The Best Ski Resorts for Guaranteed Snow

The Best Ski Resorts for Guaranteed Snow

We’re sure you LOVE skiing as much as we do, so why be stuck somewhere with weather like this …

Rainy Day

When you can ski somewhere like this…

gressoney-ski resort

Early season can be a great time to go on a skiing holiday and there’s plenty of great offers around for ski holidays in the run-up to Christmas. No one wants to book a ski holiday when there isn’t going to be promised snowfall, which is why we have put together some of the best ski resorts for guaranteed snow. 

Get a ski transfers quote from Ski-Lifts

November resorts

Tignes/Val d’Isere, France

Tignes, France
Tignes, France

If you’re looking to sharpen up your technique, Tignes is the place for you. This French resort is full of English speaking ski schools which are open in November. Having the glacier means there is a long winter season and even a summer season for skiing and snowboarding. With its great snow record and the highest lift standing at 3450m, you are sure to have a great time on the mountain in Tignes. 

Val d’Isere has the largest artificial snowmaking plant in the whole of Europe. Le Snow Factory could cover Wembley Stadium to a depth of half a metre in just one hour.  Impressive! Even in ‘bad’ snow years, Val’d’Isere and Tignes remain accessible, meaning the snow conditions are hard to beat. 

Closest airport – Our Tignes transfers & Val d’Isere transfers from Geneva Airport take approximately 2.5 hours.

Cervinia, Italy

Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia, Italy

Situated in north-west Italy in the Alpine resort of Valle d’Aosta, Cervinia is one of the world’s best ski resorts for guaranteed snow. Breuil-Cervinia has a particularly long season and is known for its snow-capped mountains, including the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn.

Cervinia’s glacier allows the resort to stay open throughout the summer, but the winter season starts in October. Cervinia stands at 2,050m, with lifts going up to 3,480m. The joint ski area with Zermatt is the highest in Europe, ensuring snow cover is guaranteed in these resorts between November and early May.

Closest airport – Our Cervinia transfers from Turin Airport take approximately 1.5 hours.

Solden, Austria

Solden, Austria
Solden, Austria

Situated in the Tyrol region of Austria, Solden is the largest ski resort in the Otztal Valley.  There are plenty of bars and clubs at this famous party resort – popular for skiers who like to play hard and ski hard. However, if you are looking for something quieter, don’t worry! Away from the main strip, there are several ski-in ski-out hotels on the edges of town.

With two high-altitude glaciers, 150km of pistes, and a park – the range of skiing and snowboarding on offer cannot be overlooked. We recommend getting up early and making the most of the area. If early starts aren’t for you, there is always night skiing. When it comes to Solden being one of Europe’s best ski resorts for guaranteed snow, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Solden opens in late November, but the 10 lifts on its two 3,250m glaciers ensure that snow cover also runs through the autumn. 

Fun fact: did you know that the hit James Bond film ‘Spectre’ was shot here? After the release of this film, visitor numbers at this resort have shot up. The association with Bond has indeed proved positive for Solden as they try to change their image from an international to a luxury Austrian resort.

Closest airport – Our Solden transfers from Innsbruck Airport take approximately 1 hour.

Val Thorens, France

Val Thorens
Val Thorens, France

Val Thorens is a purpose-built resort in the Belleville Valley situated above the resorts of Les Menuires and St Martin De Belleville.  On a stunning day, the positioning of Val Thorens offers an incredible winter panorama. 

Val Thorens is the highest ski town in the Alps and its great altitude guarantees a longer season than many other ski resorts. This means doorstep skiing and snowboarding is possible in the resort from November to May! Val Thorens is also part of the infamous Three Valleys Ski Area in France.  With its great snow record, well-linked lift system and 600km of pistes – the Three Valleys is a must-visit destination for any ski and snowboard enthusiasts. 

Best Airport for Transfer – Our Val Thorens transfers from Geneva Airport take approximately 2 hours.

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Colorado
Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Colorado

When it comes to early season skiing, Copper Mountain is a perfect destination. The resort is committed to early season snow making because the U.S. national ski teams train on the mountain in October. The mountain itself opens to the general public in early November.

