ski trip alone

To The Mountains Blog by Ski.com | News, Weather, Info

10 of the best things about skiing solo.

• by Barclay Idsal
• Posted on June 18, 2020 January 12, 2021

Skiing or snowboarding by one’s lonesome is a time honored tradition that is perfectly summed up via the age old saying: “there’s no such thing as friends on a powder day.” Of course that saying is not true all the time but every so often, you just gotta go ski or ride for yourself. It’s good for the soul and with social distancing practices in place, there’s never been a better time to appreciate the solitude.

10) Speed through the ‘singles line’

One of the most underrated parts of skiing alone is how the practice significantly cuts down on lift line wait times. Instead of standing with a foursome, head to the singles line and zip to the front for another ride without having to wait in the congested group line.

9) Enjoy the peace of solitary lift rides

To those folks who think solo lift rides are boring, I suggest opening your senses to the mountain paradise that surrounds you. Revel in the harmonious bird songs that echo through the trees, enjoy the smell of fresh snow adorning old growth pine trees, and let your eyes adsorb the breathtaking vistas that stretch in every direction.

8) Begin and end whenever you please

Getting on and off the mountain is a chore when you’ve got kids, friends, or a significant other in tow. However, when you go to the mountains alone, you’re gifted the freedom to come and go as you please. Not to mention, your quads will usually chime in and let you know when it’s time to go back to the lodge.

7) Never having to look uphill and wait

Skiing is about looking downhill, not uphill. And while waiting on your buddies or family to get down safely is the right thing to do when skiing with a group, it’s always nice to break from the pack, go solo, and keep the focus downhill. Besides, there’s no telling if they followed you down your favorite trail or took a wrong turn somewhere.

6) The chance to test your own abilities

Finding the time, place and space to challenge yourself on the slopes can be especially hard for intermediates skiing in groups. Either the beginners in the group limit the ability to take leaps and bounds in terms of technical ability while on the other hand, experts can make those leaps and bounds seem unattainable. Instead, spend a day on the slopes challenging yourself because like Ernest Hemingway said: “there is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.”

5) Ski your favorite run, over and over

If you’re not yet convinced that skiing alone is amazing, maybe this reason will win you over. Everyone has a favorite run but it’s rare that your wife, kids, or friends share the same affinity for that double black diamond on the backside of the resort. Take this time to revel in your freedom to ski that run over and over, to your heart’s content.

4) Finding stashes and keeping them TOP-SECRET

Any seasoned skier will tell you, there’s no joy like the joy one feels upon discovering an untouched powder stash days after the last storm. Mark the stash on your trail map and don’t tell anyone.

3) No cell service, no problem

Perhaps the most annoying part of skiing are the calls from friends trying to meet up on the mountain. Your phone vibrates in your pocket and the last thing you want to do is to expose your fingers to the freezing cold for a text from someone who is, “just now heading to the mountain.” Instead, put the phone on airplane mode and communicate with nature and nature alone.

2) Hike at your own pace

When it comes to hiking for a ski run, such as the Highland Bowl at Aspen , everyone’s pace is different. So instead of going with a group whose hiking speeds all vary, take this time to go it alone and take your time. By the time you reach the top, you’ll be able to realize the #1 reason why skiing alone is the best.

1) Taking the time to soak it all in

You’re standing alone at the highest point of the mountain, 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. The wind blows softly on your face and you look beyond your ski tips at an untouched powder run. There’s no one asking where you’re going or which way they should go. It’s quiet, peaceful. You have time to catch your breath with a couple extended exhales. You take an inhale of the clean mountain air and whisper to yourself, “dropping.”

Looking to book a solo adventure in the mountains this upcoming ski season? Call one of our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts to get the scoop on where to find soul-satisfying solitude in the mountains. They’re standing by at 800-610-8911 . You can also get started by filling out a form for a  free custom quote .

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My First Ever Solo Ski Trip

If you're searching for some solo trip ideas, how about taking a solo ski trip? This article covers the best places for skiing, tips for first time skiers, recommended travel companies and a story about skiing to inspire you. 

I’ve met so many women who like travel and want to travel but don’t have the company. I never let that stop me from seeing and experiencing many different parts of the world, and to be honest, it should never stop you either.

I might even go as far as to call myself an experienced solo traveler, and believe me, you can only have fun. A couple of years back, I booked my first solo ski trip and it’s still one of the best experiences in my life, so I decided to share my story.

The summer of 2014 was quite turbulent for me, with moving apartments and changing jobs, so I was desperate for an active vacation to blow off some steam and clear my head. I chose skiing, because there’s nothing that both relaxes me and gets me going like hitting the slopes. OK, maybe surfing, but I wanted to get away from Sydney.

I took one of the bus trips to the snow and since I didn’t have much time to plan this trip, I just went for it. But then again, that’s how I like to travel anyways. I went to the Snowy Mountains, because I have some fabulous memories of the place, and once again, it didn’t fail me.

If you like your trip to be a little bit more organized (unlike me), I’m just going to let you know that there are great accommodation options there, from budget motels to all-inclusive packages you can book in advance. Also, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned skier, a beginner or somewhere in the middle like me, there are resorts that will satisfy your skiing level and needs.

You don’t even have to ski to have a perfect winter adventure and enjoy all the snow. You can try snow-tubing (my favourite after skiing) or you can simply go on hikes and soak up some sun, enjoy the fresh mountain air and take amazing photos.

There are many ways you can get to your resort. Once you get there, don’t forget to be safe. Remember, you’re there alone, so make sure you always have your phone (in a zip bag!!!) so you can get help if needed.   One other thing: never venture past the ski area boundary unless you’re very, very skilled!

People usually ask me how come I don’t get bored or lonely on my solo travels, and if you ever went skiing, you probably know that you don’t get much time to rest and get bored in the first place. Skiing is an individual activity after all, and you can’t really chat with your companions while rushing down the slopes.

And when you decide it was enough for the day, the only thing you’ll want to do is hit the sack (that is, if you ski like you’re supposed to ski and not spend your day lounging around).

So, if you’re planning on taking a solo trip anywhere, I certainly recommend a skiing trip for your first solo adventure. The Snowy Mountains will certainly provide just the thing you’re looking for and I can’t stress enough how much fun I had on that trip. I’ll be back this winter again, so Snowy Mountains – brace yourself, Roxana is coming!

The Best Places For Skiing

Don’t let a drop of snow stop you from travelling. For those who love the thrill of racing down mountains with white powdery snow under your feet, skiing is the perfect getaway and a great excuse to travel to pastures new. Ski resorts are great to meet others and it’s easy to become part of a community in the bars at night. You don’t have to be a pro either as there are nursery slopes around the globe for those of us who are beginners. Here are the best places for skiing in the world.

Whistler, Canada (photo @ Adam Greig)

Everyone has heard of Whistler, probably the most famous ski resort of all. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have over 200 marked runs without stunning terrain. This trendy ski resort has renown restaurants and you can also dog-sled here too. A UNESCO heritage site, Banff is a year-round skiing destination with thermal pools to the west of Banff to soak the muscles on a well-deserved day off. Sun Peaks is the third largest in Canada and as well as Nordic and alpine skiing, has many winter activities to choose from such as snowmobiling and tubing.

New Zealand

Caldrona, New Zealand (photo @ Yun Huang Yong)

The south island of New Zealand is a great choice for skiing with uncrowded slopes, alpine peaks and of course the friendly New Zealand hospitality. There are 500 kms of mountain ranges in the country and the best ski resort if you’re a beginner is Cardrona, an old gold rush town.

Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu is the most popular and is the perfect place to meet others après ski with endless evening activities. There are even more resorts just 30 minutes drive away at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

Contamines Montjoie, France (photo @ Patrick Nouhailler)

You’re spoilt for choice in the French Alps and one of the most underrated resorts here is St Gervais with less tourists than you’ll find in other ski regions. Although Meribel attracts families, it also has a good party scene to meet others. There’s skiing here for every level plus a swimming pool and ice rink for those who fancy a break from the piste.

With many repeat customers year on year, Val d’Isere is one of the most popular resorts for a ski holiday in France and although it’s not for the budget solo, it does have an excellent ski school and is only 5 km from the Italian border.

Skiing in Austria (photo @ Becks)

The birthplace of Alpine skiing, Austria has excellent skiing with Kuhtai offering some of the best ski touring in the country. Obergurgl has beautiful views being one of Europe’s highest ski villages and is pretty much guaranteed snow between mid-November until May. Suitable for any level of skier, Austria may not have the height of the French ski resorts but it does have its Austrian charm, and you get to experience a Finnish sauna afterwards.

Switzerland

Rhein in Switzerland (photo @ Jeremy T. Hetzel)

You can’t get much more stunning than Zermatt with the Matterhorn on display at virtually each angle of the ski resort. Plus once you’ve finished skiing for the day you simply have to enjoy a drink at the Cavern bar in the most unusual setting inside a man-made cave.

Switzerland has piste that seem to go on forever, and Verbier is one of these, known as a premier off-piste resort with snow nearly all year-round. For something a little bit different choose Savognin for snow tubing or even snow biking at an affordable resort in the Swiss Alps.

Tips For First Time Skiers

Once you have your first ever ski holiday booked it is likely that you will be buzzing with excitement. It is also likely that you have some nerves about hitting the slopes, particularly if you are skiing solo. Skiing holidays are quite unlike any other vacation, but with a bit of advice it will be a fantastic experience that will leave you shredding the slopes like a professional in no time at all.

Don’t Panic

Firstly, it’s important to not panic if you have never gone skiing before. Every month, ski resorts around the world welcome complete beginners and you will be able to sign up for lessons which will show you the ropes and get you started. Similarly, you will be taught how to use the chairlifts and how to properly use the equipment. The beginner courses usually run slowly over the nursery slopes so you can learn at your own pace. When you are ready on your first day, sign up for group lessons as this is a great way to make some new friends whilst learning.

Next up is equipment. Skiing equipment isn’t cheap, that’s why for a first timer it’s a good idea to rent and not to buy. If you decide you love skiing and want to take it up you might want to invest in your own equipment next time. By telling the rental shop that you are a beginner they can arrange the necessary and appropriate equipment for you so that you don’t have to make the investment upfront. Always make sure that your boots do not hurt, but that your feet are held firmly.

Much like any trip, packing is likely to cause a bit of stress. Clothing wise for skiing, you need to make sure that you have a breathable ski suit (which is of decent quality), a fleece, gloves and sunglasses. Don’t forget to invest in sun cream and lip balm – beginners are often easy to spot due to their red faces and cracked lips.

Making the Most of it

The first day may feel like a struggle and slightly overwhelming, but with good instruction you will soon make progress. As long as you have patience and a smile on your face, you are sure to have a fantastic time and quickly get in the swing of things. Skiing is only part of the trip, so make sure that you go to après-ski sessions to make some new friends and enjoy everything that your resort has to offer for the complete experience.

Ski holidays can be great vacations to do solo and be a fun activity against a stunning backdrop of natural beauty; you are sure to have the time of your life. It can be daunting for first timers, but these tips will help you to master the slopes and ensure that you’ll be back again.

Other Winter Activities

Having a French Alps holiday may just be the escape that you need but if you think that all you can do in the Alps is ski, think again. Skiing is only part of the trip, so make sure that you go to après-ski sessions to make some new friends and enjoy everything that your resort has to offer for the complete experience. You can always swop your skis for one of these instead:

Snow tubing

If you don’t feel like going skiing, you can have fun snow tubing. This activity lets you experience a different kind of adrenaline rush, due to the level of difficulty in steering a rubber tubing on snow. Snow tubing has evolved as one of the favourite winter activities of both young and the young at heart.

Snow kiting

If you are a daredevil and love extreme sports, you may want to try snow kiting. This is where you use kite power to get around and it’s similar to kite surfing. It is definitely not for the faint hearted but it can give you the best bird’s eye view of the majestic Alps.

Snowshoeing

This form of hiking involves wearing snow shoes to walk on snow. It may take a while to get used to walking with snowshoes but it’s definitely a different kind of high.

Snow biking

If dirt biking is for muddy tracks, then there is also snow biking for snow-covered terrain. You can enjoy exploring different places in the French Alps using a snow bike.

Recommended Skiing Holidays in Europe

Bankso Ski Tours

If you’re looking for a tour company for your skiing trip, Travel Talk Tours are a company for 18 to 39 years olds. They offer skiing holidays to Bankso in Bulgaria from 4 days to 8 days depending on your budget. All of the packages include a tour guide, shuttle transfers and accommodation in either 3 or 4-star hotels (they have spa hotels too!). Also included are breakfast and dinner with unlimited wine and beer plus entertainment in the evenings. Perfect for solo travellers!  

* Check prices and availability for all Bankso ski trips  

France Ski Trips

If you prefer to ski in France, join one of their 7-day trips to Chamonix, Tignes or Val d’Isere. Chamonix and Val d’Isere are for beginners only making them perfect for solos who want to try skiing for the first time. Accommodation in France is in hostel accommodation.  

* Check prices and availability for all France ski trips

About The Author

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about a healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine!. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine .

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Is it Safe to Ski Alone? Solo Skiing

Going on a ski trip is often the highlight for many in the winter, and some skiers may favor going solo to truly soak in the natural splendor and the adrenaline rush. You may be tempted to face the slope with “just me, my skis, and mother nature” in mind, but is it actually safe to go out and ski alone?

What Makes A Solo Ski So Tempting?

In a nutshell, it's usually safe to ski solo in a resort as there's always someone nearby, whether it's staff or other fellow skiers. However, it's best to partner up with someone if going off-piste or backcountry skiing. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hitting the snowy slopes solo.

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Despite the potential risks, many skiers simply love going solo on the slope. Here are some of the charms of skiing on your own:

1. It allows you to focus on your technique

Skiing is a very social sport; you chat with your friends while waiting for the lift, argue about which run to tackle next, race each other to the bottom of the run, etc. When you’re skiing alone, there’s nobody to wait for, there’s no need to follow your friends around, and there’s no pressure on worrying that you’ll be embarrassed when you fall or need to keep up with a more skilled friend. This can help you to focus on honing your skiing skills or simply ski at your own pace.

2. Nature, Glorious Nature

See the vast expanse of pure white snow dotted with lush pines and the majestic mountain at the horizon? There’s nobody that’ll keep you away from admiring the view while going down on piste when you’re skiing alone.

3. It’s More Time-efficient

When skiing with a group of friends, there may be peer pressure to keep up with the group, even when you’re feeling tired or need to go to the toilet. When skiing alone, you can take a break when your body tells you to, or even grab a light snack without worrying about making other people wait for you (or even worse, waiting for your friends to do the same).

What Are The Major Risks of Solo Skiing?

While it seems dangerous to the uninitiated, skiing isn't nearly as dangerous as other popular sports. In fact, according to a BBC article , the average number of injuries in snow sports is very low compared to soccer or football, given proper safety precautions and training.

