Top 5 tips to pick the right ski resort for you

4 min readJul 26, 2021

Choosing a destination for a snowsports holiday, especially if you have never skied before, can be a minefield. Here at Supreme we have compiled a list of the 5 top tips to help you choose the correct destination for that winter wonderland experience.

1. Price

Snowsports have a reputation for being expensive! This can be true, but if you do your homework there are some great holiday opportunities to be had.

The things to consider when looking for right ski destination for the right price are:

Resort — Some ski areas are more expensive than others, do your research as there are some great holidays available whatever your budget and ability level.

Equipment — When looking at Snowsports equipment hire you can generally get a better deal if you book in advance. If you are booking through a tour operator, they will have deals with specific hire shops in your chosen resort.

Accommodation — There are so many options to suit a variety of budgets, from self-catered apartments to package deal holidays in catered chalets up to the highest spec luxury chalet experience. There is something to suits everyone’s taste.

Lift Pass — Look at the lift passes available and then only pay for the terrain you require. In almost all resorts you can buy family passes. If you are an inexperienced skier, you are unlikely to need a pass for a combined ski area such as the Three Valleys, look at getting a local area pass which will save money.

Time of season — Peak holiday weeks of the season will be more expensive than the off-peak weeks. If you are not restricted to school holiday weeks, consider booking an off-peak ski holiday, as you are likely to get better deals.

2. Runs for your ability Level

Piste difficulty is classified differently in different countries, so it is important that you know which runs are suitable for which skiers in your party. In France where Supreme Ski Schools are based the classifications are as follows:

French piste Classifications

GREEN-Beginner

BLUE- Beginner/Intermediate

RED-Intermediate/Avanced

BLACK- Advanced/Expert

3. Other Activities in Resort

When doing your research in to a resort, have a look at the local tourism websites, or ask your tour operator for suggestions on other in-resort activities, as this could make your winter break just that bit more special. Below are just some activities resorts offer.

Sledging

Skijoring (being towed on skis behind a horse or dogs)

Paragliding

Snowmobiling

Ice-Skating

Spa

Hiking

Climbing

Swimming

Apres-Ski

Restaurants

Rubber Rings

Nordic Skiing/Snow shoeing

4. Travel Time to Resort

Travel distances are another thing to consider when choosing a resort. Long travel distances between airports and resorts can be tiring and stressful, especially if you have a young family!

Most resorts in France are around 90 minutes travel time with some being up to 4.5hr, but this will depend on the airport you fly in to and traffic en route to the resort. Peak holiday weeks of the season will be busier than others, which will make travelling more expensive and stressful, so consider this when booking.

5. Snow Reliability

If you are considering a ski holiday, it goes without saying that snow is a particularly important factor. Generally, the higher the altitude of the resort, the more snow-sure that resort is likely to be. This is especially something to consider if you are looking to book early or later in the season. Research historical snow fall in resorts to help you make your decision.

Supreme Ski School operates in ski resorts across France, we are sure that we can help find the right fit for you.