Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding & Staying Protected on the Slopes
Thinking of trading the grey skies of home for crisp mountain air and snowy peaks this Winter? A good skiing holiday can’t be beaten for a mix of exciting slopes, stunning scenery and après-ski experiences. If it’s been a while since your last snowy adventure or you’re a novice to this type of holiday, there’s lots to plan for to ensure you have a great time. As a favourite getaway for tourists for decades, you can be as active or relaxed as you want at some of the best ski destinations, so where should you go and what do you need?
From booking lessons to arranging essential Winter gear and travel insurance, having a checklist ready that covers everything will help you have fun whilst staying warm, protected and ready for anything both on and off the slopes.
The Call of the Mountains: Top Ski & Snowboard Destinations
We get it, the lure of the mountains is hard to resist when the snow starts to settle and you’re craving something different to a regular beach holiday or city break. In fact, a survey of Irish citizens found that 53% were secretly envious of those who go skiing every year. Fortunately, there are lots of destinations to choose from to scratch that itch that are within easy reach from Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports, whether you want a world-class resort, family-friendly activities, or something more exhilarating for experienced skiers.
France remains a top choice for many, with destinations like Les Arcs, Avoriaz, and Méribel known for their vast ski areas, reliable snow, and lively après-ski scenes after a day of adventure. For those seeking tradition and charm, Austria’s St. Anton and Kitzbühel combine excellent pistes with warm hospitality and cosy alpine villages. Meanwhile, Italy’s Livigno and Cervinia provide great value for money, stunning scenery, and wide, gentle slopes that are perfect if you are a beginner.
Being so close to mainland Europe makes any ski destination a short flight, and with hundreds to choose from across France, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and more, you’ve got a vast choice of resorts that can cater for beginners to pros and any budget.
Staying Protected on the Slopes: Why Travel Insurance is Essential
Whilst choosing the perfect resort for you and your family is very much part of the fun of creating a skiing holiday itinerary, it’s not the only aspect you’ll need to think about. The excitement and thrill of both skiing and snowboarding, as well as exploring mountainous, snowy areas on foot, come with their fair share of risks that can be different from other types of holiday. One thing does remain the same, and that’s being prepared for anything unexpected.
Travel insurance is an essential part of any Winter holiday. As anything from twisted ankles to lost luggage or flight delays can happen when you least expect it, having peace of mind that you can get help shouldn’t be understated. It's best to research your options and look for comprehensive policies from providers such as Staysure that cover everything you need, so that you can deal with medical emergencies and unexpected issues without a problem. For skiing holidays, you’ll want to seek out specialist cover for Winter sports too, so that you can cover equipment and any activities. Knowing you’re financially protected if something doesn’t go as planned will help you enjoy your time on the slopes from start to finish.
Gear Up: What You Need for a Safe & Fun Trip
Hitting the slopes means you need to sort a few extra items you wouldn’t take on a regular holiday. Having the right gear is important, and by that we mean having everything you need to stay warm and safe.
Outerwear specific for Winter sports like a ski jacket, ski trousers (or Salopettes), and gloves, are all essential to help you stay warm and protected out on the slopes. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own helmet or goggles, as most ski resorts will have hire options along with the ski and snowboarding equipment, but check when booking. If you do decide to buy your own to take, be sure they are high-quality.
Layering is key for comfort and warmth too, so choose moisture-wicking base layers for both your legs and torso, and an insulated mid-layer like a fleece to wear under your waterproof outer jacket. This will help keep you at a good temperature throughout the day. Don’t forget items like thermal ski socks and a neck warmer (or buff) to stay cosy when the wind picks up too, as you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll feel the chill.
Investing in a few essential items means you’ll spend less time worrying about the cold and more time enjoying the slopes when you arrive. However, if you do forget anything, many resorts have stores where you can pick up any extras. Oh, and don’t forget to bring comfortable clothing for when you’re not skiing, such as in the evenings or when doing other activities.
Après-Ski Adventures Away From The Slopes
It wouldn’t be a skiing holiday without having plenty to do when not perfecting your technique on the snow, and that’s where the resort you choose comes into its own. The après-ski experience is just as memorable, so after a busy day up and down the slopes, unwinding in a cosy chalet bar with a hot chocolate or something stronger is something everyone looks forward to.
Many resorts offer luxurious spas, thermal baths, pools and other activities for a relaxing change of pace. As food is a big part of staying energetic whilst skiing, you can energise or indulge in resort restaurants and cafés too. It’s also a chance to soak up the mountain culture, enjoy live music, and warm up after a cold day outside. For families, you can look at other activities too, from taking a sleigh ride, ice skating, sledging, or finding a quiet spot to play board games and spend quality time. This is where picking a good family resort will ensure it’s not all about after-ski drinks.
Tips For First-Time Skiers & Snowboarders
It’s exciting to be on your first ski holiday, but try not to push yourself too hard to progress quickly. Like riding a bike for the first time isn’t just get on and go, everyone will find that learning the basics will take time, so it’s best to be patient and book some lessons.
A qualified instructor at a resort will teach you the basics of balance, turning, and stopping safely, but if you can get some practice before you go on your trip at an artificial slope, this can help. Ski Club of Ireland in Kilternan has the largest artificial ski and snowboarding slopes in the country, ideal for a bit of practice. You also want a resort that has beginner-friendly runs until you build confidence and skill. Remember, everyone starts the same way, so keep at it and with practice, you’ll soon be zipping about the slopes.
Also, don’t underestimate how active you will be when skiing. Doing a few stretches and a warmup before you begin, as well as staying hydrated, will help your body adjust and recover ready for the next day. Take regular breaks to rest your legs too, and remember to relax when you can. Part of the fun is taking it slow to begin with and enjoying the whole experience, even if you will fall over regularly!
Adventure Awaits in the Snow
As a holiday full of adventure and much more excitement than a beach break, a Winter sports holiday can be a refreshing change of scene if you want something different on your next trip. Do spend time researching resorts and finding one to suit your experience, and if travelling with younger family members or those not so confident skiing, be sure they have plenty to do away from the slopes.
Hopefully, you can have a great time mixing excitement and relaxation no matter how cold it is outside. Just remember to pack warm clothing and schedule plenty of après-ski downtime.