Take a look at our bucket list for a little bit of creative dreaming - we have to aspire to something, and who doesn't want to go dog-sledding?
Inspire MeWe haven't skied all of our resorts for no reason! We want to make sure your experience is up to scratch so take a look at our ski break pointers.
Get AdviceAs you may be aware the new European EES Entry/Exit System is scheduled to start on 10th November 2024. It will apply to all non-EU passport holders who wish to stay in the EU Schengen area for any short duration, such as holidays.
In short it means that you will need to be biometric checked in and out of the EU. There is an App on the way to make this easier, but it will not be available until the Spring 2025.
This means that the new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which basically means it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area. Once the new system is live, when you go through passport control on your arrival to, and departure from your destination, as well as providing your passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned.
Please be aware this may lead to delays when arriving to and from EU countries.
ABTA give a useful explanation here >> https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe
For a full overview from the EU, please see this link > https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
As a beginner, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune especially if you’re not even sure you’ll like skiing yet. We’d suggest somewhere like TK Maxx to pick up some bargains or you can even rent for the first time and then pick up some deals in the spring (Two Seasons have some great discounts or any online retailer). Try renting from Ski Togs. We haven’t tried them yet but it looks easy enough to us. Failing that see if you can borrow a friend’s ski gear.
Take a look at our favourite ski resorts for beginners.
For our flexiski operated chalets (Chalet des Cascades, The Loft at 272, Chalet Ophelia, Chalet Amalien Haus and Chalet Little Haus) you can leave your hairdryer at home safe in the knowledge that every room has one, unless of course you love your all singing, all dancing, super powerful one, in which case, bring it. For hotels you will have to check the ‘in room amenities’ on the hotel pages on our website, most hotels will have hairdryers but it’s always worth double checking, give us a ring if you’re still unsure.
Megeve is always great for beginners, plenty of gentle slopes and a fantastic town so it’s not just about the skiing. Courchevel is also a safe bet. Trysil in Norway offers fantastic skiing for beginners and a great ski school, learn to ski in the home of skiing! Or if you like the look of Austria then Obergurgl is also a great choice.
Read our best ski resorts for beginners blog for some further suggestions.
We know and love Europe but sometimes you just fancy something different. I like to think of it as comparing a beach holiday in Spain to one in Barbados; essentially they're similar but there’s definitely big differences.
North America tends to be a little quieter on the après front than Europe but also quieter on the slopes with wide open bowls and incredible tree skiing along with more snow and lighter snow making for some incredible skiing. And they’re catching up on the après front – it’s just, well, a little different.
Japan is another kettle of fish. The most snow we’ve ever seen for sure. It dwarfs Europe with its snowfall even if the resorts are at sea level. Think the softest snow on the softest pistes and the deepest powder everywhere else. But if you’re going to travel all that way, it’s as much about the culture as the skiing. Super friendly people and some delicious foods to try out and in Niseko the nightlife is pretty good as well.
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