First Time Planning a Ski Holiday?

If you’re a novice when it comes to planning a ski trip, here are our top things to consider when booking your catered chalet ski holiday!

1. What’s your budget?

The cost of a ski holiday can add up quickly when you start factoring in all the extras (getting to resort, ski hire, lift pass, lessons etc.) so it’s a good idea to have an idea to have an idea of your budget from the start so that you can ensure it’s feasible before booking your accommodation and travel.

Remember that there are big price differences between peak and off-peak dates, so if you’re on a tight budget, consider the quietest weeks of the season which tend to be the first week (or sometimes two) of the season before Christmas, early/mid January, or mid/late March before the Easter holidays.

We offer a range of properties to suit a variety of budgets – from our Classic chalets which are clean and comfortable, but a little more ‘no frills’, to our Signature chalets which offer a higher spec, better location or more amenities (or in some cases, all 3!).

2. To share or not to share?

For those organising a larger group, you will likely find a catered chalet where you can book the full chalet capacity and have exclusive use during your stay.  If you’re booking as a smaller family or group however and the prices of a full chalet are too daunting, chat to us about our shared chalets options!  We have at least one property in each area which we open up to be booked by the room (minimum numbers may apply) for shared use, so don’t discount a catered chalet holiday!

3. When would you like to go?

Consider the time of year you would like to go – the more choice you have in dates, the more you are likely to find available accommodation options which suit your group.

Of course the weather and snow conditions can never be fully predicted or guaranteed, but the most snow-sure time to travel is generally January through to mid-March.  All of the resort in which we operate have excellent snow making facilities however, so snow cover on the main pistes is generally not an issue whenever you choose!  Travelling outside of the peak holiday weeks means quieter slopes and fewer crowds, which can be particularly beneficial for any beginner skiers and anyone who isn’t keen on queueing for lifts!

Don’t forget that different chalet operators will sometimes have different changeover days.  At The Alpine Generation we operate on a Sunday changeover so that our guests usually manage to benefit from cheaper flights, quieter roads to get to and from resort, and a full days skiing on a Saturday which [in our humble opinion!] is the best day on the slopes (thanks to most other being being on their changeover day!).

4. Where would you like to go?

There are a huge number of options when it comes to skiing in Europe.  The resorts we operate in are all based in the French Alps, and cover a good variety of choices, from larger towns to smaller boutique resorts.  The one thing they all have in common is that they’re all based in extensive ski areas. Check out our blog on choosing the best resort for you!

5. How are you getting there?

Before you commit to your accommodation, make sure you’ve considered how you’re going to get to resort!  If you choose to fly, airport transfers offer the most convenient option on arrival into France as you can book yourself a door-to-door service.  Click here for information on transfer times for our various resorts from each of the major airports.  Public transport options may be available but make sure you plan your route and check times and availability.  Others choose airport car hire, or even drive from home sometimes.

6. Choose your lift pass

Unless you’re a complete beginner and therefore starting out on the beginner lift/magic carpet (which are often free of charge), you will need a lift pass to access the ski area.  All of our ski areas offer different passes depending on how far afield you want to venture – for anyone intermediate or above we’d suggest going for the full area pass to give you the biggest area to cover and best variety on terrain.

[Click to jump to lift passes for: Morzine | La Tania & Courchevel Le Praz | La Plagne]

Buying your lift pass on arrival usually works out more expensive, so be sure to contact us prior to arrival to get your lift passes arranged.  We can have these ready and waiting at the chalet for you, so no need to go and queue on arrival!

7. Arrange your Equipment Rental & Ski Clothing

You’ll need to make sure that you are appropriately equipped for your ski holiday.  Skis (and poles), snowboards, boots and helmets are available to hire in resort, and as with the lift pass, you will benefit from preferential rates from organising this with us in advance.

[Click to jump to hire options for: Morzine | La Tania | Courchevel Le Praz | La Plagne]

Options to hire clothing can be very limited, so we recommend bringing clothing, gloves and goggles with you – it doesn’t need to be anything fancy, especially if this is your first time skiing.  Check out our packing adviceon what to bring!

8. Book your Ski Lessons 

If you’re new to skiing, taking ski lessons is essential to get you moving safely and effectively on the slopes.  Lessons aren’t just for beginners – even advanced skiers can benefit from tuition or guiding.  Whatever your ability, consider lessons to boost your confidence, enhance your technique and allow you to make the most of your time on the mountain.

Lesson options range from children’s (and sometimes adult) group lessons or private tuition, to private ski guiding and off-piste touring.

[Click to jump to ski school options for: Morzine | La Tania | Courchevel Le Praz | La Plagne]

Don’t forget to book lessons in advance (you might be starting to notice a theme here!).  Especially if you’re travelling on a peak week or would like a particular type of lesson at a particular time of day, if you wait until you’re in resort, you will usually find all the lessons are fully booked.

9. Insurance

Now that you have an idea on when, where and what you’ll be doing whilst you’re away, you need to make sure that you are fully insured for your trip.  Most travel insurance policies will provide general medical cover, repatriation and cover for some personal belongings, but it’s essential to make sure you have specific winter sports cover in case of accident on the slopes

Don’t forget although you will need your GHIC card to validate your insurance, it only covers you in France for state provided healthcare, which can be few and far between in the mountains – a lot of medical practices in and around resort will be privately run.

There is also an additional and optional insurance which you can take out with your lift pass – this is very much aimed at snow sports and mountain rescue.  This does not include a lot of the usual aspects of a standard travel insurance policy (e.g. personal belongings, travel cover etc.)  so is generally considered supplementary to travel insurance. Follow the links below for more information:

[Morzine: Snowrisk]
[La Tania, Courchevel & La Plagne: Carre Neige]

10. When to book? 

Now!  We recommend booking early as this can save you money on flights and your holiday extras, and limits the risk of your chosen accommodation selling out for your preferred dates.  Contact us using the details below to speak to one of our friendly small team!