Summit County, Colorado has a high elevation, making it a popular choice for December skiing. Copper Mountain can cover 331 acres with its snowmaking operation. It also has three distinct sections for different abilities and enjoys a higher base elevation (9,712 feet) than most other resorts in the area.

With a relaxed family-friendly vibe, this purpose-built resort village has three linked areas and the free shuttle bus takes just five minutes to travel between them. Centre Village is the main focal point for bars and restaurants. For those wanting an even bigger selection, the small town of Frisco a six-mile shuttle ride away.

Closest airport – Our Copper Mountain ski transfers from Denver Airport take approximately 2 hours.

Early-December Resorts

Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes, France

Having opened in 1946, Les Deux Alpes was one of the first French Ski resorts and has grown in popularity throughout the years. Home to Europe’s largest skiable glacier, Les Deux Alpes is perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Les Deux Alpes is split into two areas – the Valley Blanche and Glacier side. Within the resort, there is an extensive ski terrain, modern lift system and a great amount of sun with south-facing slopes.

Home to slopes from 3,570m to 1,650m, you can enjoy early Autumn skiing here. However, the resort is officially open for the winter in December. 

Closest airport – Our Les Deux Alpes ski transfers from Grenoble Airport take approximately 1.5 hours.

Ischgl, Austria

Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl, Austria

When it comes to finding the best ski resorts for guaranteed snow, The Austrian village of Ischgl is certainly worth paying a visit. It has a good snow record and long history dating back over 1,000 years. The ski resort has something for everyone. It is the perfect location for a holiday with a selection of beginner, intermediate and advanced pistes, parks and pipes and night skiing.

Ischgl is known for the energetic après activities it hosts every year, and not to mention its massive mid-mountain concert featuring world-class headline acts. It also includes the charm and sophistication of resorts like Kitzbuhel, and promises nightlife that rivals St Anton. The slopes in Ischgl best suit eager intermediates who enjoy covering as much ground as possible each day. Ischgl is not your typical snow-sure candidate. The village itself has an altitude 1,400m and a maximum height of under 3,000m.

Closest airport – Our Ischgl ski transfers from Innsbruck Airport take approximately 1 hour.

Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs is part of the huge Paradiski ski area and includes many areas such as Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Each area is situated at different altitudes all with their own character and atmosphere.

Les Arcs would be a good choice for those wanting to find the best ski resorts with guaranteed snow. The high altitude resort is home to the infamous speed skiing course. It has 425km of pistes, a lift at 3250m, a varied terrain, and a great snow record. These features make Les Arcs the perfect resort for beginners all the way through to experts.

When you purchase a whole area lift pass, you’ll also be able to explore Les Arcs’ sister resort of La Plagne.  La Plagne is home to its very own glacier and a further 225km of pistes.

Best Airport for Transfers – Our Les Arcs ski transfers from Geneva Airport take approximately 3 hours.

Lech, Austria

Lech, Austria
Lech, Austria

Lech is a typical Austrian ski resort popular amongst the rich and famous. With chocolate box chalets, snowy mountains, luxury hotels and high-end restaurants – choosing to ski at this resort would definitely would be a good choice. 

There is ample skiing for everyone as Lech is accessible to its neighbours St Anton and Zurs (around 276 KM worth of pistes).

Lech has a brilliant snow record, with a 60% snow cannon coverage. This makes the resort earn the title of being one of Europe’s best ski resorts with guaranteed snow. The Lech also offers a fantastic array of off-piste opportunities and is one of the only Austrian resorts to offer heli-skiing.

Closest airport – Our Lech ski transfers from Innsbruck Airport take approximately 1.5 hours.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is one of the Alps’ most famous and best ski resorts for guaranteed snow, attracting celebrities such as The Beckhams and Richard Branson. The resort itself is renowned for its combination of scenic views, exciting terrain, and lively nightlife. 

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will be entertained for as many weeks as they have spare. The exciting terrain on Verbier’s doorstep has given rise to thrilling spectator events, and the Patrouille des Glaciers is a gruelling ski touring race from Zermatt.

