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    Things to Consider When Booking a Ski Holiday

    Booking a ski holiday can be a bit daunting if you haven’t done it before. There’s a lot more to think about than with other holidays, where often all you really need to think about are the flights and hotel. Although ski trips require a bit more planning they shouldn’t put you off, and if you remember to consider a few key details your holiday will be a huge success.

    Time of Year

    Like with all holiday destinations, there are times in the year to visit that are better than others. In the case of a ski trip, the best times to go are the months when the best snow is available, which will depend on the location you’re planning to visit. Typically the best times to visit the French Alps are between January and March, when the most snow is present.

    Huskies
    Booking a Ski HolidayEd.ward / People Photos / CC BY-SA

    However these months will subsequently be the most popular and busy times to visit, so you’ll want to weigh up going at a busy (and potentially expensive time) with visiting off-peak when the snow might not be as good. Having said that, other times in the year may still have great snow, particularly at resorts higher up the Alps.

    Accommodation

    Some resorts offer a variety of types of accommodation, ranging from self-catered chalets to large catered blocks with communal dining. Your decision here really comes down to what most appeals to you and your requirements, or perhaps cost, since self-catered accommodation will usually be cheaper. If you’re travelling by yourself or in a small group, you might prefer accommodation with communal dining, as this provides a fantastic opportunity to meet others on holiday; who may give you a few ski holiday tips, or just a bit of good conversation. Others only offer one type across the whole resort; so will make your decision easier in this respect.

    Travelling with Children

    Ski holidays can be great for all the family, but as a more experienced skier who is looking forward to the challenge of the steeper slopes, you may find being bogged down in the nursery slopes with your kids a little boring. Thankfully a lot of resorts, particularly in the French Alps, have some great ski schools for kids. The children will have a fun day, enjoying learning to ski, giving you freedom to explore the more challenging and exhilarating slopes and make the most of your time at the resort.

    Equipment

    If you’re an experienced ski or snowboard pro, you’ll probably have your own gear, which you’ll take with you to the slopes. However for the rest of us it can be just added stress thinking about organising the hire of equipment, on top of everything else. Make sure you have you own ski clothing, such as jumpers, woolly hat, gloves, goggles etc. and take some time to research the prices of ski/snowboard hire before arriving at the resort. This will ensure that you’re prepared and get the best price; avoiding rushing into hiring the first piece of equipment you come across when you get there.

    Ski Passes

    Don’t forget that you’ll need ski and lift passes to be able to enjoy the slopes on your trip! These will vary in price, depending on where you’re skiing and how long you will be there. Be sure to budget for this in addition to equipment hire, or you’ll be caught out with extra costs you weren’t expecting.    

    About the Author  

    Rental Republic is a ski and snowboard hire company, offering free fitting and delivery to chalets in a number of resorts in the French Alps. Their highly trained team are experts in ski and snowboard equipment fitting and repair, and provide a fantastic service at an affordable price.

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