Category : Travel Advice

Last week, we spoke about the different types of ski resorts and accommodation. This week we’ll look at some of the things you should find out and do when you arrive at the resort  before hitting the slopes.

Unwind and relax before hitting the slopes

Although every resort is different, there are some basic rules that will ensure your well-being and safety during your stay.

On arrival at the resort

Explore and familiarise yourself with the resort

Familiarise yourself with your surroundings

Take time to find out where everything is, from bars and restaurants, to some of the more important facilities and landmarks. Being familiar with your surroundings and knowing where everything is from the outset can save time and stress during your stay.

Find the nearest Pharmacy & Chemists

From headaches to hypothermia…be prepared!

From a simple headache to emergency medication and treatment – trying to find the nearest chemist or pharmacy in an unfamiliar place isn’t fun when someone’s in pain or distress.

Make time to locate the nearest pharmacy to your accommodation and ensure that at least several others in your group also know where it is, including the quickest way to get there. If the resort has more than one pharmacy, it may be worth locating the other as a back-up plan.

Arrange a meeting point

Lost someone? Hopefully not for long.

Before heading out to the slopes, it’s definitely worth getting the group around a piste map to identify and agree pre-arranged meeting points. These are invaluable if someone gets separated from the group and prevents the need for everyone to head out in different directions to find them.

Check Your Equipment

Do you have it and does it work? Check all your equipment boots and goggles to tissues and antiseptic hand wash.

Check you have all your equipment with you

A pre-ski check list is always a good idea to ensure that you have everything to hand that you may need. In true Blue Peter style, here’s one we prepared earlier:

• Spare ski socks
• Suntan cream
• Lip balm / protector
• Sunglasses
• Mobile phone
• Handy packs of tissues
• Small bottle of antiseptic hand wash
• Bottled water or other drink (not alcohol)
• Chocolate bar or other high-energy snacks
• Small emergency first aid kit with plasters and bandages
• Piste map
• Goggle and sunglasses cleaner
• A reliable watch or clock of some description

Grab Two Piste Maps

Know where you are, and take a back-up map in case one blows away!

Ski resorts usually have an extensive network of ski runs that cover miles and miles. If you get separated from a group or the weather closes in, a Piste Map can help you to regain your bearings and find your way back to a pre-specified rendezvous point.

Check the Weather and Piste Conditions

Know what’s best come snow or shine!

Weather can be a big problem when skiing. A gloriously bright, sunny warm day with perfect visibility can turn into a white-out in minutes. It’s important to check the weather in advance of setting out to get an idea of what to expect and when the conditions are likely to change. This enables you to better plan your day and stay safe.

Roger that!

For a happy and care free winter holiday communication is key!

Keeping in contact with your skiing group is extremely important

Communication is essential for any group or party heading out to the slopes, not just in terms of having a mobile phone but having all the necessary contact numbers and staying in touch with each other throughout the day. Each member of the group should have the name and phone numbers of:

• Each group member
• Emergency services
• Ski and mountain rescue
• Hotel, chalet or apartment, if it has one
• Local doctor’s surgery or hospital

In addition to having the numbers, it’s important that each person communicates their intentions with the rest of the group. If someone gets tired or isn’t feeling well and wants to go back to the apartment or hotel, they should text or call other group members to let them know.

Next week we’re on the piste!

That about wraps it up for this week. Join us next week where we’ll show you how to be safe on the piste whether you’re a skiier or snowboarder, and what can be done if things go awry on the slopes.

Last week, Part 1 of our winter sports series, we spoke about money saving tips and winter sports planning. This week, we take a look at some of the accommodation options and popular destinations.

Choose a resort best suited to you (Image by Rennet Stowe)

There is huge diversity in the different types of ski resorts, while some lay on a well balanced portfolio for all abilities, other resorts lean towards a particular market including intermediate, advanced or powder skiers (we mention these later on). For starters, here’s a quick run-down of the holiday durations available.

The Weekend Ski Break

Perfect for those who just want to give it a go.

Weekend ski breaks can be hectic to say the least, but they are the perfect answer for those that aren’t yet ready to commit to a longer holiday on the snowy peaks. Typically, prices start at £199 for coach packages with weekend flight packages available from £300.