Verbier has 80 lifts which access more than 400km of runs and is the main resort in Switzerland’s largest ski area, The 4 Valleys. The altitude of the ski area and its extensive snowmaking means that it is safe to book early season.

Closest airport – Our Verbier ski transfers from Geneva Airport take approximately 2 hours.

Now you know the best ski resorts for guaranteed snow, book today!

If you are headed off to the slopes this winter, make sure that you take note of the above. At Ski Lifts, we offer a variety of airport transfers to thrilling ski resorts around Europe. If you do decide that you want to stay at any of the resorts we have mentioned, be sure to get an instant transfer quote online.  

Get an instant quote for your ski transfer todayIf you have any questions regarding our airport transfers, feel free to get in touch with our team. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Alternatively, visit our FAQs page where we have provided answers to many queries we frequently receive.  



 

North American Ski Season Dates for 2019/2020

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North American Ski Season Dates for 2019/2020

Canada-and-USA-ski-season-dates-2019/2020

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The best time of the year is just around the corner.  The 2019/20 ski season opening dates for most North American resorts have now been released. It can often be difficult to trawl the internet to try and find ski resort opening dates so we thought we’d make it easier by doing the work for you.  Below is a list of the opening dates for the most popular ski resorts in North America.

Just take a look at the list below to find out when the ski season starts in Canada and the USA.

Canada

Ski Resort Opening Date Closing Date Additional Info
Fernie 30/11/2019 14/04/2020
Lake Louise 08/11/2019 05/05/2020 Tentative
Revelstoke 30/11/2019 19/04/2020
Whistler 28/11/2019 19/11/2020


USA (Colorado)

Ski Resort Opening Date Closing Date Additional Info
Aspen 28/11/2019 19/04/2020
Beaver Creek 27/11/2019 12/04/2020
Breckenridge 08/11/2019 25/05/2020
Copper Mountain 08/11/2019 19/04/2020
Keystone 25/10/2019 12/04/2020
Loveland 28/10/2019 05/05/2020 Tentative
Vail 15/11/2019 19/04/2020

USA (Utah)

Ski Resort Opening Date Closing Date Additional Info
Alta 23/11/2019 19/04/2020
Deer Valley 07/12/2019 12/04/2020
Park City 01/12/2019 07/04/2020

PLEASE NOTE – Dates may be subject to change

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Your end-to-end guide to planning your first ski holiday

Your end-to-end guide to planning your first ski holiday

Your end-to-end guide to planning your first ski holiday

So you’ve decided you want to book your first ski holiday? Excellent choice! Now you’re wondering where to begin though. It’s true that booking and planning a ski holiday gives you plenty to consider, from the gear you’ll need to which resort is best for you. Your first skiing holiday is always going to be a bit of a learning curve with so much to plan, so here’s everything you need to know to make your first memory of the slopes a happy one. 

Choosing where to go

Alps in Austria

Choosing where to go on your first skiing holiday can be a daunting task. You maybe haven’t even considered yet that different resorts are perhaps better for beginners. As it’s your first ski holiday, you’re going to need a resort with good, easily-accessible slopes.

The first thing to do is to work out what anyone you are going with wants from the holiday and the practical considerations.

For example:

  • Is scenery important or do you just want to be near to the slopes?
  • Will you all be travelling from the same place?
  • Is this everyone’s first ski holiday or do others have more experience?
  • Which type of accommodation will suit your needs? Do you want a hotel or chalet?
  • Are you purely going for skiing or is downtime/nightlife important too?
  • What are your budgets?
  • When would you ideally like to go?

If scenery is important to you and you want somewhere picturesque then some of the more purpose-built resorts in the likes of France may not have the same appeal as some of the quaint resorts you’ll find such as Kitzbühel in Austria or Cortina in Italy.

Whether it’s just you and your partner, your family or a larger group, there will be resorts more suited to your needs. If you are travelling with children, there will be resorts better-tailored for families and some that will even let kids ski for free. If you’re travelling in a group and have different levels of skiing experience, then a resort catering for people of all abilities is going to serve your needs better. Also, as it is your first ski holiday, resorts that have dedicated nursery areas, blue runs and novice-friendly lifts such as button/drag lifts or, even better, gondolas are going to be less daunting.

