For most this isn’t a choice. The summer signifies a time to dig out your swimsuits and bare some flesh, then, when winter, hits you’re sharpening your edges and preparing for snow. But if time or money is tight and COVID changes your plans, you might need to convince the family or other half on why the ski holiday wins hands down. Check out our list of reasons to support your case:
10 Reasons Why a Ski Holiday Beats a Beach Break
The scenery is epic- Indulging in wine and cheese is part of the culture.
- Comfort is key.
- You still get a great tan.
- Keeps you active.
- Cater to everyone’s needs.
- Snow is so much fun.
- The freedom you feel when skiing or snowboarding.
- The feeling of achievement after learning new skills on your skis or board.
- The opportunity to explore the mountain.
The scenery is epic
Picture snowcapped mountains, rugged peaks and assorted pines as far as the eye can see. Little chocolate box style chalets and horse-drawn sleighs winding through the trees. How could a poolside with scattered sun loungers and beach umbrellas ever compete?
You can still indulge
Indulging in wine and cheese at lunchtime is part of the culture on a ski break. Sipping Génépi at lunchtime will actually make you fit in with the locals rather than living up to the Brits abroad stereotype. If you ski hard all day then you definitely deserve a mountain of cheese at dinner.
Comfort is key
You can leave those shoes at home. Comfort is key for ski resort footwear. And wearing shoes that will limit the number of times you’re thrown back onto your bum is much more important than style. So rather than forcing your swollen feet into heels, or pulling on those smooth bottomed loafers, you can don woolly socks and cosy Uggs in smug yet sensible comfort. For more of our favourite footwear, check out these brands – Sorel, Timberland and The North Face. In our opinion, we’d steer clear of the moon boots – they aren’t as functional in the snow as they make out!
You still get a great tan
Being at altitude, with white reflective surroundings, means you get a wicked tan, without having to lie on your back all day. Just make sure you interchange between wearing sunglasses and goggles to get a more even tan. Alternatively, you could learn to embrace those goggle marks. Here’s how:
There’s no pressure
While getting ski fit will help you get the most of your ski holiday, you needn’t worry about that pre-holiday bikini diet or the fear of baring all in skimpy swimwear. The beauty of ski holiday clobber is that you can gorge yourself at dinner without loosening your waistband. Baggy ski pants and Christmas jumpers hide a multitude of sins!! Oh, and retro ski wear. In the mountains, you needn’t wait for a fancy dress party to dig out your best retro clobber. 80s throwbacks can rejoice in the fact that one-pieces and neon pick is the height of fashion once more.
Cater to everyone’s needs
On a hot holiday, there’s always someone who prefers to lie on their back all day while others get itchy feet and bore easily. On a ski holiday, if you have different agendas you can leave the more sedentary sipping vin chaud at a mountain restaurant while you get in a few more laps, reducing the conflict of conflicting priorities. Then you can reconvene at the bar later for a much loved après session. Think live music, cold beers and table dancing in ski boots. How can a beach bar ever compete?
Who doesn’t love snow?
An obvious one, but a goody! Who doesn’t love snow?! It makes everything look pristine and fresh. It cushions your fall if your technique is lacking. You can use it to clean up that bit of wine that missed your mouth at lunch. It makes every day look like Christmas. The kids love it. You won’t find it in your sandwiches at lunch and it won’t irritate your skin or cause a rash. And who doesn’t love a good snowball fight? Sand just does not compete!!
The freedom of skiing & snowboarding
Yes the après ski is ace, the cheese much loved, and the scenery majestic, but the real reason we go through the faff of getting ready for the slopes each morning is for the actual skiing (or snowboarding). The feeling of sliding down a hill, with the wind in your hair and an icy chill on your face. This buzz really can’t be beaten.
The feeling of achievement
After learning a new skill on your skis or snowboard, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. That isn’t something you get from lying in the sun all day. Skiing and snowboarding offer a great combination of having fun, challenging yourself and learning something new, all whilst being on holiday. Isn’t that brilliant?
Exploration & Adventure
Having the opportunity to explore the mountain is one of the best feelings. Looking at the piste map, working out which restaurant you’re stopping by at lunch and working it all out is part of the adventure. By the end of the week, you’ll know the resort-like your own town at home. If you’re more advanced, our off-piste and ski touring adventures can take you into the backcountry away from the lifts and crowds to get a real insight into the untouched mountains. And if the rest of these reasons don’t convince your partner then this surely will.
So put your lilo into storage and get out your winter wear the ski season is a-coming and we can’t wait!
