Are you aching to get back out on the slopes but your usual ski partner can’t make it? Maybe your ski buddies can’t get time off work, can’t afford it or simply don’t fancy it? Well don’t lose all hope, we have some ideas to tips for planning solo ski holidays that will get you back out on the slopes.
When planning solo ski holidays your three main options include creating your own trip, taking a place on a ski package holiday in a chalet or going with a specialist solo tour operator. We’ll be looking into the pros and cons of each below.
It is often tempting to try and organise everything yourself, to build a package around your needs. If you are planning solo ski holidays from scratch then you need to think about flights and accommodation first. Be aware you might end up paying single occupancy fees.
Staying in B and Bs or hotels does work, but you might struggle to meet people to ski with or skiers that are your level. You might not mind skiing alone, but in the evenings it is great to discuss the day over a meal and a drink or two.
You could just book one spot in a chalet on a package ski holiday. This will resolve some of the issues of meeting people to ski with and people to spend the evenings with as typically you all eat together. However you will probably have to pay a hefty single occupancy supplement making it an expensive option.
Also most people in chalet holidays are already in groups, be it couples, families or groups of friends that go away together each year. So they might not want you to tag along skiing every day.
Also people you meet in a chalet might not want to do the same things as you, or be a similar level. On the plus side the ski operator is likely to offer guided days out which you can join.
There are a number of operators that organise specialist solo skiing holidays for people lacking a ski buddy. These operators design the holidays so that you’ll be with other solo skiers that are in a similar situation to you. They even arrange the days skiing so you are with people of a similar level.
If you choose to book a specialist solo ski holiday then you can avoid paying single occupancy supplements and be sure of finding people to ski and socialise with. For those reasons this is our recommended option for planning solo ski holidays.
With that in mind we have chosen four of the best operators providing solo ski holidays:
SingleSport take a very different approach to solo ski holidays. They are not a tour operator or an accommodation owner, instead they arrange around eight ski holidays per year to different resorts in Austria, France, Italy and Canada for about 30 or more solo skiers and snowboarders at a time. This helps you to find like minded company and skiers of similar ability.
The holidays are organised by various tour operators, taking advantage of their guarantees and ABTA and ATOL protection where applicable. The price to the guests is the same as if booked directly.
What makes SingleSport stand out is the service they provide to ensure every skier and snowboarder from beginner to expert has their needs met. Before you book you can request as much information as you need to be sure you choose the right holiday whether you want to include lessons, guiding or all inclusive.
To ensure you’re comfortable with the group on any particular holiday you can ask the number already booked, the age profile of the group, gender & ski ability.
To look after guests they join every trip providing in resort organisation. There are group activities but there is never pressure to join in.
Guests can either share a room, or pay a single occupancy supplement if its not possible to get the supplement waived. To find out about the solo ski holidays by SingleSport head to: www.singlesport.com
With a strap line of ‘Ski holidays for sociable people’, The Ski Gathering mixes the benefits of a catered chalet with the needs of solo skiers that like to meet with new people on their holidays. They run independent chalets in Morzine, Meribel and Les Gets with options ranging from budget to luxury.
All the chalets share the same vision and high standards. The goal is that every chalet holiday should be an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you travel on your own or in a group.
By sharing a room independent skiers avoid single supplement charges, and of course have people to ski and socialise with.
A highly recommended solo ski holiday provider is HOFNAR. They offer top quality skiing and snowboarding trips for singles and solo travellers. With great accommodation and the chance to meet lots of like minded people, they are ideal for those after a solo ski or snowboard experience.
Their cosy chalet, in Morzine in the French Alps, will be your base for exploring the slopes and meeting new people. Learn more by visiting their site at www.hofnar.com.
A provider of solo ski holidays in the Italian Dolomites is Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari. Their holidays are an on-piste, guided, soft-adventure around the Italian Dolomites.
You will ski the best this region has to offer and experience four nights staying on the mountain in refuges. Highlights include a Finnish Sauna at 2,800m, gourmet food and English speaking staff.
Inspired ITALY’s Dolomites Ski Safari trips are designed to make solo travellers feel at home and to help meet new skiers at a similar level to them. They provide single rooms, twin rooms (on a same sex basis), and double rooms depending on your preference.
All ski passes and guides are included for this one week ski adventure for solo travellers.
We also recommend Cold Fusion Chalets who provide fantastic solo ski holidays in the French Alps. Their dedicated solo traveller holidays are based in chalets in Chamonix, Morzine and Les Carroz. On Cold Fusion holidays, the chalet is your home, the staff members are your family and the fellow guests become your friends.
The cosy and intimate Cold Fusion Chalets are the perfect place to get to know your fellow travellers and make new friends and skiing partners. Then you can head out onto the slopes and enjoy some of the very best skiing the French Alps have to offer.