A winter holiday is a great way to get away from the Christmas madness and spend some much-needed relaxing time with loved ones. Now summer 2019 is behind us and the holiday season is on the horizon, many of us will be planning our next breaks. Here we have put together a guide for planning a hassle-free trip to the slopes.

Know What to Pack

When going on a skiing or snowboarding holiday it can be very easy to overpack, leading to fines when checking in luggage at the airport. Although you should try to pack lightly, make sure you have enough with you to keep you warm and dry while out and about on the slopes. Thermal layers, waterproof jacket, boots and trousers, gloves and hat are all recommended. It’s always easier to rent your winter gear when you arrive at your resort instead of having to check it in and carry it with you. Also, remember that even though it will be cold, it’s still possible to be sunburned on the slopes so pack SPF with you.

Invest in Insurance

When travelling on a budget it can be tempting to forego travel insurance; however, insurance will give you that peace of mind that should something go wrong, you will be protected. Remember that you will often need additional cover for activities like skiing as they are considered high risk; make sure you are fully covered should you end up injuring yourself and need hospital treatment. Travelling in winter can also increase the chances of flight delays and cancellations due to the weather, all of which travel insurance would cover.

Where to Go

Where you choose to go will be based on your expert level, the kind of experience you’re looking for and your budget. France, Switzerland and Austria are all popular countries in Europe for skiers and boast some of the best slopes in the world. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative this coming winter, why not try somewhere like Bulgaria or Slovenia, which offer great slopes at a lower cost?

How to Book

It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best deals, but if you’re new to skiing and never booked a trip like this before, it would be helpful to book through a specialised tour operator. If you decide to go at the start or the end of the traditional ski season, such as in January and March, then you will more likely find the slopes quieter and the resorts cheaper.

Practice Before You Go

The last thing you want to do on holiday is injure yourself; it’s for this reason that it’s always advisable to get in some skiing or snowboarding lessons before you go. This will not only mean you are able to make the most of the slopes when you are away but will be much less likely to injure yourself. Practice before you travel will also help improve your fitness levels, meaning you can spend more time on the slopes and make the most of your trip.

A hassle-free winter escape is possible with enough planning and preparation. Make sure you do your research on how to take a ski holiday, the best places to go, pack for the weather and practice for the slopes and you and your loved ones with have the time of yours live this coming winter getaway.