Ski vs Sun: Why I’d always choose a skiing holiday

Ski or sun? Here's why a skiing holiday might be your perfect match.

Beach break or snowy adventure? We can’t make our minds up, so we’ve enlisted the help of two members of the team to pitch these very different holidays against each other. Today, it’s the case for skiing…

1. THE VIEWS ARE INCREDIBLE

You know that epic scene in ‘Lord of the Rings: Return of the King’ when all the beacons light up? Well, welcome to Middle Earth. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, the scenery is absolutely stunning. You’re surrounded by endless mountains, pristine snow and bright blue sky, with amazing views as far as the eye can see. Beaches are great, but do you feel like you’re on top of the world when you’re on a sun lounger? Not really. When it comes to no-filter-needed moments, snow holidays win hands-down.

2. THE APRES SKI

The main event is, of course, the skiing and snowboarding. But coming in a close second is the après ski. It’s not as good as you’ve heard – it’s better. Think happy-hours galore, free-flowing beer, and a mass of rosy-faced revellers. And, if you’re keen to meet other people, you already have at least one thing in common – your love of the slopes. I love a Full Moon Party as much as the next person, but dancing under the stars, surrounded by snow-topped mountains, is something else entirely.

3. YOU DON'T NEED A 'BIKINI BODY'

The ski season runs from December to April. So while all your friends are furiously dieting for their post-Christmas beach break, you can carry on as normal. The truth is, you’re going to be covered from head to toe the entire time. And when you’re wearing a massive snow jacket, you basically look like the Abominable Snowman – so why put yourself through the pain of a pre-holiday diet? Plus, you’ll be exercising every day, so you’ll probably lose weight anyway. #winning

4. YOU CAN STAY CLOSE TO HOME

When you’re in the middle of Lord of the Rings-style scenery, it’s easy to feel like you’re on another planet. But most skiing hotspots are actually really close to the UK. The likes of France, Austria and Italy are all less than a 2-hour flight away. And all your transfers are included with Crystal Ski Holidays, so everything is taken care of. Still craving a long-haul adventure? Try the far-flung slopes of Canada, America or Japan.

5. PACKING IS A PIECE OF CAKE

Let’s be honest – packing for a sunny holiday can be a bit of a hassle. How many pairs of shorts will you need? Should you take sandals or flip-flops? To hat, or not to hat? Packing for skiing, on the other hand, is the easiest thing in the world. You squash in all your ski gear, and then throw in some cosy clothes for the evenings – done. Whether you’re chilling in a restaurant or partying like an après animal, night time fashion is a very casual affair, so leave your sequins at home and take plenty of socks.

Sold on ski?

Create your perfect skiing package with our sister company, Crystal Ski Holidays. And don’t forget to pop back tomorrow when we put forward the case for sun…

First published date: 08.02.2016

Author: Sarah Reeves