Left in charge of getting the gang back on the slopes? If you’ve been dubbed the dedicated group ski holiday organiser, you might quickly start to feel the weight of responsibility piling up. Different budgets, resort preferences, accommodation requirements, dietary needs and ski abilities can all come bubbling to the surface. Suddenly, what started as a fun idea can feel like a lot to organise.
At Skiworld, we’ve been organising group ski holidays for over 40 years, so we know that getting a group away skiing can take a little more planning. Our team of Ski Specialists are here to help you find the right holiday for everyone, whether you’re comparing resorts, working around different budgets or trying to find accommodation that suits the whole group. We’ll take care of the tricky bits, while you enjoy the bragging rights.
We’ve asked our team to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about organising a group ski holiday, from getting everyone on the same page to choosing the right resort and accommodation. So, if you’ve been handed the role of group organiser, here’s where to start.
Chalet Tolima, luxury ski chalet for groups
Organise a Group Ski Holiday: Where to Begin?
First things first, get a handle on your numbers. Knowing exactly how many people are travelling is key to understanding what type of accommodation will work best and which options are available.
It can also be useful to start gathering a few key details from everyone in the group, including:
- Full name, exactly as it appears on their passport
- Date of birth
- Equipment and ski carriage requirements
- Dietary requirements
- Date availability – if possible, get two or three potential dates so you can compare prices and accommodation options (this can be particularly useful if you’ve missed the early booking window)
- Ski ability and experience, plus what they’d like from their resort
Having all this information together from the start will make the rest of the planning process much easier. You’ll have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for and can start narrowing down your options without having to repeatedly chase everyone for the details.
Once you’ve found a holiday that works for the group, it’s also worth getting everyone’s commitment and deposit together, where possible. This helps secure everyone’s place and means you’re not left paying a large group deposit out of your own pocket while waiting for everyone else to transfer their share.
How to choose a resort for your group
So, you’ve gathered all the group’s information and you’re ready to start looking at ski resorts. But with so many to choose from, where do you begin?
There are a few key things to consider when choosing the right resort for your group:
- Budget
- Time of season
- Ski ability
- Accommodation
Accommodation becomes particularly important for larger groups. If you’re travelling with 20 or more people, you’ll have a smaller pool of properties to choose from, so it’s worth checking what’s available before getting too attached to a particular resort.
Budget will usually be one of the biggest deciding factors. Peak dates such as Christmas, New Year and Half Term tend to be some of the most expensive times to ski, while January and March can offer better value. Being flexible with your dates can make a big difference, particularly when you’re trying to find something that works for everyone’s budget. If budget is a concern, it can be tempting to look at lesser-known resorts or destinations further afield. These can offer great value, but it’s worth thinking about what else your group needs from the resort. If you’re travelling earlier or later in the season and snow reliability is important, for example, you may want to prioritise a higher-altitude resort.
Ski ability is another big consideration, particularly when your group includes everyone from first-timers to experienced skiers. Larger, well-established ski areas can be a great choice for mixed-ability groups, as they tend to offer a wider range of pistes and terrain. Beginners can build their confidence on easier slopes, while more experienced skiers have plenty to explore.
Don’t forget, a ski holiday isn’t just about the skiing either. If some of your group are more interested in après, restaurants, nightlife or simply enjoying the mountain scenery, it’s worth making sure the resort has something for everyone.
Ultimately, there’s no single ‘best’ resort for a group. The right choice will depend on your budget, when you’re travelling and what everyone wants to get out of the holiday. If you’re struggling to narrow it down, our Ski Specialists know our resorts inside out and can help you find a few options that tick the right boxes.
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Group ski holiday fun
How to set and agree a realistic budget
Getting everyone to agree on a budget can be one of the trickier parts of organising a group ski holiday. Not everyone will have the same idea of what makes a good-value trip, so it’s worth having this conversation early, before you start looking at specific resorts and accommodation.
