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During the North American off-season, the fortunate head South of the equator to ski in Chile, board in New Zealand, or find fresh drifts in Australia. For most, though, the off-season is merely the time for planning for next Winter. Liftopia-followers know it’s best to book ahead on the Mountain Collective Pass and other deals.
The off-season is also a good time to plan ski and snowboard adventures abroad. Some people find great reward in going the independent traveller route. Figuring it all out, including how to get from point-A to point-B in foreign countries can be truly enriching. For others, though, small group tours can reduce a lot of travel stress. There are now several tour companies that offer small group travel experiences that visit a number of resorts in Europe, Japan, and elsewhere.
As the number of trips has expanded, choice of destination, accommodation type, and age of participants has grown. Our friends at TourRadar offer a number of different Ski & Snowboard Trips from multiple operators. We went through and selected 6 European Trips for the 2018/19 season that look awesome.
1. Andorra Snow Weekend – Ski Trip
Andorra Snow Weekend – Ski Trip.
This is a quick 3-day trip that begins and ends in Barcelona. The trip is lead by Stoke Travel, an operator that specializes in high energy travel to festivals and concerts. For about $300 you get transportation, a few meals, and accommodations in a 3* hotel with 3-4 people who are either friends or soon-to-be friends.
Trips run most weekends from mid-January to mid-March and are sure to be a blast.
2. Switzerland: ‘Going Back Country’
Ski, Snowboard – ‘Going Back Country’
When envisioning the ideal Swiss ski adventure, this trip looks like it hits all the key points. The group (max size 14) visits four destinations over 8 days. Options to go off-piste with or without guides depending on conditions.
Ages are limited to 18-35 year-olds.
3. Switzerland: Beginners & Improvers trip
Ski, Snowboard – Beginners and Improvers Trip.
If you are looking to hone your skills, this 5-star rated trip in the Swiss Alps might be just the ticket. This trip includes shared accomodations in a “quintessential mountain chalet” which keeps the price reasonable for a 8 day trip.
You’ll be with other people who are interested with learning, so you’ll have people to take lessons with. Ages are limited to 18-35 year-olds.
4. Black Forest Cross-country Ski Tour
Black Forest Cross-country Ski Tour.
If you are looking for more exercise than the Andorra party, how about 7 days cross-country skiing in Germany’s Black Forest? This is a village-to-village trip, and each night you stay in a small family-run hotel. The scenery looks completely out of a fairy tale.
There are only two departures (both in February) and they already look about half full.
5. Ski Chamonix
Ski Chamonix
Chamonix is one of France’s premier ski areas and this 7-day trip includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, and an expert guide. In short, a great introduction to some of the finest skiing France has to offer.
Trip is limited to 18 to 39 year-olds. Dates haven’t been announced yet, so be sure to bookmark.
6. Ski touring in Terskei Ala-Too mountains – Kyrgyzstan
Ski touring in Terskei Ala-Too mountains. Kyrgyzstan.
Sure skiing in the Alps is awesome, a party snowboard trip to the Andorra is a blast; but how about off-piste turns in Kyrgyzstan? This trip does not look like it is for the novice traveller, but it does include a ski guide and support.
There’s only a single departure in the beginning of December, and you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for this one.
For other great skiing and snowboarding trips in Europe, New Zealand, Japan and North America, click through to TourRadar’s Ski & Snowboard Trips.
All photos courtesy of TourRadar.
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