Booking a family ski holiday: A great family ski vacation can leave you with unforgettable memories and a passion for winter sports for life. That said, creating such a vacation requires thoughtful planning, research, and honest personal reflection about our own skills and goals. Exposing children to extreme temperatures, physically tiring days and using specialized equipment can make it a stressful experience for all family members - and that's before taking into account any travel fatigue. -even. With so many choices out there regarding the best ski countries, mountain ranges, resorts, and service options - all of this can seem overwhelming enough to try to piece together the perfect vacation behind the screen. 'computer. With that in mind, here are 5 things it's important to consider when planning a family ski vacation.
1. Check the cancellation policy
Needless to say, during this period of Covid19 and the resulting trip stop, a tight cancellation policy and / or a money back guarantee is paramount. With so much uncertainty, including the prospect that the operators themselves may go bankrupt, it is more important than ever to read the fine print and make sure that you are able to cancel if the trip does not suit you at the time of your trip. Ideally, operators would take reservations but suspend payments until much closer to the winter season, as this will give you peace of mind when making the reservation.
2. Choose the right region
It is really important to check that the region you are considering is suitable for the age, interests and ability levels of the traveler. For example, the Japanese island of Hokkaido has attracted worldwide attention for its wonderfully constant snowfall, caused by extremely cold temperatures and weather conditions that set in for weeks at a time during the months of 'winter. Although not a problem, and indeed a lot of fun for skiers who are passionate about powder and off-piste, the very cold, windy and snowy weather is not what your average 5-year-old will enjoy trying to get. familiarize with skiing. Too much snow can also make learning in the resort more difficult for adults and beginner children, and the cold ends do not make things much easier. Unless you maximize powder skiing, most people would likely take warmer temperatures, sunnier skies and more favorable conditions. So even if a region is the latest hot spot on the list of ski resorts and appears on all social networks and travel blogs, make sure you research it properly before booking and make sure that the weather and typical conditions suit your travel needs and preferences. In short - not everywhere is suitable for everyone.
3. Search for the station
By limiting the region to the resort / village / mountain in which you choose to stay, it is once again very important to do your research and make choices based on the needs and interests of travelers. An important deciding factor should be the nearby ski slopes and the type of skier they are suitable for. Some resorts are clearly better suited to advanced skiers looking to take on the challenge, while others are more naturally suited to beginners and / or families and, therefore, these resorts often focus more on catering to this population. Every mountain and ski slope on the planet is different, so no matter how effective a resort's marketing strategy is, always do your research to verify that the mountains in the resort you are considering are actually the best choice for your family.
4. Take into account your accommodation preference
It is hard to imagine how you will feel after a day on the slopes (although saying that you can be tired is a pretty safe assumption) and therefore it is difficult to judge what type of accommodation you want to focus on. Hotels have the advantage of having facilities close at hand, having a breakfast prepared for you and, hopefully, easy access to a restaurant. That said, sharing a hotel with other members of the public is not for some the mountain hideaway or the ski chalet escape they envision when thinking of a ski trip. Most of the high-end options are self-contained lodges that are very well appointed, equipped and will even come with a vehicle and / or concierge. You can also hire private chefs to cater for these lodges if restaurant meals don't suit you, while others will be well located near restaurants and shops if that is your preference. Once you've decided which type of accommodation is right for you, spend a few minutes thinking about the location and what you will and won't like to do at night. Are you interested in exploring the shops and restaurants, or are you looking for peace, tranquility and immersion in nature? And, if you have young children, is it easy to access the mountain you are heading to, without having to cross the valley taking care of your child's skis? The location is essential for family skiing.
5. Choose the right operator
A good ski school, a guide company, a travel agency or a daycare center can make or break your vacation. Before booking an activity and service providers, do a thorough research to verify that they are reputed, insured, approved and legitimate. Many "instructors" and "guides" operate illegally without any of the above and could leave you in a very tight spot if things don't go as planned. And if you need another incentive, your insurance will often not cover you if the operator is not qualified, and even if it may be a cheaper option at the start (no overheads, taxes, insurance, etc.). ...) Than booking through a legitimate company, the quality and value for money will be much lower - not to mention the serious security issues associated with it. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to say how people work, so don't be afraid to ask these questions; a professional will understand that you are doing your due diligence and will be happy to respond. And as always - do your research before booking and check with many different sources / platforms. Make sure your hard earned money is used optimally, enjoyably and efficiently.
Nadine Robb is the owner and trainer at the Hakuba Ski Concierge. Hakuba Ski Concierge is a boutique ski school in Hakuba, Japan. If you would like to be a guest blogger on Tour Travel Hotels in order to increase your profile, please contact us.
