First Time on the Snow?
Package holidays vs. independent travel

As with any type of holiday you can choose a package ski or snowboard holiday with a tour operator or you can go it alone and book your trip independently. There are advantages and disadvantages with both options so take the time to investigate which is best for you before you book.

Booking a skiing or snowboarding holiday is not a complicated process and it can be done in the same way as you would book any other sort of holiday:

1. a package with a travel agent or tour operator
2. arrange your own flights, transfers and accommodation and travel when you want to.

Package ski and snowboarding holidays remain popular with UK travellers probably because they require less organisation on your part. However, independent travel can provide much more flexibility and it is often a good way to get off the beaten track or away from the crowds. Independent travel also means you may be able to visit a few mountain resorts in one trip.

If budget is important to you - and lets face it, it is for most of us – you might consider a late package deal. You may not get as wide a choice of accommodation on late deals but there is the added advantage of picking an area where you know there has been recent snowfall.

It is sometimes possible to save money by booking skiing and snowboarding trips independently because you only pay for what you need to. However, some tour operators get discounts on a lot of products so don’t assume a package is more expensive.

In the past you may have been tempted by a package holiday because everything is arranged for you. However, the internet means that it is now easy to gather all the information you need and to book your travel, accommodation, tuition and equipment rental online.

Click next to read more about Package Holidays