We’re talking about a 0.2% - 0.4% injury rate, which translates into around 2-4 injuries per 1000 skiers. In a game of soccer, which involves around 30 players, the same number of injuries could happen. But it is still a form of sport with its own potential hazards. Let’s take a look at some of them:

A solo skier might get rescued late, or even not at all

Not to be a downer, but skiing alone removes many opportunities of getting rescued early, in case of an accident or injury simply because the unfortunate skier is unable to ask for help. Having someone with you drastically improves the odds of getting help in time.

Being skilled in skiing and survival techniques will help massively in an emergency situation, of course, but even a skilled person might not be saved from an unfortunate event.

There’s nobody to hold you back from making a bad decision

While solo skiing, there’s nobody to guide you nor to hold you back when the allure of going off-piste or even going to a closed area in search of the thrills gets the better of you.

When traversing off-piste, a skier may not be aware of unmarked hazards, or even going further off-course, which can pose a risk to the skier’s safety. Even when on piste, going alone means that there’s nobody to remind a skier that speeding is a bad idea on a populated slope, which can cause collisions with other people.

If you got lost, you’ll only have yourself to rely on (until help arrives)

This is a very real risk, especially when you’re skiing on a mountain or backcountry for the first time. Getting lost is a scary prospect for many people, even in a city. If you’re stranded in a snowy wilderness alone, it can be very demoralizing for some and there’d be nobody to help you in case of emergency.

How to Reduce Risks While Skiing On Your Own

When you’re going on a ski trip, it’s very important to put your safety first and foremost, and it’s doubly true for solo skiers. The National Safety Council and many other sources have compiled tips to help minimize risks on the slopes, such as:

Skiing demands a degree of fitness to reduce fatigue and injury, so try to get in shape for the season with this great set of exercises .

Check the weather before hitting the slopes

A glaring sun or heavy snowfall may prevent you from recognizing and evading obstacles.

Tell your family and friends about your ski plan

This will help them to alert the authority in case of a potential emergency situation, such as getting lost in an area with no phone coverage, or if you appear to be missing longer than usual.

Rehydrate often

In cold weather, we may not notice that our body is getting dehydrated unlike on a hot day. Skiing also keeps our bodies physically active, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a ski session.

Ski using proper techniques

For beginners, it can be very helpful to take a course with a certified ski instructor before skiing down by themselves. Taking the course can also be helpful for seasoned skiers to keep their knowledge fresh.

Skiing solo might be a very attractive prospect for skiers who crave freedom and wish to focus purely on skiing. But it should be noted that going solo on the slope has its own dangers, which may outweigh the thrills. We believe in putting safety as the top priority , so if you really, really must go solo, take the necessary precautions and don’t push yourself too hard.

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.

About The Founder

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing.

NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing.

Be sure to join thousands of clever skiers who read my emails for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.

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5 Best Ski Towns for Solo Travelers — With Cozy Lodges and Excellent Après-ski Scenes

Contrary to popular belief, ski trips are ideal for solo travelers, too.

Jordan Lye/Getty Images

The eight-bedroom ski chalets on Airbnb and images of families crowding around outdoor fire pits in between runs may suggest the quintessential ski vacation is geared toward groups. But ski trips can also be great for solo travelers. There’s a reason for the singles line at the chairlift, after all.

Some destinations are better for solo skiing than others, though. These picks get top marks for everything from ease of getting around (both on the mountain and in town), suitable accommodations, and a solid après-ski scene that’s as receptive to the single traveler as it is to the gaggle of bachelorettes seated at the communal table.

Aspen, Colorado

Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

Aspen, Colorado , appeals to visitors from all over the world thanks to its downtown charm, complete with art galleries, fine food and drink ( Clark’s Oyster Bar and French Alpine Bistro are two such standouts), local boutiques, and cannabis shops. Staying in the heart of the action at the always-hip W Aspen means you can skip the rental car and splurge on some new cowboy boots instead.

While Aspen Mountain , or the “town mountain,” will keep both beginner and advanced skiers and riders occupied, free shuttles stop at Snowmass and Aspen Highlands for more powder-filled adventure (the latter is not for newbies). If you’re looking to brush up on your skills and meet other travelers, consider a group ski lesson. Full-day lessons or clinics max out at five people, and surely one group member will know where to relax after the last run. For live music, hit up Belly Up Aspen , an institution that brings big names to the stage.

Stowe, Vermont

capecodphoto/Getty Images

If any ski town in the U.S. is reminiscent of Europe, it’s this one in northern Vermont . Bursting with wine bars, breweries, cafes, and boutiques, Stowe is perfectly positioned to charm the individual wanderer. The skiing is not too shabby, either. A first-of-its-kind six-passenger chairlift ushers shredders up Vermont's tallest peak at high speed so they can spend more time on the slopes. Fast-moving singles lines mean solo travelers get there even quicker.

Plan your trip around the annual Winter Rendezvous , Stowe’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebration since the early '80s. Make new friends at activities and events throughout the week, like the pool party held at Trapp Family Lodge. Speaking of lodges: Tälta Lodge is a cozy respite for the individual traveler looking for style and substance that won’t break the bank. 

South Lake Tahoe, California

Sundry Photography/Getty Images

Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe is the ultimate playground for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort is perched on one of Tahoe’s tallest mountains, but it's still very accessible. The shuttle from Reno–Tahoe International Airport to South Lake Tahoe lasts only about an hour. Once you're settled in town, you can take the gondola up the mountain for dining, shopping, and après-ski action. Solo travelers may want to check out the 21-room Desolation Hotel , which bills itself as a micro resort.

The casino scene is fairly prominent here, too, and what better place to start up a conversation with strangers than at a low-stakes blackjack table? Whiskey Dick’s Saloon is the place for live music minus the families, but first, reward your sporting efforts with pub fare at Gunbarrel Tavern or a hearty bowl of pasta at the cozy Cafe Fiore . Get caffeinated the next day at Driftwood Cafe , then see how much of Heavenly’s 4,800 skiable acres you can conquer before lunchtime.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Charlevoix, Quebec

Courtesy of Club Med

The gorgeous Club Med Quebec Charlevoix (yes, that Club Med) is as welcoming to solo travelers as it is to families. The all-inclusive format means all you need to do is show up; included in a stay at this Quebec mountain resort is a lift ticket, lessons (great for linking up with others), and food and beverages throughout your stay.  

There’s much more to do here than just ski, though — Club Med guests can choose from 25 activities to add to their itinerary. From yoga and trapeze classes to ice skating, it’s almost impossible to feel lonely here. For après-ski craft cocktails, head to Bar Le Chalet and make a point to enjoy at least one supplementary dinner at Le Chalet.

Zermatt, Switzerland

XU BO/Getty Images

Who says solo travelers shouldn’t splurge on a European ski vacation ? Vehicle-free Zermatt, easily reached by train from Zurich or Geneva, is about as idyllic as ski villages come. Because this is Switzerland, expect fine chocolates, pastries, and the quintessential fondue to fuel your epic runs. A lunch reservation for one at the rustic-chic Chez Vrony serves a dual purpose: midday ski break and the best Matterhorn viewing on the mountain.

After the lifts close, the town entices with live music (check out Schmuggler-Höhle , which doubles as a pizzeria, and Papperla Pub , where the glühwein flows). This being Europe, the breakfast buffet is likely to impress no matter which hotel you choose, but stylish travelers know Schweizerhof Zermatt checks all the boxes.

Ski & Snowboard News

10 of the Best Things About Skiing Solo

There are just a handful of sports that can be enjoyed with a group of friends or, entirely by yourself. And you’ll find that skiing or snowboarding alone may be far more enjoyable than riding with others. Skiing alone is an incredibly freeing experience. It’s an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some time in nature without the distraction of people around you. Read more about the best things about skiing solo.

