HELLO MOUNTAINS
The Ski Edit
Welcome to the The Ski Edit
Welcome to The Ski Edit. I’ve created this edit as the ultimate destination for mountain lovers and adventurers – from seasoned pros and powder hounds to those who are totally new to the world of skiing.
Here you’ll find useful information and adventure inspiration to help you plan your next ski holiday or snowboard trip, or simply refine the details. From the best ski resorts and practical information to hand-picked hotel guides and restaurant recommendations.
Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the après or the scenery, I can assure you that you’re in the right place. This really is the destination for all my fellow mountain lovers. The mountains are calling – let’s go!
Contents
Best ski resorts for beginners
Hochgurgl, Austria
One of my all-time favourite ski resorts. You’ll find wide open slopes and excellent ski schools.
Meribel, France
Two beginner areas & plenty of runs, being part of the expansive Three Valleys ski area.
Winter Park, USA
If you’re heading across the pond, this Colorado resort has plenty of gentle runs to discover.
Alpe d’Huez, France
This charming French resort has a large nursery area and excellent weather for bluebird days.
Hochgurgl, Austria
One of my all-time favourite ski resorts. You’ll find wide open slopes and excellent ski schools.
Meribel, France
Two beginner areas & plenty of runs, being part of the expansive Three Valleys ski area.
Winter Park, USA
If you’re heading across the pond, this Colorado resort has plenty of gentle runs to discover.
Alpe d’Huez, France
This charming French resort has a large nursery area and excellent weather for bluebird days.
Best ski resorts for pro skiers
Chamonix, France
Arguably the most famous and renowned off-piste ski resort in the Alps.
St Anton, Austria
Steep slopes, challenging moguls and thrilling off-piste opportunities.
Verbier, Switzerland
Extreme off-piste, challenging chutes and great snow conditions.
St Anton, Austria
Steep slopes, challenging moguls and thrilling off-piste opportunities.
Verbier, Switzerland
Extreme off-piste, challenging chutes and great snow conditions.
Best ski resorts for luxury
Lech, Austria
Austria’s most exclusive and prestigious ski resort, part of the Ski Arlberg ski area.
St Moritz, Switzerland
World-renowned ski resort with a luxury lifestyle and exceptional hotels in abundance.
Aspen, USA
One the most respected ski resorts in the world, located in western Colorado.
Courchevel, France
World-class resort with seven Michelin star restaurants and part of the Three Valleys ski area.
Lech, Austria
Austria’s most exclusive and prestigious ski resort, part of the Ski Arlberg ski area.
St Moritz, Switzerland
World-renowned ski resort with a luxury lifestyle and exceptional hotels in abundance.
Aspen, USA
One the most respected ski resorts in the world, located in western Colorado.
Courchevel, France
World-class resort with seven Michelin star restaurants and part of the Three Valleys ski area.
Best ski resorts for après
Val Thorens, France
The ultimate party ski resort in the Three Valleys with a lively nightlife and plenty of bars.
Livigno, Italy
Located in the heart of the Italian Alps, you choose from a staggering 150 bars in this lively ski resort.
Val d’Isère
Part of the Espace Killy ski area, here you’ll find glamorous après and the original Folie Douce.
Whistler, Canada
One of the largest ski resorts in North America, discover open air terraces, live music, hearty food, and a lot of fun.
Val d’Isère
Part of the Espace Killy ski area, here you’ll find glamorous après and the original Folie Douce.
Whistler, Canada
One of the largest ski resorts in North America, discover open air terraces, live music, hearty food, and a lot of fun.
Ski resort guides
Best time to head to the mountains
December
December can be a cost effective month to go skiing, with the exception of Christmas and New Year. There is no better way of seeing in the New Year than in the mountains – but it does come with a hefty price tag. Early December can be more risky in terms of snow conditions
January
Arguably the best month for snow, January is also generally the cheapest month to go on a ski holiday. The only downside is that it can be chilly so pack accordingly.
