Plan your ski holiday: region, accommodation and preparation

Start with three questions: Who is travelling with you, which winter sports matter, and how much time do you want to spend each day getting around and moving between areas? Beginners usually benefit from easily accessible practice slopes, a suitable ski school and straightforward runs. More experienced skiers tend to focus on variety of terrain, altitude and lift connections. Families should also plan meeting points, places to take breaks and short distances.

For comparisons between countries, see the pages on skiing in Germany, skiing in Austria, skiing in Switzerland, skiing in Italy and skiing in France. Pistes, facilities and connections can change depending on the season and the day; check operating status and weather with the ski area before travelling and before each day on the slopes.

Staying near a lift or ski bus can make mornings easier. However, location and price depend on the specific place, dates and offer. Check the exact address on a map and find out what the route is really like with ski boots, children and equipment. Compare ski accommodation covers holiday apartments, hotels, chalets and mountain huts; you can find specific offers, for example, among the accommodation in Austria, accommodation in Germany, accommodation in France, accommodation in Italy and accommodation in Switzerland. Check prices and availability directly with the provider for your chosen dates.

Compare more than just the driving time. When travelling, take winter conditions, tolls or vignettes, parking, rail connections and the final transfer to your accommodation into account. Train or air travel also involves transporting luggage and renting equipment. In addition to accommodation and travel, your total budget should include lift passes, equipment rental, lessons, food and any transfers. The ski tips for planning and preparation cover these individual steps; ski holidays as package trips are worth comparing if you want to book several services together.

Not everyone wants to spend every day on alpine pistes. Cross-country skiing, winter walks, tobogganing or a quiet day in town can make a holiday more enjoyable for people with different fitness and experience levels. Winter sports and activities on a winter holiday introduces these options. For alpine basics and equipment, see ski and snowboard equipment, ski rental, ski schools and piste rules.

• Is the ski area suitable for everyone in your party?
• Are the accommodation, lift, ski bus and equipment rental conveniently accessible?
• What additional costs will there be besides travel and accommodation?
• What alternatives are available if the weather changes or you take a rest day?
• Have opening times, travel conditions and booking rules been confirmed for your specific dates?

A sensible order is to note your group’s requirements, compare countries and specific ski areas, check accommodation and travel, and finally confirm operating information and total costs for your chosen dates.