THE ULTIMATE SKI VACATION WITH FRIENDS
Ski and snowboard vacations with friends are what dreams are made of. Group breakfasts and coffee to charge up before you hit the mountain. Lift rides filled with belly laughs as you explore a new mountain together. A solid crew for après. But before you and your friends can bask in all the mountains have to offer, there is the nitty-gritty work of the trip planning to tackle – the logistics, the budgets, the time commitment to planning and the inevitable stress that can come with it. If you’ve ever found yourself deep in the throes of planning a ski getaway, you know it’s no small feat. That’s where the expertise of a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert comes in.
MEET ONE OF OUR MOUNTAIN TRAVEL EXPERTS
MOUNTAIN MODERN – Jackson Hole, Wyoming – For the large crew
Nestled in the heart of Jackson Hole, Mountain Modern is the perfect property for an unforgettable squad ski vacation. “This property happens to be tailor-made for those seeking fun times on the mountain and relaxation with friends,” said Tench. Mountain Modern is located a stone’s throw from all the action in the town of Jackson Hole, providing easy access to restaurants, nightlife and shopping. The property offers a free shuttle to Jackson Hole Resort; just be sure to sign up the night before.
Tench knows friend groups come in all sizes, which is another reason he suggests Mountain Modern as a solid option to stay in Jackson Hole. “Mountain Modern happens to be on the only property in Jackson Hole that offers everything from studios to one-bedroom suites complete with kitchens for squad breakfast and coffee before gearing up,” said Tench. Each unit has a gear closet and a peg board to keep the piles of gear organized – a problem we all know too well on every squad trip. On top of that, they have a year-round, indoor heated pool with an oversized hot tub. “Another thoughtful detail is their ski tuning room. If you and your crew BYOW (bring your own wax) and like to tune your own gear, this is the spot. Grab a six-pack, patch up some core shots and share stoke over the day” explained Tench.
COMMUNAL SPACE AND ON-SITE DINING
Tench continues with his list of highlights from the property by saying that, “beyond their comfortable rooms, Mountain Modern offers a well-appointed communal room. If you have friends staying in multiple units, it’s the perfect place to link up, B.Y.O.B, and bring out the team’s favorite board game. It is the perfect hang-out area, leaving the units peaceful for the friend that wants to crash early.”
Mountain Modern also offers a delicious on-site breakfast as well as a great dinner spot. Tench’s suggestion for a solid group night? Plan a dinner in the unit, have some drinks in the communal space, and head to the world-famous Cowboy Bar, just a three-minute walk away for a dancing night. Tench also suggests leaving a night or two to experience dining options right out the front door. “I love Big Hole BBQ right next to Mountain Modern. Pinkies is a pizza spot a few blocks away that is worth visiting once on the trip,” said Tench.
ELEVATE YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR
Jackson Hole is fun year-round but tends to really go off in the winter and spring. In March, the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is at Snow King Resort. Watch professionals race their snowmobiles straight up the steepest run at King Resort, a short walk from Mountain Modern. Snow King Resort also offers tubing all winter long. Pro tip? Warm up a hot cup of cocoa in the unit, grab a little schnapps for that extra kick of warmth, and head over to King Resort to have some fun.
Jackson Hole is also host to the Rendezvous Spring Festival – a booty shaking two-day music festival, with country-leaning musical acts. The party is held at the end of March. “If you and your crew like to party, plan for a Jackson Hole March trip!” said Tench. With a backdrop of historic downtown Jackson Town Square and the base of Jackson Hole Resort, you and your friends are sure to find music that will get you moving.
YOTELPAD – Park City, Utah – For maximum time on the mountain
YOTELPAD is nestled in the scenic Canyons area of Park City and is the ultimate destination for that group of friends looking to maximize time on the mountain and keep their wallets in check. This cozy, yet contemporary property offers a variety of amenities that make it perfect for the adventure-driven squad. YOTELPAD exudes hip vibes with easy access to the slopes, perfect for those ready to focus on riding. It’s for those who want to be on the mountain most of the day, experience lively après and pop in for a quick change before dinner.
YOTELPAD is a mere five-minute walk from the back doors to the lifts in the Canyons base area, offering quick access to the slopes. Tench tells us, “YOTELPAD features an awesome pool and hot tub where you can unwind after a day of shredding. The enjoyable game room is the perfect place to gather and hang out.” If you’re ready to venture into town, the shuttle stop to take you into town is conveniently right across the street. “Park City’s historic Main Street is vibrant and filled with restaurants, shops and nightlife,” Tench explained.
PEAK CONVENIENCE
Gear up and grab breakfast en route to the lifts (Tench recommends grab-and-go or full breakfast at Murdoch’s) or debrief the day over après at the nearby Umbrella Bar. For those keeping food and beverage costs down and time on the mountain up, Tench suggests “Stocking up the kitchenette with breakfast and taking a midday break for sandwiches in the suite.” Plus, laundry facilities and a Murphy bed conversion make your stay comfortable and efficient for fun for the whole group.