Although skiing and snowboarding are going to be the activities you’ll look forward to, it’s worth thinking about different experiences too, such as ice skating and other activities besides the slopes. Some resorts will have a larger selection of amenities, such as Avoriaz, which has a large indoor water park or Canillo, home to one of Europe’s biggest thermal spas. If nightlife is important to you, party resorts known for their aprés ski such as Tignes or Alpe D’Huez might appeal, whereas if drunken shenanigans aren’t your scene, you might consider a smaller resort that might be more tranquil.

If budget is a factor then you might be enticed by resorts in Southeastern European countries such as Bulgaria or Slovenia.  These countries tend to have smaller resorts that would suit a beginner and typically cost less than the larger Alpine resorts.

 

Choosing when to go

Your end-to-end guide to planning your first ski holiday - enjoying skiiing

Flexibility will certainly work in your favour when it comes to choosing when to go. If you haven’t been skiing before then you might not know the best times of year for hitting the slopes or even when it’s ski season. For example, early season skiing (which is considered November/December) could mean you get a great deal and that wherever you go won’t be too busy. It could also put you in the festive mood. However, more experienced skiers in your group might be dismayed by the lower levels of snow.

In contrast, skiing in February can be a much busier time, especially if you choose a French resort due to half-terms. It also means flight and accommodation prices might be inflated and you’ll have to endure long lift queues. However, it’s also a great time for snow due to the peak season so if February appeals to you, book well in advance to get the best possible deals.

March and at Easter could be a perfect time for booking your first ski holiday as resorts have been getting more snow later in the season recently and prices are usually more favourable.

Late season skiing (April – June) has similar downfalls as early season, with higher chances of slushy snow but it’s also the best chance for skiing in the sun.

When it comes to your first skiing holiday, planning ahead is better but the more experienced you become, the easier it will be to go on a spontaneous last-minute trip to chase the snow.

 

Where to stay

chalets in the alps

Where you stay will be determined by your resort of choice and what time of season you want to travel. In most resorts, you will have a choice between catered chalets, chalet-hotels and self-catered apartments.

Catered chalets are a very British staple and a foreign concept in much of the rest of Europe. They’re typically staffed private houses or ski apartments and can vary widely in terms of luxury. The staff on hand largely depends on how much you would like to pay, with most chalets being run by seasonaires. At the other end of the market though, professional hospitality staff who work in hotels or villas can be on-hand and there is usually a full-time chef.

They can be ideal if you are travelling as a family or a group of friends. The chalet experience can be as much a part of your first ski holiday as the actual skiing, whether it’s with people you know or through forming new friendships.  An additional benefit of staying in a chalet when you are a first-time skier is that staff and veteran skiers can be on-hand to offer advice and guidance.

Chalet-hotels are a bridge between the locally-run hotel and the typically British-run chalets and are essentially chalets on a grander scale. They’re normally either locally-run or overseen by a tour operator and have a similar feel to a chalet, with a more relaxed atmosphere than a formal hotel. They also work well if you will be travelling in a larger group or you would like to mingle with other holidaymakers.

In fact, one of the main benefits of the chalet-hotel is that you can flit in and out of social activities, such as the in-house bar and social dining services. Most chalet hotels will offer social skiing to build a sense of rapport over the course of your stay. Chalet-hotels can also include more services such as a pool or restaurants.

Self-catering ski chalets/apartments can greatly reduce the overall cost of your trip and can cost as little or as much as you like. Some of them can be cramped so it’s important to research them thoroughly before you book.

Many resorts will rent out individually-owned apartments through the local tourist office and their website is a great place to start looking for the latest accommodation.

 

Jargon Buster – the basics

  • Aprés Ski – Literally French for “after ski”, it’s generally used to refer to the socialising (read: drinking) that takes place after a day on the slopes.
  • Backcountry/off-piste – Skiing on unmarked or unpatrolled areas that can be either inside or outside a ski resort’s boundaries. Not recommended for newbies.
  • Blue run – An easy slope for beginners that isn’t usually very steep.
  • Black run – An advanced, difficult slope more suited to expert skiers and snowboarders.
  • Lift pass – A ticket or pass permitting the use of a ski lift to ski in certain places.
  • Piste – A marked ski run or path down a mountain, synonymous with “slope”.
  • Salopettes – Trousers designed specifically for snowsports, normally with a high waist and a bib that braces can be attached to.
  • Seasonaire – Someone taking up seasonal work in a ski resort.