Longer duration Ski Holidays

When any other holiday just isn’t an option.

Although some are happy to stay in one place for the entire duration of their ski break, one alternative for longer duration ski holidays is to spend half your stay in one resort before transferring to another, giving a wider variety of slopes. This plan also offers more options for shopping and après-ski, if those are an important part of your holiday.

Ski Accommodation

There is an unsurprisingly vast range of accommodation offered by ski resorts. Of course, the actual location of your hotel or apartment – both in terms of the resort you choose and its proximity to ski lifts and other facilities, may be more important to you than the type of accommodation you choose.

Apartment or Chalet? There's a few different types of accomodation to choose from

Apartments

Just the Basics – Clean and Comfy

Apartments often offer the best value, with self-catering apartments offering accommodation for groups of 2 to 12 people. In the US, this sort of ski accommodation is often referred to as ‘condominiums’ or ‘condos’. Many apartments are purpose-built close to the ski slopes, so offer maximum convenience.

Chalets

The Picture Postcard Snow-covered Chalet

Strangely enough, chalets are largely a British phenomenon and are generally run by Brits across the Alps, particularly in Switzerland, Austria and France.

Chalets generally provide a full-board experience with three good meals a day, plus high tea when the lifts close, and often with local beers and wines on offer. Staff usually get a day off each week, when you will need to plan a meal out.

Up-market chalets often provide a greater level of comfort and facilities that may include hot tubs, steam rooms, games rooms, private ski guides and tours.

Hotels

From Bed and Breakfast to 5 Star Luxury

Hotels usually offer a variety of stay options from bed and breakfast to half or full board. As with any hotel, ski hotels usually work on a star rating basis from zero to five-star. In France, the highest rating is four-star.

• Basic ski hotels are commonly offered by British tour operators in most mid-range resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees and are ideal if you are on a budget.
• If budget isn’t an issue, there are some serious high-end ski hotels that provide everything you could possibly need, including swimming pools, gyms and health spas.
• As a compromise, traditional hotels may not be as convenient for slope access as many of the apartments and chalets, so it’s always worth investigating this if access to the slopes is a top priority.
• Also, look out for variants on the standard hotel, including Chalet and Club Hotels, which are run to a chalet style, and ApartHotels, which are apartment complexes with optional hotel facilities and services.

Match a Resort to Your Ability

As with any type of holiday, it’s all about location, location, location. Depending on what you’re looking for in the perfect winter break, you can guarantee that there will be a resort that offers everything you desire. Here are just a few of the ‘closer to home’ possibilities that might be worth checking out.

For the Beginner

Nice and easy!

Choose the right resort for your budding little skier

1. Les Arcs | France

Les Arcs has nursery slopes directly above each of the resort’s main villages, of which Arc 1800 has the most variety. It also has a free beginner’s lift, plus a good range of more advanced slopes as you progress. The best ski school is the award winning Brit-run New Generation in Vallandry. Their friendly instructors will instil confidence in the most timid of beginners.

2. Soldeu | Andorra

One of Europe’s best beginner resorts, Soldeu has two extensive nursery areas and excellent ski instructors who are native English speakers. When you progress, there’s also a good range of slightly harder runs. The weather is usually good (Soldeu translates as ‘Sun God’), the nightlife is pretty messy and, of course, Andorra is a duty-free zone so it’s cheap.

Intermediate Skiers

Ready and raring to go

Woah, that guy over there is busting out some crazy moves!

1. Chamonix | France

Avid skiers, snowboarders, and partiers flock to this popular resort, and they are not disappointed. The scenic Chamonix Valley is nestled among some of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the famous Mont Blanc massif.

There are 145 trails weaving throughout the area, adding up to 140 kilometers (87.5 miles). The favorite runs in the area are Le Brevent, Vallée-Blanche, and the Grands Montets. Chamonix is known for its fantastic off-trail skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well. Including the off-trail slopes, the area offers up to 30,000 acres of skiable terrain.

2. La Plagne | France

La Plagne is a great resort for intermediates, particularly now that the link to Les Arcs gives you more options for day tours.