The Best Things About Skiing Solo

1. you can ski at your own pace, without feeling rushed or held back. .

One of the greatest things about skiing solo is that you can go at your own pace, without the pressure of having to keep up with others. If you’re a beginner, you won’t feel the pressure to keep up with more experienced skiers, and if you’re an experienced skier, you won’t have to worry about waiting for other skiers to catch up.

2. You can choose the runs that best suit your skill level and interests.

You can take your own path and explore the mountain in the way that best suits you. You can choose your own route and find new places to ski and make sure you’re always skiing within your own limits.

3. You have complete control over when to take a break or stop for lunch. 

Ready for a bite to eat? When you ski solo, you won’t have to worry about whether or not your group has worked up an appetite, too. And if you need to take a quick break from riding, you can do so without having to alert others.

4. You can ski in complete solitude and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. 

With no one else to worry about but yourself, you’re free to ski at your own pace, explore the mountain as much as you want, and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being alone.

5. You can relieve some stress.

Skiing solo is an excellent way to get exercise and stay in shape. It can be a great way to clear your head and relieve stress, too.

6. You can take risks and push your limits without worrying about anyone else. 

Skiing solo can be a great way to practice your skills and build confidence. You don’t have to worry about the pressure of performing in front of a group. Skiing solo gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself and push yourself to the limits. No one will judge you if you fall, and you’ll be able to take as much time as you need to conquer a particular run or trick.

7. You can easily meet and socialize with other solo skiers. 

While on a solo ski trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialize with other skiers and snowboarders if you wish to do so. Going out after a day on the mountain is a great way to meet new people, too, that share a similar interest in skiing and snowboarding.

8. You don’t have to worry about coordinating or compromising with anyone else. 

You can do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it.

9. Skiing solo is often more economical.

You don’t have to pay for multiple lift tickets, carpooling costs, and other group-related expenses. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your friends and family. Just yourself.

10. You can enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that comes with skiing solo.

Skiing alone can be a great way to relax and unwind. Without the distractions of a group, you can take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape and forget the stresses of everyday life.

So if you’re looking for a way to get away from it all and experience the joys of skiing without interruptions, skiing alone is definitely the way to go. It’s a great way to improve your skills, relax and enjoy the solitude of being out in nature by yourself.

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• Why Family Ski Trips are the Best Vacations
• Is La Nina or El Nino Better for Snow?
• What to Put on Your Christmas Wishlist for Skiers and Snowboarders

5 Expert Tips For An Amazing Solo Ski Trip

By Alexa Owen of Snowpak, the sponsor of this post

It’s just before dawn on a Tuesday morning, and I’m halfway up the Mt. Glory boot pack at the top of Teton Pass.

I’ve been hiking for thirty minutes and am just now finding my way above the tree line.

Panoramic views of the Gros Vente Range across the valley are just coming into sight, and the faintest glow of light is dissipating the darkness.

I’m alone and it’s too cold to take pictures and I know this is a moment that will be lodged in my memory, forever and just for me.

This is solo ski travel – well, one aspect of it.

I’ve been exploring mountains on skis since I was a kid, and whether it’s dawn patrol in the backcountry or singles lines at resorts, going solo is a favorite way for me to travel and ski.

It ignites a sense of adventure and offers opportunities to meet new people. It makes space for quiet time in the mountains. It’s meditation and spontaneity. And it’s just a freakin’ blast.

Here are some tips on how to solo ski travel like a champ, be safe, and have fun doing it.

Table of Contents

1. Know where to go on a solo ski trip, and don’t go alone if it seems like a bad idea.

Whether you’re heading to a new resort or into the backcountry, always check out a mountain map for a general idea of what the terrain is like and how to get to the areas best for your ability.

Information centers at resorts employ people to give you the low down on things like this; owners of shops that sell backcountry maps can give you a heads up on what to expect in certain areas.

Before getting to your solo ski trip destination, do some research and learn about different regions and resorts .

2. Ask a local about anything you may need to know as a solo skier:

• Where to find the powder stashes
• When to ski certain trails
• Where to get the cheapest après drafts

Locals love to talk about their home mountains, so ask anything about the people, the place, and the events going on.

Maybe you’ll even get lucky and they’ll take you out for a few tram laps or a night on the town.

3. Gear up with whatever equipment you might need for your solo ski trip.

Be prepared for whatever your solo adventure might throw at you so you don’t have to make a shuttle run to the car to get that extra layer.

Wear your avalanche beacon and pack if there’s a chance you’ll go outside boundary gates; stash a balaclava in your pocket if the weather is calling for high winds at the summit.

This mountain may be very different from what you’re used to at home; gear up accordingly.

4. Make friends…

…especially if you’re solo ski trippin’ to experience a new mountain town culture and big mountain lines.

Talk with people on the chairlift or at the bar; if your ski ability levels are comparable, ask to take a lap together.

This is how connections are made, and it could be the thing that makes your trip.

5. Be flexible with ski trip plans.

One way to craft your solo ski trip is to show up with no plans and just see where things go; another way is to fine tune every detail of what to ski, where to eat, and what to do for nightlife.

I recommend something in between. Look into a few places you definitely want to ski, and make time for exploring events around town.

But if you meet someone in the tram line who tells you about an après yoga class you can’t miss or a rooftop hot tub party with slopeside views of fireworks that night, allow some flexibility to change your plans.

6. Have fun and be safe.

Go it alone because that’s where the adventure lies.

Make friends if you want, or lay low if that’s your forte.

The most important thing is to just go.

*This post was made possible by Snowpak.com 

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How to Plan a Solo Ski or Snowboard Trip

When you’re in the air you’re on your own anyway. Photo: Eagle Pass Heliski

Ski and snowboard travel has never been easier, and the media constantly bombards us with exciting new destinations and adventures all over the world. We all have ever-growing bucket lists of places we’d like to visit, couloirs we want to shred, powder we want to ride, and peaks we want to climb.

The problem with such variety is deciding where to go each season becomes increasingly harder. We all have our own aspirations and goals, which often don’t match up with our friends, family and usual ski or snowboard partners. Perhaps you want to go heliskiing in the Himalayas, while your friends just want to go back to France. Maybe you want to ski Japan’s legendary powder , but your family aren’t up to freeriding and want to go somewhere with lots of sunny piste skiing. Or maybe you want to climb and ski couloirs to the sea in Norway’s Lofoten, but your mates flatly refuse to walk uphill when there are perfectly good chairlifts in the Alps. Been contemplating a South America trip , but everyone you know thinks summer is for beach holidays?

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept that if you really REALLY want to go somewhere, you might have to do it alone. I’ve been there too: after years of watching dreamy Japan videos, in 2014 I finally decided that I’d waited long enough and HAD to go there ASAP. I’d been saving some money for a big trip, but none of my friends had, so in January I jetted off to Hokkaido for a month by myself. It’s still one of the best trips I’ve ever done, particularly as with only myself to please, I could do it just the way I wanted to. I wouldn’t change a single thing about that trip.

The author skiing in Japan, photo ©Hayden Buck (haydenbuck.com)

Solo skiing is a controversial topic. Some love it; some hate it. Being alone in the mountains and relying on no one but yourself to stay safe is an incredible experience – the solitude, and the humbling experience of being a very small thing amongst such huge chunks of rock and ice can really deeply affect how you think and act. However it’s one thing going out alone in your familiar home mountains, where you intimately know the terrain, snowpack, and emergency rescue procedures, and quite another to throw yourself in at the deep somewhere halfway around the world. Aside from the safety concerns, sometimes things are just more fun with friends! Friendly banter helps deal with any nerves before dropping in, and a powder day is infinitely better if you can celebrate it with a few gloating beers in the bar with your buddies after! Plus, if you’re alone, who’s going to take that rad powder photo of you for your new Facebook profile pic?

