Most people only get one snowboarding holiday a year – or perhaps 2 on a good year. So you want to pick the right resort, find the best accommodation for your budget and have a smooth running hassle free holiday. To get this you could either book a package snowboarding holiday or book independently.
When booking a snowboarding holiday lets face it we are blessed (overloaded!!) with options and decisions to be made that could affect your trip. For many, a package snowboarding holiday is an easy way to narrow the options down, for others booking independently gives them the freedom to book exactly what they want.
For those unsure as to which may suit them best, here is a quick look at both independent and package snowboarding holidays.
Package Snowboarding Holidays
A package snowboarding holiday can take the stress and hassle out of planning a trip, and this makes them an extremely popular option. From the start, every detail is organised on your behalf, from the flights and accommodation down to a lift pass and equipment hire. Pretty much all that’s left to organise is making sure you get to the airport on time!
Choosing a large, reputable company such as Crystal Ski is a sensible way to ensure all runs smoothly. Large operators offer reliable services, and if something should go wrong, are adept at putting it right. Also package holidays are ATOL protected meaning if your holiday is cancelled for some reason you will get your money back.
On the downside, some freedom and choice is sacrificed and the cost is often higher than booking independently. From my personal experience, the worst part of package snowboarding holidays is queueing in the rental shop for the board and boot fitting. But you can avoid this if you take your own equipment.
Independent Snowboarding Holidays
Travelling and booking independently is the classic way for the money conscious snowboarder to keep the costs down. But if on a budget, be sure to account for hidden or unseen costs and consider the total price of the holiday rather than just the up front outlay.
Be sure to check out the best way to transfer between airport and resort, as transfers are not always cheap or easy. Flexibility is a big attraction of booking independently – not everyone can depart the dates package holidays leave and not everyone wants to go for a week. Often by booking independently you can get an extra day on the slopes for the same time off work.
Taking the car is becoming an increasingly popular option that gives you access to smaller less accessible resorts. Instead of spending a week in one large busy resort, you can visit several smaller resorts and ride free from the crowds – often on less tracked-out snow.
On the downside, if something goes wrong and you booked independently then you’re on your own. Cancelled flights may mean a lost holiday with no refund on the accommodation. And there is no one to help you out if you get stranded in a foreign country.
Independent vs Package Snowboarding Holiday
Both ways of booking snowboarding holidays have their own merits, and likewise, disadvantages. Perhaps think about these questions to identify your needs:
– Are you looking to keep costs to a minimum?
– Do you want to get away from the crowds?
– Do you get panicky about booking last minute?
– Do you have the time to check flight prices for the best deal?
– Are you happy to research accommodation options and transfers?
– Are you independent enough to pick up the pieces if it goes wrong?
Understanding your own requirements is the best way to decide what type of snowboarding holidays suit you. But regardless of whether you book a package snowboarding holiday or go independent once you hit the slopes you will be smiling ear to ear!
