Skiing has grown from a lowkey European sport, to a beloved pursuit by people all over the world, from all walks of life. It used to be a secluded sport for the notoriously rich who can afford to shell out tons of money for equipment alone. Nowadays, it has become more accessible to a bigger part of society.
Thanks to the effort of government officials and businessmen, skiing spread from the European Alps to various mountain ranges all over the world. If you and your loved ones have been planning to go on a ski trip in France, then you’ve come to the right place.
Planning any trip is a challenging activity and it can become stressful if you aren’t adequately prepared. Your travel arrangements from your plane, your land transportation to your accommodation must be smoothed out way before your trip begins. Messing up this part of the planning process can lead to you wasting time, trying to make last-minute reservations instead of enjoying your holiday.
One thing that you should also keep your focus on is choosing the right ski resort for you. It might seem like the best ski resort is the cheapest one, but there are actually a lot of factors that you need to take into consideration.
Thankfully enough, there’s a ski resort for every kind of traveller out there. Whether you’re on a trip for the love of the sport or more of for luxury, you’ll definitely find one that fits all your preferences.
Why go for France?
So you’re probably reading this because you’ve set your heart on embarking on French mountains. Here are a few reasons why France is the perfect destination for skiing:
The French Alps have the best variety of ski resorts in the world. From those with high-altitudes to those that are purpose built, there’s a whole wide world of French skiing waiting to be discovered by every kind of skier.
Not only will you have your pick of the best of the best, you’ll surely land on one that fits your budget while making it worth every penny. The great thing about the variety is that it’s nearly impossible to not discover the right one that will tickle your fancy.
Things to consider for your ski trip
Now, we’ve talked about why France is the best place to go on a snowy holiday. It’s time to pull up your sleeves and get to the nitty-gritty details of the things you need to consider for your ski trip.
It’s important to go in depth with the resort you’ll choose because it can make or break your trip.
A lot of the success and enjoyment of your outing relies on the resort you’ll stay in. After all, it’s the place for your rest and respite, and it’s the first place you’ll stay in when you arrive in the skiing region.
Not to worry, though. It may seem like a daunting task, but we’ve got the perfect guide to make sure that it goes smoothly. Take notes of our following tips to get the perfect holiday started!
Here are the questions you’ll need to ask yourself:
#1: When do you want to go?
Now that you have a rough idea of where you wanna go, it’s important to take into account when you’ll go as well. Unless you’re travelling solo, you need to book dates in advance, and check if everyone in your skiing party will be available then.
This will probably be the second most crucial thing you need to decide, as this determine the feasibility of the trip. If everyone can reserve a few days off work or school for the trip, then that sets off the whole planning process.
For travellers on a budget, December may be one of the best times for you to visit. Even though the colder December seasons may seem like the peak season, the opposite is actually true. There’s the risk of poor snow due to the initial onset of the season, which is why you may find good discounted deals.
Resorts often offer cheaper lift passes during this month. One thing you may want to consider is going for higher resorts that are more sure to have snow. The worst thing that can happen is for you to go on a ski trip…on a resort with no snow.
December is also a great time to visit as it’s a perfect escape from the Christmas and New Year holiday stress. Time to lace up and get your heart pumping during the holiday season for a change!
Another more cost-effective month to visit is January. The crowd starts to thin out, and last-minute deals from resorts are abundant. January is also a month that has a good track record for snow. The downside, however, is that it’s chillier and that days are shorter. On the upside, it’s great snow without all the long queues.
Now, onto the busier months. February is the peak season for skiers and thus, it can get pretty packed. These are usually the go-to time for families, so it’s best to avoid it if you don’t have any children in tow.
With more people hitting the slopes and prices skyrocketing, we discourage this month. However, if you’re a first-timer who don’t mind a little company, then February is worth considering.
April is the best of the best months as, once spring hits, the temperature is just right for skiing without feeling like you’re about to experience hypothermia. You can gear up for longer, sunnier days that have the perfect, snowy slopes. You can chill back with grills afterwards for the perfect leisure experience! This is the last window of calm before the crowds fill in for February.
#2: What is your skiing group’s skill level?
The brochures may feature skiers doing backflips on the snow but, more often than not, people taking on the slope are beginners.
It’s important to take into account the collective ability of your group when it comes to skiing. You wouldn’t want to book a resort situated near slopes that are for advanced people. You won’t enjoy the experience, and you probably won’t even be let in if you’re not experienced enough.
If your skiing party is relatively inexperienced, it might be best to go for terrain that is beginner-friendly. Source a resort that will have plenty of beginner’s areas around, and maybe even guides that you can hire.
For more skilled groups, you might fall in love with Val d’Isere. These steep slopes will be challenging for you, and you’ll find thrill in this exciting terrain. You can also take note of Courchevel is famous for a relaxed cruise that will give you the perfect views to match.
#3: What is your budget?
There’s a certain ballpark for these ski resorts, although you may be lucky enough to score one that’s the best bang for your buck.
The best indicator for these are the lift pass prices. In essence, resorts with expensive lift pass prices will cost an arm and a leg per night. The best thing to do is draw up a pros and cons of each potential resort, and compare it with what you need out of your lodging.
#4: What do you want to do after skiing?
Of course, the main objective of your trip is skiing, but you won’t be on the slopes all the time. You’ll need to think about the things you can do once the ski lifts are closed.
If you’re travelling with family, you may want to find one that offers activities and entertainment for the children or the whole family.
For groups of friends, check out what nearby establishments are available so you can get to know France from a different perspective! It’s important to take into account the surroundings, as these will be vital to your overall enjoyment of your stay.
Check out restaurants or pubs that are situated close by, and pencil them in your itinerary. If you’re not itching to go out, check out what amenities are available in the resort of your choosing. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed, or something livelier, you need to factor that in your choice.
Carefully planning for your ski trip means having to look at the nitty-gritty details. From your activities to the ski resort you choose, it’s important to get a full-view of what you signed up for so that you won’t encounter any problems on-site.
Feeling overwhelmed? Make a checklist with our questions above, and here are some more last minute tips:
- Don’t forget to exchange currency! This will make everything flow faster and smoother for a hassle-free holiday.
- Double-check the weather forecast!
With the right attitude and proper preparation, your ski trip will be a sure success.
Need help with planning the perfect ski trip in France? France Skiing is here to help you choose the best ski resort for you with high quality, personalised service. We’ll make sure your trip goes smoothly from the moment you book, until you’re safe back home!