Luckily you’re not the only one in the same predicament. Solo trips are becoming more and more popular, better catered for, and easier to plan. If there’s somewhere you really want to ski or board but you can’t convince anyone to join you, now’s the time to think about going it alone. The experts at  LUEX Snow Travel  have the following tips to help you plan a solo freeride ski or snowboard trip.

Being stuck out in the sticks in Japan isn’t always a bad thing, Photo: Matt Clark

Accomodation

Accommodation is one of the harder aspects of solo trips: many establishments charge extra supplements for single room occupancy. However, where you stay is your single biggest opportunity to meet new people to ride with, so it’s more important to find the right place than try to save money and end up isolated in the middle of nowhere.

Lodges like   Black Diamond Lodge in Japan  are the ideal set up. It’s well known and popular within the more dedicated freeride ski and snowboard circles, so the vast majority of people who stay there are there to ride powder above all else, usually to a high standard; everyone there has a diehard love of snow in common, and it’s easy to find solid partners to ski with each day.

The mix of private rooms and dormitory-style bunk rooms mean you can choose between the extra privacy, or avoid the single supplements and make the most of the social side in the dorms. The onsite bar and big group breakfast provide further opportunities to socialise and meet new people to ride with.

Taxi Kashmir style, photo ©Matt Clark

On the ground travel is the next big problem for the solo skier or boarder. On international flights it doesn’t make much difference whether you’re on your own or in a group, but transfers can get a lot more expensive once you’ve touched down! In a group you can keep taxi costs down by splitting the price between you, but you when you’re alone you’ll have to pay full whack. In some of the more  exotic and far flung destinations  like Kashmir this isn’t too much of an issue, as prices are generally so far below Western levels that a taxi or private transfer is still very affordable.

However, the issue is compounded if you want to travel around a lot while on your trip, for example between different resorts or ski areas. In places like Hokkaido, which is relatively compact and has an excellent and reliable rail network, it’s easy and affordable to get around on public transport as long as you plan ahead a bit and leave some wiggle room in your itinerary (signs aren’t always in English, so you want to double check that you’re getting on the right train!). In bigger or more remote areas like Norway and Canada, the challenge gets more substantial.

Navigating Japanese public transport is all part of the adventure, photo ©Matt Clark

A great way around this is to join an organized tour or road trip. As well as having a ready made bunch of friends and ski buddies, these tours often begin (or can collect you from) international airports or transport hubs, so you can avoid expensive transfers and confusing/impractical public transport while still traveling around your chosen destination to see more sights and get a much deeper feel for it than you would by staying in one place.

For the utmost adventure at the ends of the world these group tours are really the only affordable way to go. At the most extreme end, you can even use a ship as a base to go ski touring in Antarctica!

Instruction & Guiding

Whether you want to improve your skills or just to ride the best secret lines in the given avalanche and snow conditions, by far the best option is to hire a qualified local guide or instructor. Unfortunately this can get very expensive, with guides fees often topping €400 ($450) per day! With no one to split the costs with as a solo traveller, this can make a HUGE difference to the total cost of your trip.

One of the best ways around these costs is to join a   dedicated freeride camp . There are many camps all around the world, for all ability levels from beginner to genuinely expert, almost athlete-level shredders. Camps often tie in guiding/instruction, accommodation and airport transfers, which keeps costs down, and are a great way to meet new, adventurous ski buddies (who may well be interested in joining your big trip next year)!

Other than coaching camps, most heliski and cat ski operators are also excellent at matching small groups, couples and singles into homogenous groups – keeping everyone happy and moving at the same speed and rhythm is essential to making the most of each day. You need to  choose the operator carefully  to match your ideal type of terrain, ski level, budget and preferred group size (larger helicopters normally work out cheaper, but can mean you cover less ground and ski less fresh snow), but they are normally able to coordinate transfers to manage costs, and the remote but sociable lodges are a perfect place to relax and meet new like-minded friends.

Check out LUEX Travel’s article for more specific trip ideas for  solo ski and snowboard travellers .

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On Skiing Alone

Sunset turns above Anchorage.

For a mental reset, often nothing compares to a solo ski tour. Embarking on a solo mission requires self-awareness, a set of rules, and a willingness to follow those rules that at once may be personal but are in place to ensure safe travel. Alex Lee has some thoughts.

It snowed 42 inches at my house last week. On Friday afternoon, I skinned up Peak Two in the Front Range of the Chugach Mountains, just above Anchorage. This local high point is one of my favorite places.

On the mountain’s south side, a short low angle run at tree line sees the most traffic, though an interesting high south face often goes overlooked by those seeking smooth bases or fearing p-tex repairs in the garage. And a run off the peak to the southwest has some of the front range’s finest windboard most of the winter. No matter which run is on the docket, a quick 1800ft with nearly no approach is the only cost. Weekends might be for bigger peaks or longer tours, but the backyard mountains are a respite for the work day.

I rarely plan to go to Peak Two, but I seem to find myself there every week. That itchiness that shows up on Mondays boils over at unknown intervals, with me sneaking away from my desk to dart uphill trying to catch a 3pm sunset, or grabbing a headlamp and mittens when the zoomies need a post-work outlet. I am usually by myself.

On the popular south line, however, I am rarely alone, as Peak Two and neighboring Peak Three offer a common exercise zone for Anchorage skiers. However, in the darkest of winter, low tides of bad snow, or any run that veers from the standard, I usually find myself alone.

Touring up Peak Two…with friends. A day this windy called for company.

Rules of Engagement

Touring alone can elicit strong responses. I love skiing alone, but personally only venture solo under the following conditions:

1. I am in my home range. 2. Either the run obviously avoids any avalanche terrain or other terrain hazards, or the run is one I know well enough to be confident that the risk of avalanche is exceedingly low – It’s impossible to avoid risks in the mountains, but I want the risk of a car accident on the way to the trailhead to be higher than any risks while skiing. 3. Someone knows where I am.

sometimes solo days mean just going for a tour in the woods – pretty great if you ask me.

The Community Weighs In

I checked in with a few friends who I trust to get some other takes on skiing alone, here’s what folks said:

Eric D., aging local crusher : “Solo skiing with low exposure (avalanche, steepness, temps, remoteness) seems acceptable to me. But anything that could be potentially harmful or result in disrupting others’ day is at best a dick move, and at worst life threatening.”

Dave B., Anchorage mountain goat : “I prefer skiing with friends and family, but skiing alone is better than doing anything else alone…The margin for error has to be lower. I got caught and carried while skiing solo last year for the second time (11 years later) and was grateful to ski away with only my mind rattled. Now I’m back to being the conservative guy in the group…”

Roman D., legend : “All the adventure sports have some bit of added reward when solo, but as I’ve aged—and especially since losing my own son on his own solo journey—I’m not so sure that the reward is worth the risk to loved ones who might be left behind should something go awry.”

Eeva L., snow science guru : “Backcountry skiing solo is a daring choice I make only on a rare occasion. There is no safety net if you blow the snowpack assessment or let the desire lead the way into inappropriate terrain. I also weigh the burden of being an avalanche professional. Even if there is a wide understanding that pros and recreationists are both vulnerable to mistakes, and that accidents happen to all types of users, I try very hard to walk the talk of good habits. Skiing solo is far from a good habit. I did ski solo last season when the snow storm produced amazing ski quality in the Chugach front range. I snuck out of the office on a Wednesday morning for a quick lap at the local milk run. I smiled to myself the whole time, getting the pleasant workout on the skin track and face shots on the way down. None of us are immune to temptations.

