The prospect of heading out on a skiing adventure on your own might be a daunting one. Solo skiing means that you’re free to enjoy the slopes at your own pace, and that you won’t have to spend any time waiting for anyone. On the other hand, to get the best from this kind of break, you’ll need to do the right planning, and adjust your expectations.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to make your solo skiing holiday truly unforgettable, for all the right reasons.
Some resorts tend to cater better to the needs of solo skiers than others. Look for pistes that are appropriate to your level of skill, and make sure that you have access to a skiing area that’s sufficiently large. If you’re sufficiently skilled, then you can cover a lot of piste in a single week - and a big ski area will help to ensure that things remain fresh.
Getting the most from a ski holiday means packing all the right gear. If you’re travelling alone, then this is particularly important - as you won’t have anyone to help you out if you forget something.
Make a checklist, and prioritise the most important items. You need three layers of suitable clothing, along with poles, skis, and boots. Inexperienced skiers might prefer to rent, so that they can explore their options. If you’ve already spent time on the slopes, buying quality gear can be a great investment. You’ll also need to acquaint yourself with basic skiing etiquette, and the culture on the slopes of the resort you’re visiting. Make sure that you can read signs, and that you take the advice of the authorities seriously. If a slope has been closed because of bad weather, make sure that you don’t try to descend it.
A major advantage of skiing solo is that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people, and to make new friends. Make sure you research all of the local bars and meeting places. If you’re travelling to a resort where English isn’t widely spoken, you’ll want to learn the local language, to the extent that you can ask for advice and understand it.
If you’re going to travel to a faraway ski resort, then you’ll want to get the most out of your stay. This means researching the options when it comes to ski passes and schools. Some passes will only get you partial access to the slopes, which can often be limiting. In the case of both passes and lessons, it’s a good idea to book early. This will give you the best chance of avoiding disappointment.