As many of the connecting runs are scenic blues, even early intermediates can explore most of the mountains, but there is enough challenging and varied terrain to keep stronger skiers entertained; the wide expanse and different expositions guarantee a good sense of travelling through the mountains. The slopes of La Grande Rochette offer some of the most challenging intermediate skiing, though all the reds off the back of Les Verdons are great, particularly the wonderfully long Mont de la Guerre.

Advanced Skiers

Are you brave enough?

Are you brave enough to do this!? Check out advanced skier resorts

1. St. Anton | Austria

With intense terrain to satisfy the more experienced skier, St. Anton attracts extreme skiers looking for the ultimate challenge. Only the most advanced skiers should attempt Valluga’s notoriously difficult north face. After the breathtaking and terrifying descent, you will discover beautiful powder slopes as you head towards Zürs. As well as the 276km of groomed piste, skiers in St. Anton can enjoy miles of off-piste.

2. Verbier | Switzerland

Verbier is considered by many to be the home of extreme skiing and hosts several competitions each year, bringing in the best Big Mountain skiers in Europe. With short hikes from the cable cars you can get to legendary runs like Stairway to Heaven or Rock Garden. A tour over the back side of Mont Fort will really get the adrenaline flowing. From the top of Mont Fort you can also see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, so be sure to take a camera.

As you can imagine, there are thousands of ski resorts all around the world including New Zealand, China, Japan, Argentina, India and, of course,  the US, Canada and Europe.

To end Part 2 of our 6-part series on everything to do with winter sports, winter holidays and travel, here is possibly one of the most remarkable ski destinations anywhere in the world.

Strange but True!

Is that a Mirage in the Desert?

It may be boiling outside, but it's nice and chilly in here! (Image by Doudlers)

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This amazing construction covers a massive 22,500 square meters, is open all year round and covered with real snow.

Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run is 400 meters, with a fall of over 60 meters, making it the world’s first indoor black run. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy the variety of slopes and practice stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. There is also an interactive Snow Park for children and families, which is the largest indoor snow park in the world, covering over 3000 square meters.

In Part 3 of our Winter Sport Holiday series, we’ll look at what to do before you hit the ski slopes alongside some useful advice for when you arrive at your resort.

Whether you’re a skier, boarder or après-ski enthusiast over the next 6 weeks, gosimply.com will be posting a series of hints and tips to help you save money and get the most out of this years winter holiday season.

Make the most of this year's Winter Sports Season

As with any journey or for that matter, almost anything in life – planning is the key. As the famous quote goes, “Fail to plan, then plan to fail”. With that in mind, we kick off Part 1 of our winter holiday and sports travel advice series with these top tips before your flight:

1. Practice Makes Perfect

Get the frustration of learning something new or brushing up on existing skills out of the way on a dry slope before you go.

Practice makes perfect! Lessons and exercise will help you get more from your ski holiday

Learning anything new can be very frustrating. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before you’ll hardly want to spend half of your well-earned holiday frustrated and angry, while everyone else whizzes past you with apparent ease.

There are two things you can do right now to get a head start:

1. Grab some lessons. Get at least 6 dry ski slope lessons in before you head off for the real white stuff. It may add to the overall cost, but in the long run it will be worth it. It’s technically more difficult to ski on a dry slope than the real thing, although it is much slower. Learn the correct techniques on plastic before you go, and your experience on snow will be far more enjoyable.
2. Build legs like Linford Christie. Okay, so it may be a long shot, but exercising before your holiday will prepare you for the constant battering your legs will likely receive.

2. The Right Tools For The Job

If you’re a newbie, pop into a ski shop to familiarise yourself with the equipment and how it should feel. Take your time when trying on or testing equipment.

Know your shoe size, don't act it!

Equipment is personal. What is perfect for someone else may not be perfect for you. We’ve all done it: bought those much wanted must-have shoes that are half a size smaller than you would normally wear, thinking, “They’ll soon stretch”. Our advice would be to take your time when trying on the various makes and sizes of boots.