GREEN LEAF – Niseko, Japan, Ski.com Guided Trips
If you have ever tried to plan a trip with your crew, you know how hard the planning can be. Luckily for you, Tench has ideas. “Japan is the ultimate destination for a squad trip. What’s better than experiencing a bucket list destination and endless powder all with your crew by your side?” Tench said. The easiest and most affordable way to plan a trip to Japan is through Ski.com’s guided trip options. From legendary Ja-POW to rich cultural experiences, Japan is the perfect place for a memorable squad trip.
Your crew’s home base for this international adventure is the Green Leaf Niseko Village, a ski-in ski-out property nestled in the trees. The lodge is situated on a hillside and offers unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei, for truly memorable vistas on the trip. “I love how the Green Leaf Niseko is a bit off the beaten path, so it offers a peaceful ambiance for you and your crew – the perfect recipe for hitting the slopes all day,” said Tench. “Green Leaf also has a super fun lobby bar that has its own nights of rowdiness and energy. If you aren’t interested in stripping down to your birthday suit for the onsen, they also have a heated pool where you can dip with a cold Sapporo in hand,” said Tench. “In addition, they have breakfast every morning with traditional Japanese options as well as your American classics – eggs, toast, etc.” Along with the amazing breakfast Tench mentioned, Green Leaf also offers a dinner buffet with an amazing spread. It offers the chance to try a little bit of everything from a traditional Japanese dinner menu. If you are looking for some more action, a quick bus ride takes you to the lively Hirafu Village, where you’ll find a variety of dining and bar options to suit all tastes!
WHO IT’S FOR
Japan, and especially Southern Hokkaido, is a dream come true for intermediate to advanced riders. “If you’ve been talking about Japan for years with your friends then you’ll want to pull the trigger on this trip!” said Tench. Japan offers endless lines of pristine powder, hot springs, sake and rich cultural experiences for the adventurous group of travelers.
“Whether you’re seeking endless fresh lines on Niseko’s slopes, the bustling atmosphere of Hirafu Village or Japanese culinary delights on this adventure, this trip to Niseko has it all and you’ll be the hero for suggesting the easy, pre-packed itinerary,” said Tench.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Week 1: January 20 -27, 2024
Week 2 January 27 – February 3, 2024
- 7 nights of ski-in ski-out lodging
- Round trip transportation between New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) and Green Leaf Niseko
- Six days of guided skiing
- Daily breakfast
- One curated traditional Japanese dinner
- Welcome and farewell receptions
WHAT’S UP WITH THE GUIDED PART
This isn’t your stereotypical guided tour. “What sets this adventure apart is our unique approach to the guided experiences,” as Tench puts it. “I love this trip because the only parts of the trip that are guided are the ones that matter most – when you arrive and when you’re on the mountain.” We team up with seasoned, local professionals who are experts in the area. They’ll personalize your journey, ensuring your run missions align with your group’s skills and preferences. “This means you get the freedom to explore and discover the most epic areas on the mountain! It takes a lot of the guesswork out of a group trip, which is never a bad thing with so many different tastes within a friends’ group,” Tench told us with a wink.
SOLD OUT – ALPINA ECLECTIC HOTEL & SPA, Chamonix, France, Ski.com Guided Trips
The Chamonix guided trip is sold out. Still dreaming of a curated ski trip to iconic Chamonix this winter? Our Mountain Travel Experts can help craft your dream trip – everything from where to stay, what to ski, where to eat and what to do! Get started and speak with an expert today!
For squads who crave the adrenaline rush of pushing their boundaries and tackling some iconic (and challenging) descents, the Chamonix guided trip is a dream come true. “If you’re the type of crew who is all about mixing things up, then you don’t have to second guess the Ski.com guided Chamonix trip. Chamonix, France is a skier’s paradise nestled between Italy and Switzerland in the French Alps. On this trip, you are situated smack dab in the middle of three epic resorts – Courmayeur, Verbier and Chamonix. You and your friends will embark on the spine-tingling journey of mastering some heart-fluttering descents,” Tench said. He continued “Europe off-piste terrain where one of the areas you really want a guide. The pitches are steep and the views are insane, having someone local on your side is the number one way to go.”
THE HOTEL
Following a day filled with exciting descents, retreat to the comfort of your chic room at Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa. Perched on a high vantage point, the property offers unparalleled views of Mont-Blanc. Boasting modern conveniences, including a jacuzzi and sauna with beautiful panoramas, and featuring impeccable architecture with thoughtfully designed rooms, this hotel provides an ideal escape for your adventure to Chamonix.
WHO IT’S FOR
The Mont-Blanc region of the Alps, where challenging and expert-level terrain reigns supreme, is custom-made for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. “If you and your crew at ease with steep pitches, versatile terrain and conquering formidable descents, this trip is the perfect match for you and your squad’s mission.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED – CHAMONIX
March 2-9, 2024
- Round-trip transportation between Chamonix and Geneva Airport
- 7 nights of lodging at Alpina Eclectic Hotel and Spa Chamonix
- 6 days with local, English-speaking guides in the Mont Blanc Region (France, Italy and Switzerland)
- 7 days breakfast and dinner
- A welcome reception
- Traditional French dinner
TIME TO PULL THE TRIGGER
Nobody gets why you crave spending time in the mountains more than we do and nobody knows how to guide you there better.