Our guide to a stress-free skiing holiday
Dreaming of a stress-free skiing holiday with everything running smoothly? A little preparation and smart organisation can make all the difference, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in the mountains rather than dealing with logistical issues. Ekosport-Rent shares its practical tips to help make your holiday run as smoothly as possible, whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family.
In summary
Planning your skiing holiday in advance can reduce stress, unexpected issues and wasted time at the resort. Choosing the right resort, avoiding peak periods and booking your ski equipment online can make your trip much easier to organise. Checking the resort map, planning your journeys and collecting your equipment the day before can also save valuable time. A checklist helps you avoid last-minute purchases, while backup plans make it easier to deal with changing weather or non-ski activities. Discover Ekosport-Rent’s tips for a smoother and more enjoyable skiing holiday.
Make the right choices and plan ahead
Choosing the right resort and the right time to travel is already a great way to make your holiday run more smoothly. Find out about different ski resorts and choose one that really suits your needs: do you want accommodation right next to the slopes? Are you looking for a family-friendly resort? What type of ski area are you looking for?
If possible, try to travel during quieter periods by avoiding peak school holiday dates and long weekends.
Remember that everything you organise before your holiday is one less thing to worry about once you arrive. This is a great way to reduce the mental load during your trip. We recommend booking your equipment online to save time and make sure the equipment you need is available. Preparing a complete checklist will also help you leave with peace of mind.
Make getting around the resort easier
If you are staying in a resort you do not know, take some time to check the resort map, shops and practical services. This can save you a considerable amount of time by avoiding unnecessary journeys and last-minute decisions.
In particular, plan ahead for the following:
Where will you park? Do you need to reserve a parking space?
How can you reach the ski lifts quickly?
What are the shuttle routes and timetables?
Where are the key places such as the ski school, supermarket and tourist office?
Plan your ski hire and equipment collection to save time
With its online ski hire service, Ekosport-Rent can help you save time at the resort, so why not take advantage of it? In just a few clicks, you can book your equipment and make use of our practical services.
Here are our tips for a smoother experience:
choose equipment collection the day before your first day of skiing where possible (this service is available at most Ekosport-Rent shops, with opening times varying by shop);
use free or paid options that can save time, such as Click & Collect and equipment delivery;
consider equipment storage or a ski locker, so you do not have to carry your skis around the resort.
Make everyday life easier with a few simple habits
There are other ways to save time during your holiday, some of which you may already do without even thinking about it.
Start with shopping and meals:
plan your meals in advance, including meals at your accommodation, packed lunches and restaurant meals;
do a proper food shop on your first day, using a shopping list;
avoid peak times, particularly between 5 pm and 7 pm for shopping and other errands.
You can also make things easier by planning your days in broad terms:
prepare your belongings the night before;
establish a clear morning routine, especially when travelling with children;
plan for the end of the day by deciding where to put and store your belongings, where to dry wet clothes and when to do the washing.
Pack everything you need to avoid shopping at the resort
Making life easier at the resort also means avoiding the need to make daily or emergency shopping trips. Remember to pack essentials such as:
phone chargers and cables;
sun cream and lip balm;
toiletries;
a reusable water bottle;
snacks to eat on the slopes.
For a more comprehensive list, see our anti-extra-cost checklist. It includes all the essentials to pack to avoid unnecessary purchases at the resort.
Plan for the unexpected so you can truly switch off
Finally, we recommend having a few backup plans in case the weather changes, someone gets injured or you simply want a break from skiing.
Before you leave, check the tourist office website and activity providers to:
identify a few indoor and outdoor activities away from the slopes;
note down useful information such as opening times, access and prices;
plan alternatives for children.
This preparation will save you from having to work out what to do at the last minute and allow you to make the most of your holiday.
Making life easier at the resort: key tips to remember
Making your holiday run more smoothly requires a little preparation, but in reality, it takes relatively little effort for a significant saving in time and mental load. In short, remember to:
choose your ski resort carefully so that it suits the way you want to spend your holiday;
book your ski equipment online, along with any useful services;
find out about the resort, its key locations and the easiest ways to get around;
use checklists so you do not forget anything and can avoid costly, time-consuming last-minute purchases;
minimise the impact of unexpected changes by finding out about activities other than skiing or snowboarding in advance.
