The wintersports season is upon us, and if you’re not already covered form head to toe in snow, it’s time to start planning a holiday that’ll get you there. Here are our top tips for where to go whether you are working to a tight budget, have a pot to spend from, or you are planning to splurge on the holiday of a lifetime.
Save: Italy
Opting to ski and snowboard in Italy could make all the difference if you are hoping to stick to a tight budget. Generally speaking ski passes, lifts, and ski schools are cheaper in Italy than they are across the border in France, and the food is often cheaper in the resorts too
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Livigno, located in the Italian alps is a top budget-friendly destination, and caters for skiers of all abilities. It is home to Italy’s largest snow park and boasts over 100km of off-piste action to enjoy. The biggest draw has to be that it is a total bargain to stay here. The whole place is VAT free, so everything is much cheaper than it is at other resorts, and even at home!
Spend: Switzerland
Switzerland is not known for being a cheap country to visit – the food is pricey, the accommodation is pricey, and believe it or not the ski lift passes are actually some of the most expensive in the world – BUT it is said that you do get your money’s worth when you come here for a ski or snowboarding holiday. For starters, you get the old-timey feel of a ski holiday compared to the cosmopolitan vibe in French resorts, and there is the Magic Pass, a year-long pass that gives access to 19 snowparks, 1375km of slopes, and a couple of glaciers as well as hiking trails, thermal spas, and even a couple of revolving restaurants over 50 ski resorts!
Phew! So where to go?
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St Moritz. Although it is a truly luxurious resort, attracting celebrities and billionaires alike – if you book an all-inclusive ski holiday food, drink, lessons and lift passes are all included making it easier to budget for extras that will add to the luxury feel, such as luxurious gourmet restaurants! The slopes are best suited to intermediate to experienced level skiers and snowboarders, but there are nursery slopes where beginners can soak up the scenery while honing their skills.
Splurge: Canada
Admittedly, adding the air fair is what makes a ski holiday to Canada an expensive option compared to the luxuries of the Swiss mountains. Having said that the world-class resorts that can be found here truly offer visitors a trip of a lifetime.
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Whister – a dream destination for anyone who loves to hit the slopes. Day-passes are costly, and the runs less suitable for those new to skiing and snowboarding. This resort is rightly reserved for those who have put in the hours to hone their skills and looking for some high adrenaline fun. There are in excess of 200 runs over 8000km of skiable terrain with some of the most challenging black diamond runs in the world!
Wherever you end up, make sure you plan ahead to stay safe on the slopes! Check out or recent post Safety on the Slopes for everything you need to know before you going skiing and snowboarding, including getting the right travel insurance. This should be number 1 on your list!
Skiing and snowboarding are a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors but they are high risk activities – get in touch today for a wintersports travel insurance quote.