SKIING AND SNOWBOARD VACATIONS
BY CLAY LARROY
BY CLAY LARROY
When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or
pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some
tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers
let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of
your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates,
so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use
your airline miles. When you need to plan a vacation contact me!
Imagine: A crisp blue sky. Winter. A deep
blanket of snow covering the mountains and trees. To hit the ski slopes, it
takes a little planning, but if you’re new to skiing or are just looking for a
new ski experience - know you have the option of traveling independently or
with a like-minded group, and with an experienced tour operator who can take
care of all the arrangements... leaving
you with little to worry about and poised to have an enjoyable, relaxing trip.
The options are many, the destinations worldwide, and the adventure puts an
entirely new perspective on cold weather. Just as surf-boarders created their
own "endless summer" by trekking the globe year round searching for
the perfect wave, so have skiers and snow-boarders taken to the slopes of the
Northern and Southern hemisphere to find year-round ski adventures.
Using a good travel consultant, you can book
all of the independent elements of a ski trip: air tickets, accommodations,
transportation, rentals and lift-tickets. However, travel agents have access to
suppliers that provide all of this and more in packaged programs that achieve
sizable discounts over booking individual components. No fear: your time is
still your own and you do not travel with a group of other skiers on a
"tour". If you have a group, usually 10 or more, who want to travel
with you, however, a travel agent can often achieve even greater savings.
Consider everything that comes with your trip
package to be sure you budget and plan appropriately. Many packages include
basics like airfare, lodging, ski tickets, ground transportation, meals and
guide service. After a hard day of skiing, you may feel better if you have
access to a sauna, hot tub, fireplace, stove, or other kitchen and laundry
essentials - check the amenities carefully to be sure you’ll be comfortable.
Some tour operators also offer packages that include many activities
other than skiing. Consider adding a 4-wheel drive vehicle rental or
snowshoeing excursion to your itinerary. Your travel consultant can make any additional
arrangements privately or through the tour operator - just remember that many
package deals include extra perks at a discount, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Specialized or custom trips are available for
travelers of all ages who can also participate in the many non-ski or highly
supervised ski activities found at resorts - just ask your travel consultant
how to get started with planning.
A common question is whether someone’s skiing
ability will fit in with the rest of a group. This is a good question to raise
when you book your trip, but generally, "mixed abilities" are not a
problem because groups can be subdivided so instruction and feedback are
specific and relevant. However, it is important to match your level of skill to
the terrain you will be skiing. Because of the inherent risks involved in the
sport, be candid with your travel consultant and your tour operator about your
level of ability, and those of your traveling companions.
Accommodations
Lodging for ski vacations vary from hostel-type
dormitory arrangements to luxury condominiums, villas and resorts. Again, work
with your travel consultant to choose a level of accommodation that meets both
your comfort and budgetary requirements.
There are two main types of ski resort:
traditional and purpose built.
A traditional resort is typically in a historic
alpine village. They are invariably picturesque and offer the most options for
travelers interested in the countryside and local culture.
"Purpose built" resorts are usually located higher on a mountain
to make the most of more snow for a longer period. While they often lack the
native charm of a traditional village, they are more likely to have extensive
and modern facilities, particularly helpful for beginners.
Guided
Skiing and Lessons
A major advantage of a guided ski trip is
finding the best skiing with the least risk. With a group of skiers who have
varied abilities, guides often offer more options to experienced skiers, while
helping beginners find easy-to-ski lines. Guides manage risk by controlling
where the group skis and how they ski a particular pitch. Where hazards are
minimal, guides allow for more freedom to explore.
Most of the time a guide will ski first to
scope out hazards and snow conditions. Participants ski a few turns behind one
another. If you are following the guide, be prepared to stop suddenly, as the
guide may need to examine unexpected obstacles, so be sure to give the guide at
least 30 feet of space. On non-glaciated, snow packed terrain without
crevasses, a guide may sometimes choose to go last, as the potential risk is
inherently low.
Tour operators will acquaint you with general
skiing conditions and procedures. Group tours involve tremendous cooperation
because of their dependence on participants in emergency situations. Although
uncommon, most operators take every safety precaution and will spend the
necessary time to explain routes in detail and even practice a few procedures
to use in case of emergencies.
Because of advances in equipment, safety
standards, and terrain mapping, ski accidents are very infrequent and have
declined steadily since the 1970s. Always be cautious, but know that if you
work with a trusted travel consultant and tour operator, you can also relax and
enjoy yourself.
If you are a novice, or if you are traveling
with novices, it is usually easy to find a ski resort geared to beginning
skiers. Lessons make a tremendous difference and are a worthwhile investment,
so add lessons to your budget and schedule. If traveling with your family, your
travel agent will sometimes find packages allowing children to ski free with
adults, and many packages for beginners include lessons.
REFERENCE SITES:
Skiing makes me feel great, and it gives my legs such an incredible workout.
Joely Fisher
Joely Fisher
Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!
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