8 Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Group Ski Holiday
Planning a group ski holiday may feel like a mammoth task but we can assure you it may be easier than you think! Especially, with our 8 tips for how to plan a group ski trip. Read on for all you need to know and prepare to get excited!
1. Nominate a group leader
Nominating a person who will take charge is the first step in making sure your group ski trip runs smoothly.
Some people will excel in this role and create spreadsheets, manage lists and thrive on keeping track of everything on behalf of the group. Whilst spread sheets may not be 100% necessary for a great trip, a good, organised group leader will be worth their weight in snow.
It’s great if the group leader has some ski experience and they can of course delegate tasks to other members of the group. But, having a dedicated person to make the booking and handle any communication is a great way to keep things nice and straightforward.
2. Set a budget everyone is comfortable with from the start
Setting a budget from the start is another very important step when it comes to how to plan a group ski trip. Ensuring everyone is on the same page spending wise is essential. This also helps to ensure you know what’s within your price range from the start, which will avoid wasting time looking at a trip people won’t be wiling to pay for.
Agreeing a total budget per person from the outset is the best way to avoid any confusion further down the line. For tips on ways to save on your next group ski trip, visit our guide to booking an affordable ski holiday.
3. Select your dates carefully
An equally important step is picking the dates of your ski trip. If you are travelling with children, you will more than likely be influenced by school holidays. However, if you’re an adult only group then you will have more flexibility which comes with the added bonus of quiet slopes and often cheaper prices.
Here’s a round up of what you can expect from each month in Meribel:
December:
December skiing offers early access to quieter slopes and fresh snow. Late December brings the festive atmosphere of Christmas, including skiing Father Christmas and festive activities like parades and carol singing in Meribel Centre. New Year’s week is equally magical for celebrating with family and friends.
January:
Skiing in January busts those January blues with empty slopes and sunny days in Meribel. Enjoy the vast ski area with no lift queues and quiet slipes. If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics during the first two weeks of January, your stay will include a complimentary Meribel Valley lift pass. Learn more and check out our remaining availability for next January over on our website.
February:
February is popular for family ski trips due to half-term holidays. Expect fun for kids, great conditions, and plentiful snowfall in Meribel. Later on in February once children have returned to school, a real feeling of spring is in the air with longer days and afternoons spent soaking up the sunshine.
March:
March offers spring skiing with relatively quiet slopes and mild temperatures. Enjoy long sunny days and minimal lift queues. During March you will also be able to enjoy a whole host of apres events and live music festivals including the 5 day “Ronnie loves Music” festival.
April:
April is popular for family ski holidays during the Easter break. Enjoy a relaxed trip with warm afternoons for après activities. Despite warmer temperatures, you can still expect some great snowfall and powder days resulting in some serious spring skiing conditions.
4. Choose the right ski resort and chalet
Resort
Needless to say that choosing the right resort and accommodation is another important step when it comes to how to book a group ski trip.
We would always recommend researching and comparing various resorts before deciding on your ideal ski holiday location.
Consider factors such as transfer times, altitude, snowfall, accessibility to the slopes, ski area size, infrastructure (including ski lifts and snow cannons), and the availability of pistes suitable for different skill levels and skiing styles.
To help you on your way to finding the perfect resort, why not head over to our blog: 9 best places to ski in Europe for the 2023/24 season.
Chalet
Choosing the right chalet may often feel overwhelming when planning a group ski trip. But believe it or not, choosing the best accommodation can be an easy and pain free process!
Here’s a few tips on things to consider:
Space and flexibility
A chalet offers maximum privacy and flexibility, making it suitable for families and groups who want to socialise together.
Outline must haves from the start but also remember to be flexible on the finer details where possible!
The space you need will of course depend on the size of your group. Most chalets will range from 6-12 beds with 2 people per room. However, larger chalets are also available. It can also be helpful to check out the space for socialising in the evening too.
Distance to the slopes
The proximity to the slopes is crucial for convenience. Long travel times can be tiresome, especially for families.
Catered or self-catered
You should also decide if you prefer meals to be included or if you prefer to cater for yourself. Surprisingly for some, opting for a catered service can often be better value for money, considering the higher prices of food and drinks in ski resorts.