How to get there

how to get to your ski resort, ski-lifts transfers

There are a plethora of ways that you could get to the slopes. If you book a package with a tour operator then this will usually include flights and shared coach transfers from the airport to your accommodation and the resort. For a first-time ski holiday, this may appeal as everything is done for you.

However, more people are now opting to book their ski holidays independently rather than choosing a package holiday as this gives them more variety. If you are flying then your options are:

Dedicated airport transfers

Booking a dedicated ski resort airport transfer can ensure that all the stress is taken out of your journey. At Ski Lifts, we offer a variety of airport transfers to suit all group sizes and budgets and we’re usually cheaper than public transport, car hire and local taxis.

Public transport

Another option for getting to your ski resort is to take a public bus or train. These should operate fairly regularly from airports during peak season. This could be an option for those on a tight budget but obviously can be a significantly longer journey than an airport transfer and carrying your luggage can be an additional challenge.

Car hire

Some people prefer to hire their own car as this can give them more flexibility. If you are considering this option then it’s worth bearing in mind that roads can be tricky, especially in extreme weather conditions. You’ll also need to check the rules on snow chains and winter tyres in your country of choice.

Picking a lift pass

ski lifts in the alps

When it comes to booking your first ski holiday, lift passes should be a top consideration, as they can be expensive depending on the resort. For instance, pass prices in Eastern European countries and smaller, less-popular resorts are going to be lower than more recognisable Alpine resorts.

Many of the larger resorts will have passes that cover their whole area but as a beginner, those won’t be much use to you. In fact, beginner lifts can often be free and give you enough terrain until you’ve learnt the basics. Once you have, a local area pass is likely to be more than enough for a week of fun-filled skiing on your first trip.

It might be worth asking your ski instructor/school for their advice before purchasing a lift pass as they’ll know which areas you’re most likely to use and if you need to, you can usually buy an upgrade to your pass on a daily basis if you want to explore some of the more challenging runs.

Do you need lessons?

ski lessons in the alps

The short answer is yes, you’ll need skiing lessons if this is your first time, at least for the first week of your trip. Even if there are experienced skiers in your group, don’t let them teach you as they’re not going to know the correct teaching methods, they may have picked up bad habits and they’re never going to help you progress as fast as an instructor can. In fact, they would probably still benefit from a few lessons too.

Lessons may not be cheap but they’re the best way to learn. There will usually be an option for group ski lessons or private ski lessons.

Group lessons are usually less costly and can either be for a half- or full-day. You’ll normally be put into groups of similar ability on your first morning then stay with the same group for the week. This can be a fun way to learn and meet people but of course your instructor’s time will be divided between the group so you are unlikely to get many dedicated pointers. It’s also worth checking that the ski school has English-speaking instructors, such as Maison Sport, which operates across 250 ski resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

Private lessons can vary in length depending on your needs and can be fairly intensive, although it is probably the best way to progress. Because they can be tiring, it’s worth factoing in some rest time too.

It could also be worth taking one or two lessons at a local dry slope or snow centre so you can build up some confidence before your holiday and hit the snow running.

What gear will you need?

ski equipment hire

As with most activities or hobbies, it’s probably better to give skiing a go first before you invest too much in gear. For your first skiing holiday, it makes more sense to try and borrow or hire as much as you can. Resorts will have boots, helmets, skis and poles that you can hire and booking these in advance can normally get you a better price. The gear you need will normally be matched with your height and ability and be sure that your boots are the right fit because if they’re uncomfortable you won’t have a very pleasant experience.

Of course, you’re going to need some clothing for the cold weather. As it’s your first ski holiday, you may be able to borrow some things from others, such as goggles, a warm jacket or salopettes, until you’re sure that skiing is your thing.  Take a look at our handy guide to what you need to pack in detail.

