There’s more to a Ski Holiday than Skiing.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - 13th August, 2010 - For many, the social side of a wintersports holiday is almost more important than pitting themselves against the elements. The apres ski and restaurants, bars and clubs are vital parts of the holiday. However, for these to be enjoyed to the maximum requires a good atmosphere, banter, and fun. What better way to guarantee that than by taking it with you?

No, you can’t pack a bottle or two of ‘Good Times’, and liberally sprinkle it from a chairlift over your chosen resort. What you can do, however, is take that most vital of ingredients with you: friends, family, colleagues, team, or maybe even pub (the regulars not the bar itself!). The solution is group ski holidays; one of the best ways to experience the mountains, and all they have to offer.

A hard days snow riding, pitting your wits (and limbs) against both the mountain and your mates always benefits from some heated dissection in the bar, cafe, or over dinner. With your mates around you, tales can be embellished, derring-dos taken to new heights, victories hailed, and defeats swiftly covered up.

There has been an upsurge in people booking group ski holidays. According to Alpine Elements, their recently launched Ski Extra for Groups scheme has resulted in a 17% increase in early bird bookings. Groups, more than anyone else, have to book early to be sure of getting all of their number into the the same accommodation. Late booking in the hope of further discounts is certainly not something for a group’s organiser to consider. Unless they are poker champions, and don’t mind incurring the wrath of their holiday-less group, or have them in different accommodation strung out across the resort!

The discounts for group ski holidays can vary dramatically from one tour operator to another. It used to be that the organiser stood most to benefit, with a free place, lift pass or other ‘sweetener’. More recently though, many of the discounts have been open to the whole group, with everyone benefitting from low deposits (Alpine Elements require just £99), online discounts (typically up to £100), and group discounts (up to £50 should be expected). One of the biggest benefits is undoubtedly the Free Liftpass. For 2010/11 Tignes is charging €222.50 (£183) for a 6 day Espace Killy pass, Chamonix wants €240 (£197), Val Thorens’ Trois Vallees offering is €235 (£193), and in 2009/10 Avoriaz’ Portes du Soleil pass was €205 (£168).

Most established tour operators have specialised group advisors. They can really help the novice, organising group skiing holidays for the first time, to avoid potential pitfalls. It can be quite a daunting feeling when the group’s finger is pointing at you! They can also be called on for expert advice ranging from pre-booking activities like Parapenting and Skidoo sessions through to Theme Meal ideas, and even offer Pub Crawl routes! When it’s other people’s holidays resting on your shoulders it makes sense to make use of the tour operators expertise, that’s what the advisors are there for.

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