Why your next group holiday should be on the slopes

From serious skiers to après-ski lovers, group ski holidays keep everyone happy

You’ve set up the WhatsApp chat for your group holiday but 150 messages in and you’re yet to decide on a getaway that meets everyone’s needs. Sound familiar? It may be the struggle of finding a resort suitable for three generations, having to balance the needs of a number of families or groups of friends, or even the choice of different climates – either way, booking a group holiday can be stressful.

A group ski holiday is the go-to getaway that covers all bases and will easily put a smile on everyone’s faces, whether that smile comes from hurtling down the slopes, relaxing in a spa, hiking in the mountains or enjoying the talents of a Michelin-starred chef.

Planning essentials

When it comes to planning, nail down each person’s non-negotiables early on. These are usually centred around budget, accommodation quality and travel time. Once you’ve got that pinned down, you can move on to planning the day-to-day. With a multitude of activities at every ski resort, the whole gang is guaranteed to have an amazing time day and night. But if you need more convincing, take a look below at some of the highlights you can expect from your skiing group holiday (and no, you don’t have to be a snowmaster to have fun!)

Relax…

As well as the seriously sporty who will want to dedicate their entire holiday to playing on-piste, a getaway to a ski resort caters just as well to those who want to slow down. Guests who want to take it easy can retreat to a cosy spa and spoil themselves with a whole host of treatments. The more active members of the group can join later and enjoy deep-tissue massages to ease up their joints after a day spent perfecting their tuck.

Fitness bunny alert

Instead of an all-out health and fitness retreat, group ski holidays allow fitness bunnies to get their heart rate racing while having fun with friends, swishing their way down the slopes using muscles they wouldn’t normally use while filling their lungs with fresh air. If they’re up for a challenge, suggest walking up the slope instead of using a ski lift and they’ll have burned off last night’s mulled wine in no time. Then they can come back to the spa with their friends and, this time, exercise the soul.

Learn the ropes before you hit the slopes

Whether it’s the first time for kiddies and newbies, or you’re feeling a little rusty on the slopes, make use of the brilliant instructors available at your resort. Booking a session on some dry slopes before you head off as a group can also be a great way to make the planning of a group ski holiday even more fun. Then, kick-start your holiday with a fun group refresher class on the first day before you all go solo on the slopes. Belly laughs are guaranteed, particularly if your group varies in skill levels.

Ready to après-ski?

This is a group ski holiday highlight that needs no introduction. Après-ski requires very little skiing skill but guarantees antics for all. Make unforgettable memories together and claim ‘the holiday song’ that will forever remind you of your time away with friends whenever it’s played.

Perfectly picturesque

With majestic scenery at every turn, there are endless photo opportunities on group ski holidays. Get your friends to snap you as you whizz around and have them share it in the group chat so you can remember every moment. But, the ultimate ski group holiday selfie will be the one to frame (and earning all the Instagram likes), so don’t forget to pack your selfie stick to squeeze in the whole group and all the stunning scenery.
Learn more about the art of capturing the best ski holidays photos.

Food and drinks

Thought we’d covered this when we mentioned après-ski? Think again. This time, we’re talking local cuisine and spending quality time with the whole group. From pit stop al-fresco lunches between runs to refuel, to exploring what the local village has to offer for dinner that evening, a group ski holiday satisfies even the ‘foodiest’ member of the gang.

Whether it’s the world-famous Michelin-starred chefs behind some of the menus in the Club Med resorts of Samoëns and Les Arcs Panorama, or interactive and digital restaurants such as the family experience restaurant, where the kids take their parents out to dinner, there are fantastic dining experiences in all Club Med resorts. The only problem is choosing which one to try first.

While there’s always plenty for everyone to do, suiting all tastes and interests, the main attraction of a group ski holiday is time spent together, and you’ll find that this shared experience will give you some of the best holiday memories you and your group has ever had – until next year.