Taylor B., avalanche instructor, Denali guide, cold weather enthusiast : “I don’t really do it. But I know some people feel they can manage the risks and enjoy it.”

Najeeby Q., coach : “I do ski alone but only in places where I’m really familiar (know snow load zones, terrain traps etc..) and in cell service. Never when it’s super cold. I bike alone all the time, and it seems more risky to me when I think about injury/bears. But where I would personally ski solo is a much smaller set of options…”

Solo tours are obviously a great opportunity for the selfie – the author on a solo lap at Hatcher Pass.

There are days I won’t go up to Peak Two, days I won’t go to certain aspects or elevations, and days I’ll just tour up the short approach and scoot around in the alders. While I often say that I avoid avalanche terrain when skiing alone, the truth is I have seen slides on all of the common Peak Two lines. Some will say never do this, while others push solo skiing far further than I do.

I am risk averse in general, but even more so when alone. I love skiing with friends, but I also love the quiet and space that comes with being alone in the mountains, plus sometimes that itch just needs scratchin’. The common thread I found in talking with others about touring alone boils down to knowing your limits and knowing the terrain.

Anything else you would add?

More WildSnow related to solo skiing. The No-Beacon-Day — Using Terrain to Minimize Avalanche Exposure . On the Importance of Comms When Solo Ski Touring .

Dr. Alex Lee lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Alex is a professor at Alaska Pacific University, teaching philosophy and environmental studies. He also works as a sometimes guide, naturalist, writer, and photographer.

Atomic Backland Carbon: A First Look

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Ski Vacations for Solo Travelers and Singles | 2024 Travel Guide

There’s nothing like breathing in the fresh mountain air as you race down pristine mountain sides, while also meeting like-minded people who turn into lifelong friends. If this sounds like a great winter getaway to you, why not try a solo trip to some of the best ski resorts around the world?

A favorite wintertime activity of many is going on a ski vacation, and some skiers even prefer to do it alone to fully experience the beauty of the outdoors and the rush of adrenaline, while on their own schedule. Solo ski trips can sound really daunting at first to potential solo travelers, but there are plenty of good times to be had and ski buddies to meet! If you’re looking for a winter holiday where you can be active and enjoy the snow, this might be the perfect wintertime vacation idea for you.

Read on to learn all about the best singles ski holiday options, as recommended by our TierOne Travel Consultants :

Solo Ski Trip Tips

Take advantage of the singles lift lines.

Skiing alone means you can skip the long lines for the chairlifts by taking advantage of singles’ lift lines for single skiers, meaning you will be able to ski more in less time! You won’t waste any time being able to quickly get to the front of the line for another ride down the snowy slopes.

Ski At Your Own Pace

When you have children, friends, or a significant other with you, getting on and off the mountain can be difficult. Peer pressure to keep up with the group happens when skiing with friends, even if you’re feeling exhausted. This can result in accidents or injuries if you’re not careful.

When skiing alone, you can choose to stop when your body signals you to or even break to have a quick snack without worrying about your friends having to wait on you. You are given the freedom to come and go as you wish when you are skiing alone. Plus you’ll never have to wait on the rest of your party to continue onto the next slope!

Meet New, Awesome People when Skiing Solo

A great way to meet new people while on a solo ski trip is to talk to people on the chairlift. Then, if your skiing skill level is similar, ask them to go down the trail with you! You never know, you might come across other solo skiers and travel lovers who could become friends for life.

Another great way to meet like-minded skiers is to consider taking group lessons if you aren’t already a seasoned skier. Also consider exploring your ski resort’s social scene; you never know where you might find a new friend with shared interests!

Stay Safe when Skiing Solo

Choose to ski solo in a safe environment, such as skiing within the ski resort’s boundaries. This way, there will always be someone close by, whether it’s a team of dedicated ski experts to give you advice and point you in the right direction, or fellow skiers just to chat with. Also, if you do have a fall or an accident, there will be a team of medical help close by and available.

However, if you’re going off-piste or backcountry skiing, it’s better to skip solo skiing; always do these activities with a group of experienced friends.

Make sure to check the weather before going out, since you might have trouble avoiding obstacles if it’s super bright outside or snowing heavily.

Share your ski plans with your family and friends. This will make it easier for them to notify the appropriate authorities in the event of a potential emergency.

Hydrate often. In contrast to a hot day, we may not recognize when it is getting too cold that we are becoming dehydrated. Drinking enough water is an excellent idea before, during, and after a ski session because skiing is a physical workout.

Grab a Resort Map

Figure out the best ways to get around with a map of your ski resort. They usually come in physical copies, or in digital versions such as a PDF download. If the resort has an app, it will usually have a map included. This is a great way to plan your trip easy and stress-free (and will help you to not get lost!).

Purchase Travel Insurance

While snowboarding and skiing are enjoyable, accidents can and do happen, and even the most minor injury may call for a helicopter evacuation from the top of a mountain. It is so important to make sure your travel insurance is purchased and ready to go, just in case. Some travel insurance providers don’t cover adventure activities, so make sure to check first if skiing/snowboarding is included. Our TierOne Travel Specialists can help you purchase and arrange the right coverage for you.

Book Your Solo Ski Trip In Advance With a TierOne Travel Consultant

Your TierOne Travel Consultant can save you some cash by booking your lift passes, ski lessons, and ski rentals (if you need them) in advance, as they tend to be more expensive when purchasing directly at the resort. Some resorts even require you to have reserved your rentals in advance. So, before you start planning your solo ski adventure, make sure to contact your TierOne Travel Consultant who will help you will all the details, so you can set off on your solo ski adventure without worry.

The Best Ski Resorts for Solo Skiers

Here are some of the best places to travel to for a singles ski vacation:

Club Med’s all-inclusive ski experience offers a hassle-free way to enjoy your preferred snow activities at more than 20 mountain locations throughout the world, such as France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan and China!

At Club Med’s Alpine and Canadian facilities, which are located in some of the top ski resorts in the world, visitors of all ages can enjoy the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes.

For single travelers who want the freedom of independence but also want plenty of chances to socialize with other travelers, Club Med resorts are an amazing option. At Club Med, solo travelers can take advantage of a variety of activities, including sports, relaxing by the pool, fine dining, and well-crafted cocktails.

Club med offers amazing ski vacation packages at a great value. They organize everything so you don’t have to worry about anything, from your arrival to your departure.

Club Med Perks:

• Your ski passes are included
• Enjoy the Resorts’ prime locations at the base of the top ski hills around the world
• Sample delicious regional cuisine
• Take ski lessons from national ski schools
• Participate in more than 30 activities both on and off the slopes

Keep an eye out for when Club Med offers no single supplement on select resorts and dates. 

Quebec Charlevoix

In the Charlevoix Region of Quebec, Club Med’s first mountain resort in North America is situated where the sea and the mountains meet. This is an amazing place for singles ski holidays, especially if you don’t want to travel out of the country!

Even the most experienced skiers will be impressed by the resort’s ski offerings. This Resort is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. Its architecture blends classic and contemporary Canadian design. Solo travelers will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people at ski lessons, in the hot tub, yoga classes, guided hikes, and more!

Currently, Club Med is offering no single supplement, available on select dates, at Quebec Charlevoix!

