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Whether you’re planning a romantic snow-covered getaway for two, an adrenalin-fuelled trip with friends, or the perfect family adventure, you want your winter ski holiday to be just right.
But whether it’s the ideal accommodation in the best resort, or the must-have dates and the cheapest flights… the most popular ski holidays can sell out fast. So, to avoid disappointment it pays to book early. With the help of our friends at Sunweb, here are the best benefits and tips of planning your ski holiday well in advance and ensuring you get exactly what you want.
Score the best early-bird ski deals
Value for money is a clear priority for people when planning and booking a ski holiday. Prices for accommodation, flights, and even lift passes can often be cheaper when booked early. From early-bird discounts to exclusive packages, it invariably pays to maximise your choices and nail down your perfect package before the winter rush.
Sunweb offers over 1,500 places to stay in 220 destinations across the Alps & Pyrenees and getting in early can help you secure that slopeside apartment in Austria, the cosy chalet you had your eye on France or the popular hotel in Italy. You can choose from more than 1,300 early-booking deals, all with your ski pass included and some with free ski rental too. Lock in that low-price guarantee and you’ll also receive a £100 voucher off your next year’s holiday as well.
Get the best accommodation
Especially in the most popular resorts, the best accommodation typically gets booked up fast –particularly for the always sought-after school holiday dates. If you’re holidaying with young kids, you’ll probably want to save yourself – and them – a long walk to the lifts, so a prime ski-in/ski-out location will likely be a priority. Maybe top of your list is a quieter spot away from the crowds. Or perhaps you crave the spotlight of being in the heart of the action. Again, booking early gives you a better chance of getting the type and location of accommodation that’s right for you.
Better flight and travel options
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a wider choice of flight times and routes, especially if you wish to travel from some regional airports where flight options are often more limited. Flight prices are invariably cheaper if booked well in advance especially for peak seasons, such as Christmas/New Year and February half-terms.
More time to plan your trip
Unless you already know where you want to go, it helps to have time to do your research and seek out advice. France remains the most popular destination for UK skiers, followed by Austria and Italy. All are renowned for having a strong choice of large ski areas with a wide variety of runs for different ski ability levels, as well as smaller, lesser-known resorts where families and beginners, in particular, can escape the crowds. Time spent talking to staff at tour operators can help steer you into making the choice that’s right for your group and not booking in a rush because time and availability are running out.
And quite apart from which resort in which destination, a ski holiday comes with a lot of decisions to make, from what type of accommodation and facilities are on offer, such as a full-board hotel, half-board, or self-catering. Then there’s getting there: do you want to fly, go by train or opt for a self-drive? And what about issues such as ski rental, ski school or childcare? These all take time to research and plan. You may well need to consult and co-ordinate further with friends or family, too. Planning and booking your ski trip early gives you more time to do your research. All of which is more likely to lead to…
Peace of mind and less stress
Getting booked early avoids last-minute panic and price surges and makes for a more relaxed lead-up to your holiday. And gives you more time to think about.
Access to limited availability activities
Fancy a snowmobile tour or husky sled trip? Premium activities with restricted places can get booked up months in advance. To avoid disappointment, especially at peak times, it’s important to book early for your childcare, ski school, private lessons or those exciting extra trips.
Flexible cancellation and insurance options
With the best will in the world, life can still get in the way of even the best-laid plans. Early bookings often come with flexible policies (especially post-COVID), which can offer you peace of mind if you are forced to cancel. Booking early also gives you more time to evaluate ski travel insurance, particularly if those two words ‘medical conditions’ apply to you or your friends and family. You get time to compare quotes and work out which policy provider offers you the best cover.
When’s the best time to book a ski holiday?
So, when is the best time to book a ski holiday? The optimal booking window is 6-9 months in advance, especially if you intend travelling to the most popular resorts. A recent consumer survey by Iglu Ski found that 31% of UK skiers prefer to book early to take advantage of an early-booking incentive and to confirm the exact flight and accommodation they want.
And who should you book with?
There are many tour operators available for UK skiers to choose from, from big companies to ‘boutique’ firms. All of them encourage customers to book early to lock-in prices and secure the amenities you want. At Sunweb, they’ve been creating unforgettable holiday memories for more than 30 years, and have the skills, knowledge and expertise to guide you towards your perfect ski holiday.
Sunweb was voted World's Best Ski Tour Operator 2024, following on from its triumphs in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. Sunweb has a huge selection of affordable ski holidays, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly ski break or something more luxurious with spa and wellness facilities, Sunweb has it all.
So what are you waiting for?
Early-bird discounts, the best accommodation, the right resort and grabbing those enticing extras - to make the most of the benefits of booking early, start planning your perfect ski getaway today!
Go to sunweb.co.uk to bag your early booking deal!
Early booking FAQs
When should I book a ski holiday?
The optimum time to book a ski holiday is 6-9 months in advance.
Are ski holidays cheaper when booked early?
Usually, yes. Early-bird discounts, cheaper flight deals and more choice can help you make savings on the holiday you want. Of course, booking last-minute does throw up the prospect of a bargain if you are less fussed about where to go, or can wait to see where the snow is falling! But that’s a whole other article.
What are the best months to ski?
The average ski season in Europe runs from late November/early December to April/May, with higher, more snowsure resorts starting earlier and staying open longer. With our winters becoming less predictable, every year is different, but the most snowsure months are January to March.
Which are the most popular resorts?
Sunweb’s eight most-booked resorts are La Plagne, Les Arcs, Flaine, Val Thorens (all France), followed by St Anton and Mayrhofen in Austria, and Les Deux Alpes and Tignes (both France).
