How to Plan a Group Ski Holiday

There's no getting around it- planning a group ski holiday can feel like herding kittens.

You set up a new group chat "Ski Trip to Morzine", launch with "So, who's coming?!" and after the initial flurry of excitement, the realities of organising the trip set in...

Debates on when and where to go, catered vs self catered and, of course, budget.

All these contributing factors can make it pretty stressful being the designated lead booker. So to avoid any last minute panics, best to start the ball rolling early. After all, there's no time like the present!

To make things a bit easier for you, here are some of our Top Tips for planning a successful group ski holiday.

Take charge

Being the lead booker means that you have to take charge. Too many ideas floating around the group can prolong the process and make things overly-complicated.

So do all your research before even creating that group chat.

Pick a few weeks that suit you, speak to a few accommodation providers and choose two or three solid options to share with your friends and family.

Fewer options will make it easier for everyone to decide if they want to come or not. More options than this and making a decision may become impossible!

What kind of property

You need to make the decision for the group on this one.

Giving the group too much information can make life very difficult. The wrestling match between the property closest to the bars and the one with all ensuite bedrooms can take up valuable time.

There is also the choice of going for a catered or self-catered property. It may be best for a group of beginners to go for a catered property, where they will be looked after by hosts. While a group with kids may be suited to a self catered property for the flexibility it brings.

Luckily we've put together a Guide to Catered vs. Self Catered Accommodation to help you choose between the two, and don't forget the little extras that can make life that bit easier before you arrive!

What time of year?

The time of year you choose can make a big difference to your holiday experience. Do you want to soak up the festive atmosphere over Christmas or New Year? Or do you want a week of slush bashing in April, with longer days to enjoy apres drinks in the sun?

Take a look at our guide to the Best Times to Go Skiing in the French Alps, so you can decide when is best for you and your group.

Choose the right resort

Choosing a resort is also very important and one of the major deciding factors of where you choose will be the skill level of your group.

Beginners won't want to go somewhere where it's difficult to get back to the resort (or have nothing to do on a rest day), while advanced skiers and snowboarders won't want a resort full of green runs.

So choosing a resort with a good mix of pistes, a good selection of bars, restaurants and activities on and off the piste, will mean the whole group can make the most of their holiday.

The altitude of the resort is a major consideration when choosing between resorts. Some of your friends and family may think higher altitude is best, but in our experience that isn't always the case!

Morzine is a brilliant choice for mixed ability groups. The beginner slopes are amazing, more advanced skiers can explore the HUGE Portes du Soleil area, and there's loads of things for non-skiers to do too. Plus, it's super easy for them to head up and meet you for lunch or apres on the mountain.

Get the money!

You will need to pay a deposit to secure your booking, therefore you need to know who is serious about coming on holiday with you.

Set a deadline for your friends and family to commit to, so you can ask for their share of the deposit when it comes to booking.

The final balance payment is usually due 8 to 10 weeks before your holiday start date, so make sure everyone knows when this is as you don't want to be covering the cost of everyone's holiday!

Pre-arrange ski or snowboard lessons

Getting lessons from a more experienced friend or partner is generally a bad idea. Arguments can ensue, causing stress for everyone in the group.

We are big believers that anyone can benefit from proper lessons, from first timers to advanced shredders. And learning to ski as an adult doesn't have to be scary.

You can book lessons as part of a group with others of a similar level, or you can go with private individual lessons to have one on one time with an instructor. You can also book guided off-piste sessions to find those secret spots on powder days!

Morzine has some great ski and snowboard schools. We recommend booking lessons as soon as you've confirmed your holiday dates so you don't miss out.

Lift passes

To reduce the faff factor on your first morning, order your lift passes before you arrive.

They will be handed to you on arrival, meaning that you won't have to queue up at the lift pass office with everyone else.

This is especially useful when you have lessons booked early on your first morning so that you can head straight up the mountain.

Less stress all round.

How to get there

Fly, drive or take the train? How you get to the resort all depends on where people are travelling from, how much time they have, and budgets.

Our top tip is to let everyone arrange their own travel!

If you're all flying into the same airport then you can ask everyone to try and book flights that arrive around about the same time so you can share a transfer from the airport to the resort, but anything more than that can be a bit of a nightmare.

We've written a handy guide to help you decide whether you fly or drive. Or for an alternative option, have a look at our blog, How to Travel to Morzine by Train.

Organise childcare ahead of time

Some groups can consist of multiple generations of the same family. This really works for many people, as they take it in turns to look after the kids. But sometimes childcare is essential for everyone to enjoy their holiday.

This really needs to be booked well in advance, as childcare providers are very busy during the winter, especially in peak weeks. 

Make a checklist

There is always one isn't there? The person that forgot to buy insurance, pack enough pants or leaves their passport at home.

The weeks leading up to a holiday can be pretty busy, so important things can be forgotten.

It might seem a bit like nannying your group, but sending everyone a checklist of things to organise and pack can save you a lot of hassle. Be sure to include at least:

Things to organise:

• Travel & transfers to resort
• Insurance
• Lift passes
• Ski / snowboard equipment hire
• Ski / snowboard lessons
• Childcare

Things to bring:

• Passport
• Money
• Socks and pants
• Gloves
• Thermal layers
• Ski / Snowboard jacket and trousers
• Helmet
• Goggles/Sunglasses
• Suncream
• Suitable footwear (top tip: high heels don't work on snow and ice)

If you are the one who's been tasked with planning a group ski holiday, these tips should help you get organised. There is a lot to consider, but with the right group of like minded friends, your holiday will be fantastic.

One last tip: When it comes to a group ski holiday, you can't start planning soon enough!

Accommodation options are already getting booked up for next winter so don't miss out - get the ball rolling as soon as possible!