Holiday types

Ski and snow holidays

Crisp mountain air, fresh snow and a hot chocolate at the end of the day. Whether it’s your first time on skis or you’re chasing fresh powder, I’ll help you find a resort, a place to stay and a package that fits your level, your group and your budget.

Not a skier? Snowy winter breaks can be just as magical, from husky rides and reindeer in Lapland to cosy mountain villages.

Plan my ski or snow holiday

A chairlift climbing a snow-covered mountainside under a clear blue sky

What’s usually included

Every trip is different, so this is a general guide. I’ll always confirm exactly what’s included in your booking before you pay.

Often included

return flights and resort transfers, on most packages
a hotel, catered chalet or apartment
a board basis, from self-catering to catered chalets with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner
on some packages, lift passes, ski or board hire, lessons or ski carriage on the flight, depending on the operator

Often extra

lift passes, hire and lessons, if they’re not part of the package
ski and snowboard carriage on flights
winter sports travel insurance
lunches on the mountain and après-ski
ski school and childcare, which some packages include and others charge for

Good to know

Altitude matters. Higher resorts tend to have more reliable snow, especially early and late in the season.
Location in the resort. Ski-in, ski-out or close to the lifts saves a lot of walking in heavy boots.
Busy weeks. February half-term, New Year and Easter are the busiest and book up early.
Mixed groups. If some of your party don’t ski, I’ll look for resorts with plenty to do off the slopes.

Who it suits

Beginners, families, groups of friends, confident skiers and snowboarders, and anyone who loves snowy mountains.

Ways to do it

Different kinds of ski or snow holiday, and what each one offers.

Catered chalets Breakfast, cake after skiing and dinner cooked for you. Sociable, relaxed and great for groups.
Hotels and apartments From full-service hotels with spas to self-catering apartments close to the lifts.
First-timers and families Gentle slopes, good ski schools and childcare, in resorts where everything is close together.
All inclusive mountain resorts Lift passes, lessons, meals and childcare wrapped into one booking at some resorts.
Tailor-made and long-haul Japan, Canada and the USA for deep snow and big mountains, or a trip shaped around your group.
Lapland and Arctic winter No skiing needed: huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles, the chance of the Northern Lights and, at Christmas, a visit to Father Christmas.

Planning tips

Get winter sports cover. Standard travel insurance often doesn’t cover skiing or snowboarding, so check before you go.
Book lessons and childcare early. Ski school places go quickly in half-term and at Easter.
Hire a helmet. They’re strongly recommended and, for children, compulsory in some countries.
Watch the transfer time. Some resorts are under an hour from the airport and others take three or more.
Don’t forget the sun cream. The sun is strong at altitude, even on cold, cloudy days.