Preparations
Skiing usually takes a lot more preparation than your average “throw some stuff in a bag” holiday as you have a variety of extra things to organise from ski equipment to passes and insurance. When it comes to larger scale group events you also need to coordinate people, which is of course even trickier. There are a number of tour companies who cater exclusively to all of the particular group holidays you might want to plan from corporate events to weddings so you can choose one of these. You will undoubtedly end up paying a higher premium on your package but you will get tailored activities and a lot less of a headache. Alternatively you can simply choose to do it yourself and make sure everyone co-ordinates their own affairs with a central person responsible for hotel bookings and flights but not a lot else. If you decide to go down this route then it is a good idea to remind everyone that they will need ski insurance, lift passes and thermals (You’d be amazed how often people forget the latter). Other than that make sure you have your flights passports and luggage and you are all set to go.
Activities
Of course the biggest draw will be the skiing/snowboarding itself but it’s good to mix it up a little with a variety of other activities. Most of these can be organised by a tour operator or by yourself so it’s fairly easy to plan a decent itinerary. Most ski resorts will offer a wide variety of activities from helicopter rides, rock climbing and parachuting to fine dining, spa days and clubbing. Skiing is an exhausting activity in itself so you probably won’t want to go too over the top cramming strenuous activities in but it’s a good idea to add in a few. With that in mind we’ll take a look at a few of our favourites.
- Tobogganing - Whether you go to a proper course or simply choose to buy cheap plastic sleds this is a great activity that is bags of fun as you careen down hills or full blown runs holding on for dear life.
- Hang Gliding – There are few places more exciting too hang glide than in a mountain range. Weather permitting this is an incredible experience that will take your breath away as you soar, hopefully majestically, across some of the most stunning landscapes on earth.
- Rock Climbing – Rock climbing is a strenuous activity but one that is incredibly rewarding. Forget your ski lifts and gondola rides this is really the best way to go up a mountain. Available in most resorts and for the more advanced as ice climbing this is a great way to enjoy some breath taking views and stunning scenery.
- Ski Mobiles – Ski mobiles give you a great chance to race around a wintery landscape without the exertion of skiing so make a great addition to ay group holiday. Taking a guided tour is a great way to see some hard to reach places and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
Where to go
Choosing where to go is one of the hardest decisions for a group holiday as you need to balance costs whilst still creating a great holiday. Your budget per person really determines where you should go with Europe offering the cheapest destinations and packages. If you want to create a budget holiday then Bulgaria is one of the best places to choose – if you want to push the boat out the U.S, Canada and Switzerland offer some of the most high class resorts in the world. Whatever you choose have a great time!