February
February is when most families head to the ski resorts, particularly for the half-term week. I’d definitely recommend avoiding the half-term week unless you need to go then, but otherwise February is a great month to hit the slopes.
March and April
March and April are perfect for warmer weather and long, sunny days. The snow can start getting slushy later in the season though, so I’d recommend choosing a high altitude resort.
Featured ski resort
Revelstoke, Canada
One for the powder hounds and pro skiers, Revelstoke is an absolute gem of a ski resort for those who love a challenge.
Revelstoke resort has over 3,000 acres of incredibly varied skiable terrain. Yet there is a comparatively low number of lifts and defined trails, primarily due to the newness of the resort.
This is what makes Revelstoke an adventurer’s playground. You may have to do some hiking, traversing and touring to seek out the best lines. But the reward is huge.
Revelstoke, Canada
One for the powder hounds and pro skiers, Revelstoke is an absolute gem of a ski resort for those who love a challenge.
Revelstoke resort has over 3,000 acres of incredibly varied skiable terrain. Yet there is a comparatively low number of lifts and defined trails, primarily due to the newness of the resort.
This is what makes Revelstoke an adventurer’s playground. You may have to do some hiking, traversing and touring to seek out the best lines. But the reward is huge.
Ski holiday top tips
Pre-booking and insurance
Ensure you have appropriate ski insurance in place. Consider whether you will be going off-piste or hitting the snow parks, as you will usually need to buy additional cover for this.
Pre-book your lift pass so they are ready and waiting for you at your accommodation.
Choosing a ski resort
Do your research to ensure that your chosen ski resort is suitable for your group’s abilities and budget.
For example, do beginners have plenty of gentle nursery slopes to help them build their confidence? Do pro skiers have plenty of off-piste opportunities? Are there any freestylers in your group who need a good snowpark?
Choosing a ski resort can be overwhelming, with so many different available options. Have a read of my guide to the best ski resorts in Europe for some inspiration.
Choosing accommodation types
Catered chalets are great for large groups, and take all the hassle out of a ski trip. Just remember that you need to make it back in time for dinner!
Self-catering apartments are popular with smaller groups and families who want flexibility. Hotels are great for couples or those looking for extra facilities like a spa or bed and breakfast option.
Ski gear
Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable nowadays. I recommend buying your own so you don’t have to share a headspace with other sweaty ski heads! Plus, you can ensure the colour blends seamlessly with your outfit.
If you’re going to be skiing each year, it is definitely worth buying your own custom ski boots. Having rental ski boots can be painful and make your skiing experience a pretty miserable one. It’s well worth the investment if you plan to ski regularly and will also help you to improve your skiing technique.
To avoid looking like a total British novice, ensure your jacket is done up (‘flappy jacket’ is a big first-timer red flag) and ensure there is no gap between the top of your goggles and your helmet.
Hopefully your accommodation will provide heated boot racks. If not, it’s worth investing in some boot warmers. Not only will these dry out your boots, they will soften them to ensure the ritual of putting on your ski boots is a little less painful!
If you’re planing to go ski touring or exploring the backcountry, make sure you hire the necessary avalanche and safety equipment. It’s always best to go off-piste with an experienced guide to minimise the risk.
On the slopes
As soon as you get your lift pass, put it in your jacket pocket.
If you’re a beginner, do make sure that you book ski lessons – or if you’re an experienced skier who wants to improve your technique. Private ski lessons will bring you the most benefit, but are of course more expensive.
Consider booking ski lessons in the afternoon; it’s a less popular time for lessons, so most companies tend to run discounts.
Wear sunscreen and lip balm. For those with sensitive skin, I recommend La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50.
Bring sunglasses for lunch and après, so you don’t have to wear your goggles or be blinded by the sun.
Take a small bottle of water with you so you can rehydrate on the mountain – remember that you’re exercising so you need to stay hydrated. This is particularly important if you plan to hit après hard.
Pack a snack bar to keep your energy levels high, especially if your group doesn’t like to stop too often for a break.
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