Whistler Blackcomb

For daring solo travelers, Whistler offers a pleasant and thrilling world of options, whether they like to be active, artistic, or quietly reflective. Whistler is considered the best ski resort in Canada and it is definitely the perfect place for single traveler skiers to experience solo skiing for the first time. It’s also a great place for a short break since this resort is perhaps closer to home for those that live in Western Canada and area.

More than 200 trails, three glaciers, 37 lifts, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connect Whistler and Blackcomb. For skiers and snowboarders at all levels—beginners, intermediate, and experts—both mountains provide a diversity of terrain. Traveling around Whistler is easy, too, because of the village’s pedestrian-only design and free shuttle service. Whistler offers countless dining options, shopping, museums, spa services, and even a movie theatre!

Whistler Blackcomb Resort is located in lovely British Columbia, only 75 miles north of Vancouver. The Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99), a lengthy and winding road with breathtaking views of the Howe Sound and other mountain ranges, is easily reachable by car. It just takes two hours to get there from Vancouver, so it’s simple to fit in a couple of very noteworthy stops at Horseshoe Bay, the community of Squamish, and Tantalus Lookout to soak it all in. Perfect for a memorable solo road trip!

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

One of the top big mountain resorts in the country is Jackson Hole, which is situated in the Teton Mountains close to Yellowstone National Park. Jackson is renowned for having a never-ending variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, including challenging paths for the most daring skiers. Solo travelers will love the variety of this mountain resort.

Enjoy a genuine adventure of the highest caliber, perhaps the best skiing in the United States, enjoyable meals, live music, fantastic shopping, and, of course, a bunch of singles to meet and hang out with.

Jackson Hole is the epitome of a ski town and a standout travel destination for solo skiers! Teton Village is at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and has many adventurous activities for solo travelers like exploring National Parks, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and more!

Lake Tahoe Resorts

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The surrounding high Sierra Nevada mountains are covered in snow during the winter, and are regarded as having some of the best white powder runs in North America!

Other than skiing there are tons of other things to do like trying beers at all the different breweries in the area. Also hiking, ice skating, relaxing at a spa, and more!

Twelve ski resorts are located in the mountains that encircle Lake Tahoe. There is a broad variety of terrain in this mountain range, from rocky double-black diamond routes to gentle and easy beginner hills. The most popular resorts are:

• Squaw Valley
• Heavenly Mountain Resort
• Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

For solo travelers, Tahoe is a massive natural playground that begs to be explored!

Salt Lake City Resorts

Since Salt Lake has four top-notch ski resorts, it is the ideal solo winter vacation for skiers and snowboarders alike. The phrase “Greatest Snow on Earth” is undoubtedly true, and although Utah uses it as its state motto, it refers to the amazing snow that fell at these four ski slopes in Salt Lake City.

Utah’s four most famous ski resorts are:

All of these resorts are great for solo travelers.

In Salt Lake City, there are many enjoyable activities to do on your own or join a group! Take a group trip to do the famous polar plunge: simply cut a hole in an ice-covered lake, and jump in! Go ice fishing, fat tire snow biking, or soak in a thermal hot spring.

In Salt Lake City, there are many enjoyable activities to do on your own. Traveling alone in Salt Lake City is wonderful whether you want to unwind, be active, or take in the scenery.

Chamonix Les Houches

Les Houches is a perfect ski resort for beginners & intermediates with 90% of the trails dedicated just to them. Skiing under the background of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the French Alps…is there anything better?

Come to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley to enjoy some classic slopes to the fullest. Although Chamonix is in France, the closest airport is Geneva airport in Switzerland. Solo travelers who want an authentic European ski adventure will find that Chamonix is a great escape if you want to go far from home. This is also a great chance to solo travel around other European destinations.

Other than skiing, you can plan husky sled rides, go on a Luge Alpine Coaster, go to museums, and discover France’s largest glacier on the Montenvers train to see Mer de Glace.

It is a well-known, iconic location with a name that appeals to every mountain enthusiast and single skier. The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley has a lot to offer, whether you’re trying to test your limits or just unwind. All you have to do is arrive!

You can find everything you need in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley, including lessons, ski hire, and lift passes. You will definitely have a memorable experience on your ski adventures here.

You’re bound to have a great time on your ski adventures, create a memorable experience and meet amazing people.

PLANNING A SOLO OR SINGLES SKI TRIP?

We’ve got your back! When you’re ready to book your next getaway, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents . They have extensive knowledge of all current events in the travel industry and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will get you to your destination as stress-free as possible.

One call; endless experiences!

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

Ready to contact a travel consultant? Please fill out the form below and a Tier One Travel consultant will be in touch!

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Solo Travel Guide

• Guide to Solo Travel
• Guide To Solo Ski Holidays
• Why travel alone?
• 6 concerns of solo skiers
• Find your level
• Online holiday preparation
• Where to ski solo
• Ski Equipment & Clothing
• Beginner snowboarders
• Skiing versus Snowboarding
• Airport Transfers
• Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Ski & Snowboard Hire
• Lift Passes
• Chalets for Groups

Booking & Prices

• Prices 2024-2025
• Social Ambassadors
• Social Media Gallery
• In The Press
• Frequently Asked Questions

Share the mountain. Welcome to The Ski Gathering.

What is The Ski Gathering?

Welcome to The Ski Gathering. Social ski holidays for solo skiers and snowboarders looking to share a chalet with other outgoing individuals. We offer solo ski holidays for people travelling alone or in a social small group. There is no single supplement and 99% of our holidays are adults only. Its company when you want it, freedom when you don't.

• Age groups
• Hotel stays
• Short breaks
• Inexperienced
• Experienced
• Single parents

• Our Classic Solo Holidays
• Solo skiing & snowboarding escapes. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

• Single Parents Week
• Join other single parents, and their kids, to take on the slopes.

• Women-only Beginners
• Social holidays exclusively for women who are new or inexperienced skiers.

• Guided Skiing Week
• Explore the mountains like never before with a fully guided ski holiday.

• Relaxed Pace Ski Week
• Good food, good company, breath-taking views, and fine French wine.

• Over-50s Ski Holidays
• Join other liked minded individuals over 50s and explore the mountains together.

• Under-35s Budget Holidays
• Take to the slopes, or just sit back and enjoy some much-needed Après Ski.

• Just Ski Package

• Join other beginners and improvers skiers on our beginners ski holidays.

• Focus on the slopes and the après ski, without having to worry about your wallet.

• Book an early flight — you could be skiing by lunchtime.

• Hotel Heitzmann
• Zell am See (Austria)
• Stunning roof top bar, and friendly staff.

• Sporthotel Panorama
• Corvara (Italy)
• Piste-side location, and wellness facilities.

• Hotel Du Bois
• Chamonix (France)
• At the start of the Chamonix Valley.

• Chery des Meuniers
• Morzine (France)

• Les Suites de l'Alpe
• Les Gets (France)

• Chalet Panda
• Courchevel - La Tania (France)

• Chalet Les Loups
• Meribel (France)

• Chalet Negritelles

• Chalet des Pistes

This is not a dating holiday

Everyone is welcome. Couples, singles, solos...

Meet like-minded people

Share a chalet with other sociable skiers

Bring a friend with you

Travel alone or in a small group. It's up to you

No Single Supplement

We will never charge you extra for travelling alone

The Ski Gathering is the first-choice destination for solo and single ski holidays. If you're looking to go skiing independently this winter, but prefer not to be on your own, you've come to the right place.