• Boots. You’ll need a pair of ski boots that will not only fit you like a glove, but will be comfortable for long periods and be able to keep with the shape of your feet as they expand and contract throughout the day. As with almost all shoe and clothing sizes, the actual size can vary between manufacturers, so a size 9 made by one brand may match a 9 and a half of another. Options available for the ultimate in comfort and control include gel and custom made boot inserts, but these come at additional cost to the standard boot.
• Socks. Make sure you buy the best socks you can afford. This is one way to improve comfort and ensure your feet are well placed in the shoe. Always pack several sets of ski socks and thermals so that you can swap while others are being washed and dried.
• Sunglasses and Goggles. Buy the right level of protection for your eyes. You’ll get alot of reflection and glare on a snowy mountain which can lead to snow blindness.
• Sun tan lotion. It’s easily overlooked, but you will get sunburnt without it. Buy a high factor cream and lip balm to protect you from the sun’s rays. The high altitude will mean the atmosphere is thinner and you’ll be susceptible to the more damaging rays.
• Clothing. Thermals and undergarments are an essential part of the kit – helping to keep you warm, whilst letting your skin “breathe”. Although things can get very hot at times, you also have to be prepared for periods of inactivity if the weather closes in resulting in a near white out, or if you find yourself unlucky enough to be suspended on a ski lift during a break down. One of the top brands are Icebreakers.

3. Carry Essentials & Know Your Limits

Make sure you take a back pack or other hold-all with you, so you can take a drink and some energy bars whilst on the slopes. Tiredness and fatigue can creep up suddenly, so be prepared.

You needn't pack as well as these guys, but some essentials help!

More than somewhere to carry your MP3 player and mobile phone, a back pack makes good sense. Use a backpack to carry an emergency supply of snacks and drinks, they could be a life saver. Skiing and snowboarding is hard work; hydration and energy levels can drop quickly, meaning that tiredness can creep up too.  A tired skier or boarder is more likely to make mistakes that could result in accident or injury.

4. Keep Photos And Video Safe

Damaged or stolen camera equipment can be easily replaced, the photos and video taken cannot. Make back-up copies or store online for safety every day.

Never point your camera at the sun, especially if it's this big!

Firstly, ensure that cameras and video equipment work before you travel, and that batteries are still holding their charge well. You don’t want to arrive having to make a trip for a new camera or battery as the first thing you do.

When away, if you have access to the internet, send yourself images via email or upload to a photo storage site such as Flickr. Your photos will then be safe and retrievable if your camera gets lost or damaged at any point. Video can also be backed up or stored online for safety.  Camera equipment can be easily replaced, the photos and video you’ve taken on your travels cannot be.

5. Adequate Winter Sports Insurance

Something that we probably wish we could do without, but will be hugely grateful for if it’s needed in an emergency.

Where'd my gloves go? Get the right equipment cover for loss and theft

Obtaining the correct Winter sports travel insurance is essential. Skiing and snowboarding is obviously a time to have fun, but accidents and mishaps do happen. Insurance policies can vary widely, so make sure you check the small print,  if something feels too cheap – question it! The cheapest ski insurance, isn’t necessarily the best. The average insurance policy comes out at around £25 a week.

Everyone is different, so make sure the insurance is customised to you. You will often get companies offering a “blanket cover” – based on some assumptions and averages. Although these might look attractive, you may be paying for cover that you don’t need (i.e. ice skating) or won’t cover what you want to do (heli-skiing). Your winter destination will also affect the cover required, breaking a leg in Switzerland can make your wallet £25,000 lighter, while the cost of flying you back from the USA with the same injury would be £70,000!

All being said, make sure you at least compare and look out for the following options:-

• No snow. It’s snow joke. In this instance, the grass should not be greener on the other side, so make sure you are covered if the worst happens.
• Piste closure. White-outs, avalanches and rain. It’s natures way of having the last laugh – but if you’re covered and compensated by your insurance policy, it might be you laughing louder.
• Equipment. Make sure your policy covers any hired equipment, or if you are taking your own skiis or board, ensure it covers loss and damage whilst in transit as well as on the slopes.

So here ends Part 1 of 6. Next week, in Part 2 of our winter holiday tips we’ll be exploring some ski resorts, giving the low down on some of the top destinations, whatever the budget.