Five Ski Holiday Myths That Will Not Go Away

Some ski-holiday misconceptions have been around almost as long as the first chairlift. Let’s take a look at five of the most persistent myths that continue to circulate about skiing and snowboarding – usually spread by people who have not been before.

1. “Skiing is only for the rich”

FACT OR FICTION? – FICTION

There is no denying that a ski holiday can make a serious dent in the bank account, particularly if you travel during school holidays, stay in a fashionable resort and eat out every night.

But although skiing in the past was seen as an elitist sport, this is no longer the case. Self-catering accommodation, budget airlines, package deals, smaller resorts and cheaper destinations, such as Bulgaria and parts of Andorra and Italy, make skiing very affordable to a wide range of enthusiasts.

You don’t have to stay in a five-star hotel, ski every kilometre of a huge, linked area or spend £50 on lunch on the mountain.

Verdict: Skiing can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

2. “You have to be a good skier to enjoy a ski holiday”

FACT OR FICTION? – FICTION

This one probably dates back to the days when beginners were expected to wobble their way down a terrifyingly steep nursery slope while everyone else shouted encouragement.

Beginners are now very well catered for in modern resorts with gentle nursery areas, magic carpets, dedicated learning zones, and professional ski schools.

Plus, if you don’t want to ski every day, there are mountain walks, sledging, spas, swimming pools, shopping, sightseeing, restaurants and après-ski. Some members of a family or group may discover that they enjoy the holiday without ever becoming particularly enthusiastic skiers or snowboarders.

Verdict: You don’t have to be good at skiing or snowboarding to have a great ski holiday.

3. “The bigger the ski area, the better the holiday”

FACT OR FICTION? – FICTION

A lift pass covering hundreds of kilometres of pistes sounds impressive, and for accomplished skiers it can be fantastic.

But bigger doesn’t automatically mean better. As already covered in a recent blog, beginners and families may spend most of their holiday on a handful of gentle runs. Meanwhile, a smaller resort can mean shorter journeys between lifts, fewer queues, easier navigation, lower accommodation costs, and a more intimate atmosphere.

There is little point paying a lot of money for a lift pass that covers 600km of pistes if you only ski 30km of them.

Verdict: Choose the ski area that suits your ability and ambitions, rather than simply counting kilometres.

4. “You have to book well in advance to get a good ski holiday”

FACT OR FICTION? – FICTION

There is some truth here. If you want a particular hotel, chalet, or apartment during periods such as Christmas, New Year, or school half-terms and holidays, booking early makes sense. Popular accommodation is snapped up remarkably quickly.

But the idea that anyone booking late is condemned to an overpriced broom cupboard is nonsense.
Late deals are often excellent, particularly if you are prepared to be flexible about your resort, dates, accommodation, and airport. The catch is that you are gambling with availability and will not necessarily be skiing and snowboarding in the resort of your choice.

Verdict: Book early for choice; book late for flexibility and the possibility of a bargain.

5. “A ski and snowboard holiday is all about being on the mountain”

FACT OR FICTION? – FICTION

For some people, being first into their ski or snowboard boots in the morning and staying all day on the mountain until the last lift before it closes, is what attracts them to a ski or snowboard holiday.
But for many holidaymakers, skiing is only part of the attraction. Good food, après-ski, spas, shopping, nightlife, family activities and simply sitting admiring the spectacular alpine scenery is all part of the enjoyment.

There is a growing number of ski and snowboard holidaymakers who are perfectly happy spending only a few hours on the slopes before heading off to enjoy everything else the mountains have to offer.
Verdict: A ski holiday doesn’t necessarily mean skiing from breakfast until the lifts close.

Bonus

Let’s add just one more to the list above. This is the age-old myth that it’s always freezing cold on ski slopes. Of course, it can sometimes be very cold as the temperature has to be low to make it snow and to keep it on the slopes.

But it is not always cold. There are many times I have skied with the sun shining in cloudless blue skies, particularly at the end of the season when it has been so warm I have ditched my ski jacket and worn a jumper or fleece on the slopes.

As the springtime warmer weather descends on the mountains, it does mean the snow can get a bit slushy at the end of the day, but the benefits of skiing and snowboarding towards the end of season far outweigh any negatives.

The first time I ever skied was in April towards the season in Les Arcs. The sun shone every day, and the pistes were topped up by overnight snowfalls on four of the seven nights I was there.

Being a newbie, it led me to believe skiing was always like this… and that was one of my own myths that has sadly been dispelled over the years.

Speak with the experts

For the best advice on choosing the best destination to suit your ability and budget, and the vast choice of ski resorts and accommodation available through Ski Line, talk to the experts by using the contact details below, or online chat facility. You will find these contact details on the Ski Line website.