Do I need to be fit?

enjoying the views over the alps

It might not have crossed your mind but skiing can work your muscles pretty hard and the altitude can make it a little more gruelling, so it’s a good idea to try and build up your fitness beforehand. It also can help prevent you from getting an injury on the slopes or needing an afternoon nap (although they never hurt).

Here are some exercises you can do to prepare you for your first time. Even trying to fit in a couple of sessions a week in the build-up to your holiday can make a big difference. If you are the pinnacle of health and fitness, then you may still be surprised as skiing can awaken a couple of muscles you didn’t know you had.

 

Should I get insurance?

powder snow in the alps

You’ll absolutely need insurance, especially as it is your first skiing holiday and the risks are slightly higher. Even more so if you opt for snowboarding, which is generally considered a little riskier.

It hopefully won’t happen but you don’t want to be caught out in the unfortunate event of an accident, especially if you are skiing in the USA. The remote locations of the majority of ski resorts can also prove costly when it comes to emergency medical transport.

Normal travel insurance doesn’t usually cover accidents as a result of winter sports so you will need specialist winter sports cover, that can also cover stolen or damaged equipment. It’s also worth checking the fine print to make sure it covers everything that might crop up, including things such as going off-piste.

 

Conclusion

Skiing can be a seriously rewarding and incredibly fun holiday choice and with all going to plan, your first ski holiday will leave you hungry for more. It might seem daunting but with some planning and consideration, your first ski holiday will be a breeze.

Now all you have to do is choose where to go!

 

Here’s how to take the stress out of your next ski holiday

Here’s how to take the stress out of your next ski holiday

Although it seems counterintuitive, going on holiday can be a pretty stressful time. From delayed flights through to forgetting to pack the essentials, there are a million things that can cause undue stress.

A recent survey by Priority Pass discovered what people in the UK fret about most when travelling.

It surveyed 1,700 people in the UK and found that almost half (49%) agreed that baggage collection is the most stressful part of travelling via plane.

Priority-Pass-airport-stress

                                                                                                                                                                          Priority Pass

 

Interestingly, passing security and waiting for transfers were also a source of stress when it came to flying.

Here’s what you can do to minimise airport anxiety:

Use a packing checklist

Using a checklist can give you peace of mind and avoid any “Oh no!” moments that can cause undue stress when you remember something you forgot to pack

Here’s a checklist of the essentials you’ll need for your next ski holiday.

Check-in online

Almost all airlines now let you check in ahead of your flight, allowing you to print or download your outbound and return boarding passes before you leave, meaning you can skip standing in a long check-in queue if you don’t have luggage. If you can’t avoid the check-in counter though…

Arrive early

It’s true that waiting around can be one of the most frustrating parts of flying but giving yourself plenty of time can avoid the need for anxious rushing and long check-in queues. Who knows when there will be motorway incidents or unforeseen circumstances.

If you can, staying overnight close to the airport can mitigate any panicking, meaning you can get a good night’s sleep and removes the stress of driving to the airport and parking.

Organise parking in advance

If you are planning on driving to the airport, booking a carpark space in advance is the best way to save time and money and the sooner you do it, the more you’re likely to get a good space close to the shuttle bus or terminal.

Be sure of baggage allowances

Baggage/luggage allowances can differ vastly depending on who you fly with so it’s best to double-check the guidelines for weight restrictions to save yourself the stress of having to pay for excess weight or repack your cases in front of everyone!

It’s also worth being sure of the hand luggage rules too. Skyscanner has a handy guide to restrictions by airline.

Be prepared for security

With 46% of those surveyed stating passing security as the most stressful part of air travel, it pays to be organised. Don’t be one of the poor souls sorting their hand luggage at the entrance to the security checkpoint.

Try to pack your carry-on luggage in advance, with your liquids stored in an approved transparent bag, your devices at-the-ready for putting them in a tray.

It also helps to plan your outfit, avoiding boots you’ll need to remove and belts, which can be stored in your bag until after security (unless your trousers are hanging around your ankles).

Once you are through security, take your time! Most stress comes from feeling that we need to rush to avoid holding people up but once you have collected your tray, relax and find a quiet table to reorganise yourself.

