wind. If the weather becomes problematic, seek shelter and follow the safety recommendations.
Sun protection: sunscreen is a must when you go skiing, as ultraviolet rays can cause damage to your skin, so don’t forget to apply it to all exposed areas. Just because you can’t see the sun sometimes, doesn’t mean you won’t be affected by the radiation.
Safety first: when skiing, pay attention to the rules of the slopes and do not go into dangerous terrain. Use protective gear and if in doubt, ask the piste staff for advice.