Start by agreeing on a rough budget per person, then think about what’s included in that figure. Flights, transfers, accommodation and catering can make up the bulk of the holiday cost, but you’ll also need to consider extras such as lift passes, ski hire, lessons and spending money.
If your group has a wide range of budgets, try to find out whether everyone is comfortable with the same overall spend or whether there needs to be some flexibility. You may find that choosing a slightly different date or resort gives you more options without anyone having to compromise too much.
It’s also worth remembering that the cheapest holiday isn’t necessarily the best value. A centrally located property or catered chalet might cost a little more upfront, but could save you money on eating out, taxis or other extras once you’re in resort.
How do you organise payments for a group ski holiday?
This is one of the less glamorous parts of being the group organiser, but getting it sorted early can save plenty of hassle later.
Once you’ve agreed on the holiday, make sure everyone knows exactly what they’re paying for and when payments are due. It’s also worth deciding upfront how you’ll deal with any extras, such as ski hire, lift passes or luggage.
If you’re booking through Skiworld, our Ski Specialists can help explain what’s included in your holiday and what you’ll need to arrange separately, so you can make sure everyone in the group knows where they stand.
What is the best accommodation type for your group?
Once you’ve got a budget and resort in mind, you’ll need to decide what type of accommodation will work best for your group.
Catered chalets are a popular choice for groups who want to spend time together and keep things easy. With breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner included, there’s less to organise once you’re in resort, while shared living spaces give everyone somewhere to relax together after a day on the mountain.
Apartments offer more flexibility and can work well for groups who prefer to do things independently. You’ll have your own kitchen and living space, with the freedom to cook for yourselves or head out to local restaurants.
Hotels can be a good option for larger groups, particularly if you’re happy to have everyone spread across several rooms. With facilities such as restaurants, bars and lounges on site, they’re also an easy choice if you want the convenience of having everything under one roof.
Think about how your group actually likes to holiday, rather than simply choosing the accommodation with the most beds. If spending time together is important, a shared chalet or apartment could work well. If everyone likes having their own space, a hotel may be a better fit.
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Do you need to book lift passes, ski hire and lessons in advance?
Once your accommodation is sorted, there are a few other essentials to think about. Lift passes, ski hire and lessons can often be arranged before you travel, and booking in advance means you can get the practicalities sorted before you arrive.
For lift passes, check which ski area your group wants to explore. Some resorts are made up of several linked areas, so make sure you’re choosing a pass that gives you access to the slopes you actually want to ski.
Ski and snowboard hire is another one worth arranging ahead of time, particularly if you’re travelling during a busy period. You’ll need to collect everyone’s equipment once you’re in resort, so make sure everyone has provided their correct height, weight, shoe size and ability level when booking.
If anyone in the group is a beginner or looking to improve, booking lessons in advance is a good idea. Group lessons can fill up quickly during peak weeks, and arranging them before you travel means you can find times that work around the rest of your plans.
The good news is that you don’t need to keep track of every booking separately. Our Ski Specialists can talk you through what’s available and help make sure you’ve got the essentials arranged before you head to the mountains.
Successfully organising a group ski holiday
Being the person responsible for organising a group ski holiday might sound like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. Get your numbers, budget and dates agreed early, think about what everyone wants from the resort and choose accommodation that suits the way your group likes to holiday.
And remember, you don’t have to do all the organising yourself. Our Ski Specialists have been helping groups get to the Alps for over 40 years, so if you’re not sure which resort, chalet or holiday is going to work best, we’re here to help.
Get the planning right and you’ll have done the hard bit. All that’s left is getting everyone on the slopes and enjoying the holiday.
A winter lover, Annie first hit the slopes in her early teens before going on to complete her ski instructor qualification and two seasons in St Anton. While she’s now most often spotted on a snowboard, Annie still thrives on the thrill of chasing fresh powder and capping off her day with a little boogie – preferably at the Krazy Kanguruh!
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