Should I book a Package Snowboarding Holiday or Book Independently?

Luke    snowboardingholidays     Snowboarding, snowboarding deals, snowboarding gear, snowboarding holidays

Most people only get one snowboarding holiday a year. Any worries over work want to be forgotten and stress left behind to relax with friends, family and great snow. So you want to get it right.

But enthusiasts and novices alike are overloaded with options and choices, often making the process a daunting one. For many, a package snowboarding holiday is an easy answer to this problem, for others booking their holiday independently delivers the freedom they seek.

For those unsure as to which may suit them best, here is a quick look at both.

Package Holidays

Package holidays can take the stress and hassle out of planning a trip, and this makes them an extremely popular option.  From the start, every detail is organised on your behalf, from the flights and accommodation down to a lift pass and equipment hire.  Pretty much all that’s left to organise is making sure you get to the airport on time!

Choosing a large, reputable company such as Crystal Ski is a sensible way to ensure all runs smoothly.  Large operators offer reliable services, and if something should go wrong, are adept at putting it right. Also package holidays are ATOL protected meaning if something does go wrong and your holiday is cancelled you will get your money back.

On the downside, some freedom and choice is sacrificed and the cost is often higher than booking independently. From my personal experience, the worst part of package snowboarding holidays is waiting for the board and boot fitting. But you can avoid this if you take your own equipment.

Independent Bookings

Travelling and booking independently is the classic way for the money conscious snowboarder to keep the costs down. But if on a budget, be sure to account for hidden or unseen costs and consider the total holiday cost rather than just the up front amount. Be sure to check out the best way to transfer between airport and resort, as transfers are not always cheap or easy. Flexibility is a big attraction of booking independently – not everyone can depart the dates package holidays leave and not everyone wants to go for a week.

Taking the car is becoming an increasingly popular option that gives you access to smaller less accessible resorts. Instead of spending a week in one large busy resort, you can visit several smaller resorts and ride free from the crowds – often on less tracked-out snow.

On the downside, if something goes wrong and you booked independently then you’re on your own. Cancelled flights may mean a lost holiday with no refund on the accommodation. And there is no one to help you out if you get stranded in a foreign country.

Both ways of booking snowboarding holidays have their own merits, and likewise, disadvantages. Perhaps think about these questions to identify your needs:

• Are you looking to keep costs to a minimum?

• Do you want to get off the beaten path (off-piste)?

• Do you get panicky about booking last minute?

• Do you have the time to check flight prices for the best deal?

• Are you happy to research accommodation options and transfers?

• Are you independent enough to pick up the pieces if it goes wrong?

Understanding your own requirements is the best way to decide what type of snowboarding holiday will suit you. But as soon as you hit the slopes you should be smiling whichever you choose!

About the author

Luke Rees wrote 13 articles on this blog.

I am an avid traveller and passionate about sports always seeking adventure and exciting activities. I have tried most adventure sports but I regularly participate in snowboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, trekking, football, running, squash and the dreaded gym.

• Blog

Related posts:

1. My holiday snowboarding in La Plagne
2. Skiing and Snowboarding Holidays on a budget
3. New movies help book snowboarding holidays

If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!