If you do want to avoid the queues, another option is to splash out on the fast-track lane for security if the airport provides one.

Have patience at the boarding gate

It’s more than likely nowadays that you will have allocated seating for your flight, this means you don’t need to queue unnecessarily to board. Take your time, rushing to get on board first means you’ll be cramped in your seat for longer. If you get anxious about having an overhead storage space, you could purchase speedy boarding and avoid queuing altogether.

Remember to enjoy your flight

Believe it or not, being in the air can be one of the least stressful parts of travelling via plane. If the thought of flying does make you anxious though, there are a few things you can do to help you relax. If you are travelling with children, bringing books and toys for them to play with can help keep them entertained.

Remember to download your favourite Netflix shows onto a tablet or your phone as well. And of course, there is ample time for snacking, because nobody wants to add hunger to their travel stresses.

Make your luggage memorable

It’s not surprising that baggage collection was the number one stress factor cited by those surveyed. We’ve all been there, being tousled around the carousel as people vie for the perfect spot. To help your baggage reclaim go as smoothly as possible, make sure your suitcase stands out.

Whether it’s a colourful case, tying bright ribbons or luggage belts or adding memorable stickers, be sure that your case is unmistakably yours. You can even install a luggage tracker if you really want to, to give you peace of mind in case your case does mysteriously vanish.

Book airport transfers you can rely on

Waiting on airport transfers can certainly add to holiday stress. Nobody likes getting to their holiday destination and then having to wait for ages for their transport. When booking your transfer, be sure to check the reviews of the transfer operator to ensure they are reliable. For example, here are ours:

Booking a private transfer can also ensure that when your plane arrives, your driver can be waiting to whisk you to your hotel or resort without making umpteen stops for strangers.

At Ski Lifts, we believe that your holiday begins with us. Our entire business model is based around offering stress-free and convenient airport transfers because we know that you have enough to worry about!

 

Now that you are hopefully less stressed, go ahead and book that next ski trip…

Book your ski transfer at Ski-Lifts

 

 

Ski-Lifts Appoints John McEwan as Chairman

Ski-Lifts Appoints John McEwan as Chairman

 

Award-winning online transfer-booking specialist Ski-Lifts is delighted to announce the appointment of travel industry expert John McEwan as Chairman.

John’s role at Ski-Lifts, alongside sister brands golf-drives.com and sea-lifts.com, comes at an exciting time in the company’s development, following recent extensive investment to support its growth strategy into new areas.

Commenting, John McEwan says ‘I’m really looking forward to this new role, particularly at such a key time in the company’s development.  Airport transfers are an important component of the holiday experience and the reassurance of knowing you have safe, reliable transfers when you arrive at your destination airport can’t be underestimated.  Ski-Lifts, along with the sister brands, has achieved impressive growth in the past 15 years.  They have a dynamic team on board and I believe there is great potential for further expansion.  I look forward to working with them to identify other high-growth vertical sectors to develop into.’

Richard Smith, Managing Director of Ski-Lifts adds ‘We’re delighted to welcome someone of John’s stature in the industry to our business.  His leadership, advice and expertise will be invaluable as we look to expand and develop the company into new areas.  Following on from the recent investment, we can now explore a wealth of new opportunities that were previously out of our reach.  The overall airport transfer market is estimated to be worth £17.1bn by 2023, and we are now well-placed to take full advantage of this.  We look forward to exciting times ahead.’

John has had a lifetime career in travel. He started as a trainee with Thomas Cook and went on to become managing director, UK at the age of 36, introducing the famous strapline “Don’t just book it, Thomas Cook it” and then MD of the international business, comprising some 54 countries.  In 2000 he moved to become the MD of Lunn Poly and subsequently Retail Director TUI UK, and then was appointed as CEO, Advantage Travel Centres in 2004.  Having retired from this role in April 2013, John was elected as the first chairman of ABTA in 2009 and served a 4-year term.  He is chairman of Holidaysplease Limited, EFR Travel Limited, Amber Road Travel Limited and Latin Routes Limited. He is also chairman of the advisory board of Travel Ledger.