Whilst winter is finally almost over and many are looking ahead to lavish spring and summer getaways in the sun, for some, the allure of the slopes is just as irresistible now as it has been over the past few months. And, if you’re one of the many skiing and winter sports enthusiasts that likes to escape to the mountains several times a year, then there’s no time like the present to start planning your next luxury trip for winter 2023.
The perfect way to balance rest, relaxation and good food with plenty of on-slope action, the best five-star ski resorts and luxury chalets offer up plush surroundings in which to unwind, many boasting stand-out features including their own private Jacuzzis, saunas and cinema rooms. And you’ll find a surprising number of fine dining and even Michelin-starred eateries across the most famous ski resorts in Europe, not to mention a vibrant apres-ski scene with parties and festivals happening throughout the season – so whatever you’re looking to get out of your next winter break, a luxury ski holiday ticks all the boxes and then some.
Whether you’re new to skiing or a seasoned pro, having all of the right gear will ensure you stay warm, cosy and comfortable as well as looking the part whilst on the slopes – and this Skiset promotion offer is a great place to find everything you need.
That aside, there are some other key things to consider to ensure your ski break runs smoothly, including what to pack, how to plan your itinerary and how to prepare.
Pack to perfection
Knowing what to pack is probably one of the trickiest things to get right when heading off skiing, because as well as ensuring you’re kitted out with all you need for an action-packed few days of winter sports, you’ll also want to make sure you have all you need to enjoy your time off the slopes, too.
Although many ski resorts have the option to hire much of the equipment you need, there are still definitely some essential items that you won’t want to do without, so make sure you have plenty of room for them in your luggage and don’t be tempted to pack light on this occasion.
Some of the items that are useful for any ski trip, whatever your level or experience, are a waterproof jacket and trousers, a pair of ski boots and a pair of sunglasses or ski goggles, as the sun can get surprisingly bright up in the mountains and the glare from the snow can make it difficult to see clearly without them.
Take plenty of base layers so you can add and take away as required as temperatures fluctuate – and don’t forget a few pairs of cosy thermal socks to avoid frozen toes! You’ll also want to bring a warm knitted hat or beanie to keep your head and ears warm, and a good pair of ski gloves, as well as a head warmer and potentially some ear muffs.
Don’t forget to consider what you’ll be doing during your time off the slopes, too, and pack accordingly – for example, if you plan to go out for a fancy fine dining dinner, then you’ll want some smart attire and, for hiking, bring some walking boots.
Make the most of your time
If you’re only going away for a weekend, then you’ll find that time really does fly when you’re having fun! And whilst it’s a great approach to go with the flow and try to relax and enjoy yourself as much as possible, a certain amount of planning and preparation is also required to help you get the most out of your ski trip.
If you’re planning to take part in some skiing lessons or other scheduled activities then it’s definitely worth booking them in advance to avoid disappointment and to ensure they fit in conveniently with the time you have.
Similarly, if you are returning to one of your favourite ski resorts and you’re planning some non-ski related activities – for example, dining at a popular restaurant, make sure you reserve a table before you arrive so that you won’t miss out. And, if it’s a new resort for you, then do some research beforehand so that you can make some reservations for places you’d like to try ahead of time.
How to prepare
Preparing well for your ski trip means getting everything organised in advance so that you can fully enjoy yourself once you’re there. Make sure you get all your travel arrangements sorted out for the entire journey so that you can relax from the moment you set off – we’re not just talking about the flights, but the private transfer to take you to your resort once you arrive in your destination of choice, and any help you might need with transporting your luggage. If you’re driving, you’ll also want to have parking pre-arranged to avoid any stress or time-wasting.
As skiing is a physically challenging activity, upping your exercise a few weeks before you head off is wise as it will ensure you feel ready to take on the slopes and can help you to avoid any strains or injuries during the trip. Generally, a reasonable amount of regular exercise is usually enough to get you physically prepared but if you’re really serious about showing off your moves on the slopes, you could also consider visiting a local indoor ski centre where you can practice and train as much as you like beforehand and will be able to reach your full potential during the break itself.
Most ski equipment doesn’t need wearing in, but if you’ve just bought a new pair of ski boots then it’s a good idea to get used to them before you go. As with any type of footwear, new shoes need to be comfortable and as you won’t want your fun to be ruined with blisters, chafing, or any other kind of unpleasantness in that area, wearing them around the house a little bit before you set off is a must.
For a complete guide on how to pick the right footwear for your skiing trip, you can consult this useful guide from the National Ski Council Federation.
