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Ski and snowboarding

For ski chat, join the Mumsnet Ski forum. Check out our guide to the best resorts in Europe and our family ski holiday packing list.

First time ski holiday alone

5 replies

Laudible · 24/09/2023 10:11

Have any of you done this? I am mid fifties. I don't have anyone go with and I don't want to go on a group holiday or a trip for single people. I have skied a fair bit before but stopped 35 years ago so I would count myself as a total beginner.

I know it will be more expensive. This will also be my first holiday that isn't camping for over 35 years so it's kind of a big deal. It's something I've wanted to do for all that time.

OP posts:
Havanananana · 25/09/2023 10:14

Skiing is a great holiday for people who have nobody to go with - it is a very social activity.

For accommodation, the best option is probably a catered chalet, as you immediately have the other guests to eat, ski and socialise with, but a combination of Covid and Brexit has greatly reduced the number of catered chalets available. Otherwise, a hotel or small B&B/Pension would be good - many hotels have single rooms available at little or no extra cost.

For ease of booking you could book a package holiday with a Tour Operator (Crystal, Inghams etc.) which takes away much of the hassle but which limits your options in terms of departure airports and destinations. Alternatively, if you are confident enough you can book everything yourself. An airport like Salzburg has numerous flights from the UK and there are plenty of resorts within 60-90 minutes of Salzburg, with shared transfer taxis and buses available from the airport. Look at Skyscanner for flights and the resort Tourist Office websites for accommodation, and the usual accommodation sites too (Airbnb, Booking.com etc).

Once in resort you should definitely take lessons. The skis and boots have completely changed since you skied 35 years ago, as has the technique (and of course your own physique will have changed). Book a week of group lessons, which comes with the added advantage of another instant social group of fellow learners who are all at the same level.

Assuming that you're not tied to school terms, stay well away from busy European school holiday weeks (New Year and all of February). January or early March are less crowded and much less expensive.

rookiemere · 25/09/2023 20:10

I've booked on this trip www.pilaski.co.uk/images/PDF/Ladies-Only.pdf. I usually go away with friends but it is increasingly difficult to coordinate due to elderly DPs and childcare dramas.

I rung the lady who runs it up, apparently the demographic is mostly mid 50s and it sounded great if you don't want to ski alone, but don't want full on instruction.

Ski goddess is meant to be good but more expensive.

Missingthesnow2 · 25/09/2023 22:26

I saw a ski club of Great Britain holiday on their website today. Single room, nice hotel, but guided skiing in a group of similar levels all week.

ConstantlyCooking · 26/09/2023 06:54

Or try Club Med. The price includes morning and afternoon lessons so you have people to ski with all day and get to know others quickly. The groups often eat lunch together. There are also tables for one or two and I have eaten on my own sometimes.
It's all inclusive so it's easy to get to know people if you want or just relax by yourself.

lizkt · 28/10/2023 01:13

I want to do this alone one day in France. Planning to do ski school each day and take plenty of books for the evening or maybe go to some meet-ups/language exchange. I actually think I could have a great time. Don't need to go out for dinner but could cook in self catered.

But if I wanted to go in a group, I'd do Spice Holidays or Ski Club of Great Britain - would defo need a single room though, as wouldn't want to share!

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