The first ski holiday with your significant other can either be the time of your life or a complete disaster. More often than not, you have the power to decide how it will go... depending on how well you plan it. To avoid the potential for fights, it's important to communicate beforehand about what you expect from the trip, as well as be honest about your skiing level. Here are 5 points to consider when planning a ski holiday as a couple.
Communication is key to the relationship in general, and no less when planning a ski holiday. If you're not open with your partner about your needs, it's not going to work. Maybe one partner wants to relax and have après-ski all day long, and the other wants to get up at the crack of dawn and get as many runs in as possible. That's ok, and you can make it work, but it's crucial to be honest about what you want beforehand so you can find a compromise that keeps both partners happy. Likewise, if one person skis better than the other, you may want to consider splitting up or enrolling in ski lessons. Teaching your partner how to ski is not always recommended!
Skiing is just one part of your holiday. You'll be spending evenings and maybe parts of the day in your accommodation, so look for something romantic and convenient. How does a rustic holiday hut with an open fireplace sound? Or how about a luxurious hotel that offers candlelit suppers and spa facilities? There are plenty of options for any budget, with many hotels also offering special romantic packages with massages or supper included. Our tip: keep an eye out for package deals through tour operators.
Once you've decided on the ski area, start checking out non-skiing activities that you can enjoy as a couple. This takes any potential strain off the skiing part of things and gives you a chance to relax and focus on being together. Activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, candelit fondue suppers, or a
ride in a piste basher
put you both on the same level and give you a new experience that you'll remember for the rest of your lives.
Whatever the reason, some couples may find it hard to get out of bed in the morning (newlyweds, we're looking at you!). Luckily, many ski resorts offer the option to buy a half-day ski pass, allowing you to save money when you're not skiing. Check ski pass prices 2019/2020 >
It's not the most romantic part of your ski holiday planning, but especially for new couples, it makes sense to get a money-back guarantee on your ski holiday, especially if you book months in advance. Relationships don't always work out as we'd wish and you stand to lose a lot of money if things go south. Keep stress at bay with cancellation insurance and hopefully you'll never have to use it.
Criteria for a couple-friendly ski holiday include romantic accommodation, a dreamy winter landscape and, perhaps most importantly, close proximity to the ski slopes. We often recommend Ellmau in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental for its spectacular scenery and good variety of runs for all levels. Another tip for couples is SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, which offers guaranteed snow and ski lifts within easy walking distance. The [IL:ATVORA09] and Gastein ski areas are also particularly romantic. Don't forget to check out the skiing in your ski area to make sure it's an appropriate level for both of you.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
