Planning the ultimate ski holiday isn’t as simple as throwing gear in a bag and hitting the slopes. The truth is, pre-departure preparations matter. There’s always a debate over resorts and whether or not to buy new gear, and don’t even get us started on the difficulties of choosing a snow-sure destination!

There are plenty of tricks to learn, from choosing Val Thorens ski holidays (for their high-altitude and reliable snow) to maximizing slope-time by avoiding peak crowds. Here’s how to rise to the occasion and the strategies for planning the ultimate ski getaway.

Book the Best Time to Avoid Peak Crowds

Nobody likes crowds. Extroverts might tolerate busyness, but eventually, when it comes to queuing, hiked-up prices, and booked-out accommodation, peak seasons just aren’t worth it. Try squeezing onto that rammed ski lift — after waiting 30 minutes to get to the front of the queue. It’s hardly holiday bliss.

Peak skiing does have marginal variations depending on the destination. But, as a general rule, quieter travel windows include early December or late March. School holidays and mid-to-late December? Avoid like the plague. Establishing the best time to go skiing, and where, is a golden skill for creating an ultimate holiday.

Choose Accommodation with Ski In, Ski Out Convenience

Ski in? Or ski out? The flexibility of direct slope access is a game-changer. There’s a multitude of resorts offering this style of skiing, including Val Thorens’ Altapura. The layout eliminates exhausting shuttles and lugging heavy equipment across long distances. Ski in, ski out accommodation leaves one question: are you coming or going?

Picking direct slope access maximizes your time spent skiing, which is what you’re here for, right? Keep things convenient, and concentrate on the good stuff. Wake up, open the door, click into your skis, and voila — you’re off!

Plan Experiences Beyond the Slopes

Life happens. Muscles twinge, joints strain, and concentration inevitably dips. The best skiing holidays are those that understand the importance of blending everything together: the dining, the partying, the alternative activities, and the spas.

Allocate a day for tobogganing. Book a spa pass. Reserve a table at that piste-side fine dining restaurant. These small experiences are what turn a good trip into a great one, sprinkling a little magic onto your time on the slopes. Breathe life into your experiences; don’t rely solely on even the trustiest of skis.

An ultimate ski holiday is both a subjective and lofty title. Start small: pick the best resorts and the best dates. With the foundations in place, it’s then a question of packing reliable gear and forging an experiential-focused itinerary. Think of the perfect ski trip as a recipe for success; it relies on a sprinkle of each ingredient.