Many ski chalet companies, including Ski Basics, provide a selection of experiences, giving guests the flexibility to select the service that suits them best. Learn more about three Ski Basics experiences here. From self-catered to our much loved classic experience and our Plus+ experience, each or our services are designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience that won’t cost the earth.
If you’re already acquainted with our services, why not explore our collection of delightful catered and self-catered chalets, each boasting its own charming features and conveniently situated just a short distance from the slopes.
5. Consider travel logistics carefully
Of course, if you plan it right, once you reach your destination you’re going to have a great trip. But, the travel experience to and from your chosen resort can have a big impact on group morale. Poor logistics can lead to long waiting times and disgruntled group members. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way and planning your travel doesn’t have to be complicated!
If members of the group are travelling from different locations, it’s likely easiest for people to organise their travel independently and align timings where possible. If it’s not possible to align timings, it may be best to consider travelling in transfers independently or in smaller groups based on location to avoid some group members waiting around for long periods.
Whatever your situation, here are a few key things to consider include:
Airport
There may be a number of airports within reaching distance of your final destination. Choosing the right one will depend on flight availability, cost and transfer times to the resort. Checking out the options and choosing the best one for your group is always recommended.
Transfers
It can be tempting to try and save on transfers. However, when travelling in a group, booking a private transfer may be cheaper than you think. Plus, it means you have complete control over your travel times.
That being said, there are often a number of great group transfer services on the main transfers days each week (Saturday or Sunday) and also throughout the week during peak season.
Flight times
Try to opt for flight times that work with your check-in and check-out times. Nothing induces the holiday blues like waking up at 5am to travel home without enjoying that last delicious breakfast prepared by your chalet hosts.
Equally, having to wait around for hours on end is never a fun way to start or end your holiday! If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics and do happen to arrive before chalet check-in, fear not! Your chalet manager will be on hand to meet you, take your bags and can even have your ski passes ready and waiting if you’d like to hit the slopes.
If you’re joining us in Meribel, check out our complete guide for travelling to Meribel for absolutely everything you need to know, whether it be by train, car or plane!
6. Consider people’s ski ability (book ski lessons early)
Choosing a resort that is suitable for everyone’s abilities is another important element of planning a group ski trip.
Here in Meribel, each member of the group will be spoilt for choice when it comes to slopes the range of slopes accessible across the 600km Three Valleys ski area with a number of areas dedicated just for beginners allowing those who need to build their confidence to do so in a their own time and space. There’s also a whole host of activities for non-skiers.
For those who are learning to ski or looking to build confidence, a few ski lessons will be invaluable and we would always recommend booking lessons to get yourself started. Time spent with a professional instructor can transform your holiday in just a few lessons, giving you the basic skills and confidence needed to really enjoy the trip.
Here in Meribel there’s a whole host of fantastic ski schools. Head over to our Ski School page to learn more about the ones we recommend.
7. Plan your activities before you arrive
Planning activities before you arrive is another great way to ensure the trip is set to be one to remember. From zip lining to tobogganing and snow-biking, there’s often a whole host of fun activities to be enjoyed both on and off the slopes.
For those looking for something a little more relaxing, why not book a massage or maybe even a spa day to ease those aches and pains.
It can also be useful to plan and book any restaurant reservations during peak seasons.
However, it’s important to remember that there’s also no harm in playing it by ear if you prefer to keep things a little more spontaneous!
If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics and have any questions on restaurants or activities available, simply speak to your chalet manager who will be on hand to provide recommendations and make any bookings you require. To take a look at the extensive range of activities both on and off the mountain in Meribel, click here.
8. Discuss doing things alone or in smaller groups
It’s equally important to remember that there’s no harm in breaking off into smaller groups whilst on a group ski trip. Finding something that everyone would like to do isn’t always possible and doing things alone or in smaller groups is a great way to ensure everyone can do what they’d like to do.
Planning a ski day over to Val Thorens from Meribel may not be for everyone and that’s fine! The beauty of being part of a group ski trip is that you have the flexibility to spend time as you please and then meet together later to recount stories of an action packed day on the slopes for some and an idyllic day in the spa for others.
So there you have it! 8 simple tips for how to plan a group ski trip. If you’re ready to get planning and would like to learn more about Meribel, head over to our complete guide.
Already know Maribel’s the one for you? (Great Choice!). Why not explore our chalets and remaining availability for the 2023/24 season. If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, simply get in touch!