Frequently Asked Questions
About Ski Vacations
I'm considering going on my first ski vacation. What do I need to know?
First of all, congratulations! Becoming a skier or rider or making that first destination vacation a reality is like joining a special, lifelong club. Nothing can compete with the joy, natural beauty, fun and adventure of a ski vacation. However, they're not exactly the simplest of vacations to plan and book. If left to your own devices, you could spend hours doing online research to collect all the info you need to feel prepared. That doesn't include all the time you'll spend trying to piece together and book all the components of your travel. Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts are here to give you in the inside scoop on what to expect. Once you've decided on where you would like to go, we're also by your side to help get your travel and lodging booked in one convenient place.
Ski Vacation FAQs
It can mean different things to different people. Some properties may tout themselves as ski in ski out, but might actually be 50 yards from the slopes. When in doubt, just ask us or look at the property description on Ski.com. We have visited the properties and can tell you exactly how far an accommodation is from the lifts, a certain restaurant, downtown or whatever is most important to you and your traveling companions. See our top resorts and properties for ski in ski out access
Yes, it is. Generally, ski in ski out properties are about 20 percent more expensive than non ski in ski out accommodations. However, some resorts, like Snowmass, Steamboat and Big Sky Resort, have an abundance of ski in ski out or slopeside lodging options, so more affordable accommodations are available there.
When it comes to family-friendly ski vacations, not all resorts are created equal! The best resorts for families offer a mix of beginner-friendly terrain, ski schools, kid-friendly activities, and convenient accommodations. For more information, be sure and check out our family page Here are our top picks:
Best Family Ski Resorts in North America
Beaver Creek, Colorado – Known for its top-notch ski school, groomed beginner runs, and warm chocolate chip cookies handed out at the base every day.
Park City, Utah – A massive ski area with plenty of family-friendly lodging, a charming town, and one of the best ski schools in the country.
Northstar, California – Laid-back vibes, an incredible kids' ski program, and a pedestrian-friendly village with an ice-skating rink.
Steamboat, Colorado – “Ski Town, U.S.A.” is home to legendary snow, a fantastic ski school, and off-mountain fun like hot springs and tubing.
Best Family Ski Resorts in Europe
Alpe d’Huez, France – Wide beginner slopes, excellent ski schools, and a fun après scene that caters to families.
Zermatt, Switzerland – Breathtaking views, reliable snow, and plenty of non-skiing activities like sledding and scenic train rides.
Lech, Austria – Luxury meets family-friendliness with top-tier ski schools and gentle, well-groomed slopes.
Cervinia, Italy – One of the best resorts for beginners, with long, cruisy runs and Italian hospitality that makes everyone feel at home.
Looking for the perfect resort for your family? Our Mountain Travel Experts can help customize your trip to match your needs!
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, choosing the right resort can make all the difference. The best beginner-friendly resorts have plenty of gentle terrain, top-notch ski schools, and a welcoming atmosphere to help you build confidence on the slopes. Here are our top picks:
Best Beginner Ski Resorts in North America
Beaver Creek, Colorado – Wide, well-groomed beginner runs, an excellent ski school, and a luxurious yet family-friendly vibe.
Breckenridge, Colorado – A laid-back resort with gentle greens at the base and a great learning progression for new skiers.
Steamboat, Colorado – Known for its soft, forgiving Champagne Powder® and excellent beginner terrain.
Big Sky, Montana – Spacious, uncrowded slopes and a great ski school make learning here a breeze.
Best Beginner Ski Resorts in Europe
Andermatt, Switzerland – With its well-maintained beginner areas and breathtaking scenery, it's a great place to start skiing.
Lech, Austria – High-end, relaxed, and beginner-friendly, with long, rolling greens perfect for learning.
Champoluc, Italy – A hidden gem with quiet beginner slopes and welcoming Italian hospitality.
Best Beginner Ski Resorts in Japan
Furano, Japan – A dream for beginners, with gentle slopes, light powder, and an uncrowded, welcoming atmosphere.
Niseko, Japan – Legendary for its fluffy powder, but also home to beginner-friendly runs and excellent English-speaking instructors.
Starting your ski journey? Let our Mountain Travel Experts help you book the perfect beginner ski trip!
Whether you own your own equipment or this is your first time, renting is a great idea. Not only are you able to avoid the airlines’ baggage fees and the schlep factor, you’re able to use the newest equipment on the market. Your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can book the appropriate equipment based on your abilities. For the utmost convenience, we can arrange for your rental equipment to be delivered right to you. All equipment is conveniently fitted right in your hotel room, condominium or house.
When in doubt, ask your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert. The answer usually depends on the proximity of the resort to the airport and the number of travelers in the party. The answer can also depend on the location of and services offered by your lodging accommodations. Once in the destination, however, most resorts are easy to get around on foot and/or have advanced public transportation systems.
To make sure you get your preferred travel dates and accommodations—especially during peak travel periods, like the Holidays/New Years, Presidents' Week and spring break—book as early as possible. Though some properties don't release availability until well into the summer months, your Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can take your early-booking requests and work to get results for you as soon as the information becomes available.
We not only offer travel insurance, we strongly recommend it. Since certain components of your packages are totally non refundable at a certain point prior to travel, having insurance may be the only way you can receive money back should a cancellation or delay be necessary due to illness or weather. For full details of coverage, see our CSA travel protection policy.
Our services are free.
Ski.com is North America’s largest provider of complete ski vacation packages and has been in business gainfully for more than 40 years. Our No. 1 priority is and has always been to arrange worry-free ski vacations for our customers. We have fostered strong relationships with mountain resorts, lodging accommodations, airlines and ground transportation companies for decades and continue to do so today. By booking with Ski.com, our current and future customers can rest assured knowing that they will receive the high-quality vacation experience for which Ski.com is known to deliver each and every time.