Share the experience Holidays by group type

• Ski weekends and breaks
• Women-Only Beginner's Week

Share the mountain Holidays by skiing interests

• Guided ski holidays
• Off-piste ski holidays
• Ski Fanatics short breaks
• Holidays for intermediates
• Relaxed Pace Skiing Week

Our Resorts

We run solo ski holidays in the following resorts, we also run our specialist skiing holidays and solo snowboarding holidays. Selecting our singles ski vacation means company when you want it and freedom when you don't. Please choose a resort from the list below.

Morzine France

Corvara Italy

Courchevel - La Tania France

Zell Am See Austria

Chamonix Les Houches France

Les Gets France

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In the newspapers

"Not everyone was single (it's not a dating holiday) and more than half of the guests had travelled with The Ski Gathering before, always a good sign."

The Ski Gathering

The Ski Gathering is a collection of independent chalet companies based across the Alps. After looking after solo skiers for years, we decided to group together and create The Ski Gathering – a specialist ski company dedicated uniquely to the needs of independent skiers and boarders. Our aim: to create unforgettable ski adventures for sociable, independent travellers who share our love of the mountains. Welcome aboard.

• Our ski holidays
• Dates & prices
• Guide to solo ski holidays

Company Info

© Copyright 2016-2024 The Ski Gathering. All Rights Reserved.

Summer – Aspen/Snowmass Adventure Sports Trip

Aspen/snowmass – week 1: season opener.

• Aspen Singles Week 2 – High Season Skiing!

Jackson Hole: Week One

Jackson hole: week two, steamboat colorado: back for 2025, whistler blackcomb: back for 2025, lake tahoe 3 resorts: heavenly – kirkwood – northstar, park city utah, testimonials.

SKI VACATIONS FOR SINGLES / SOLO TRAVELERS – 2025

Aspen/Snowmass – Week 2: High Season Skiing!

Check us out in the Lake Tahoe Tribune!

Check us out in the Aspen Times!

Ski Vacations for Singles / Solo Travelers

Join us this winter on one of our truly unique ski vacations for singles and solo travelers. Our ski vacations are organized and hosted with the single and solo traveler in mind. We arrange all the details starting with the hotel reservation, lift tickets, most meals, happy hours, and roommate matching if desired. Our singles ski vacations are ideal for skiers and boarders at all ages and ability levels from beginner to expert who would rather travel and meet other singles sharing their love of the sport. Each year we visit a selection of the most interesting and diverse ski resorts offering our guests a real choice of where they would like to vacation. The days of having to convince your friends to go on a ski vacation, search destinations for the right mix of slopes & town or figure out where to go each day or where to dine each evening are over! Let us handle all the details so you can focus on the fun.

We offer a great variety of ski destinations including Aspen Mts,Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole, Whistler, Park City and many more! Our inexpensive, all inclusive ski and snowboard board vacations are ideal for budget conscious singles and solo travelers seeking the most for their money. Our mission is to bring you new mountains, new friends and a week you won’t forget.

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Singles Travel Services recommends that all travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect themselves and their trip investment. Travel protection plans can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more.

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• Tips and Trips for Solo Freeride Ski and Snowboard Travellers

Sometimes you just can't persuade your mates to join you on your dream ski or snowboard trip – and that's when you just have to bite the bullet and go solo! Here are our top tips and trips for solo ski and snowboard travelers.

Filter through the options to find your perfect fit

Ski and snowboard travel has never been more accessible, and the media constantly bombards us with exciting new destinations and adventures all over the world. We all have ever-growing bucket lists of places we'd like to visit, couloirs we want to shred, powder we want to ride, and peaks we want to climb.

But the problem with such variety is deciding where to go each season becomes increasingly harder. We all have our own aspirations and goals, which often don't match up with our friends, family, and usual ski/board partners.

Perhaps you want to go heliskiing in the Himalayas, while your friends just want to go back to France. Maybe you want to ski Japan's legendary powder, but your family isn't up to freeriding and want to go somewhere with lots of sunny piste skiing. Or maybe you want to climb and ski couloirs to the sea in Norway's Lofoten, but your mates flatly refuse to walk uphill when there are perfectly good chairlifts in the Alps.

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept that if you really REALLY want to go somewhere, you might have to do it alone.

What’s so special about solo skiing?

Solo skiing is a controversial topic. Some love it; some hate it. Being alone in the mountains and relying on no one but yourself to stay safe is an incredible experience. The solitude and the humbling experience of being a tiny thing amongst such vast chunks of rock and ice can really deeply affect how you think and act.

However, it's one thing going out alone in your familiar home mountains, where you intimately know the terrain, snowpack, and emergency rescue procedures, and quite another to throw yourself in at the deep somewhere halfway around the world.

Aside from the safety concerns, sometimes things are just more fun with friends! Friendly banter helps deal with any nerves before dropping in, and a powder day is infinitely better if you can celebrate it with a few gloating beers in the bar with your buddies after! Plus, if you're alone, who's going to take that rad powder photo of you for your new Tinder profile pic?

Luckily you're not the only one in the same predicament. Solo trips are becoming more and more popular, better catered for, and easier to plan. If there's somewhere you really want to ski or board, but you can't convince anyone to join you, now's the time to think about doing it solo. After all, they say life only really begins outside your comfort zone…

Find Solo Trips here

Find the best trips suited for traveling and riding alone.

You can ski or ride fresh untracked powder in the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the world with a heli ski trip!

Fresh, untouched powder and endless backcountry skiing and snowboarding awaits you.

How to ski or snowboard on your own - Top 3 Tips

1. get the accommodation right.

Accommodation is one of the harder aspects of solo trips; many establishments charge extra supplements for single room occupancy. However, where you stay is your single biggest opportunity to meet new people to ride with, so it's more important to find the right place than try to save money and end up isolated in the middle of nowhere.

Lodges are the ideal set up. It's well known and popular within the more dedicated freeride ski and snowboard circles, so the vast majority of people who stay there are there to ride powder above all else. Everyone there has a die-hard love of snow, and it's easy to find solid partners to ski with each day.

The mix of private rooms and dormitory-style bunk rooms means you can choose between the extra privacy, or avoid the extra charge and make the most of the social side in the dorms. The onsite bar and big group breakfast provide further opportunities to socialise and meet new people to ride with.

2. Travel on public transport or share a taxi

On the ground travel is the next big problem for the solo skier or boarder. On international flights, it doesn't make much difference whether you're on your own or in a group, but transfers can get a lot more expensive once you've touched down!

Related Article: The Ultimate List of Airline Ski and Snowboard Baggage Fees

In a group, you can keep taxi costs down by splitting the price between a handful of people, but when you're alone, you'll have to pay full whack. In some of the more exotic and far-flung destinations like Kashmir, this isn't too much of an issue, as prices are generally well below Western levels, so that a taxi or private transfer is still very affordable.

The issue is compounded if you want to travel around a lot while on your trip, for example, between different resorts or ski areas like Hokkaido, which is relatively compact and has an excellent and reliable rail network.

It's easy and affordable to get around on public transport as long as you plan ahead a bit and leave some wiggle room in your itinerary (signs aren't always in English, so you want to double-check that you're getting on the right train!). But in bigger or more remote areas like Norway and Canada, public transport isn't really a reliable option.

A great way around this is to join an organised tour or road trip. As well as having a ready-made bunch of friends and ski buddies, these tours often begin (or can collect you from) international airports or transport hubs, so you can avoid expensive transfers and confusing/impractical public transport. For the utmost adventure at the ends of the world, these group tours are really the only affordable way to go.

3. Things to know about Instruction and Guiding

Whether you want to improve your skills or just to ride the best secret lines in the given avalanche and snow conditions, by far, the best option is to hire a qualified local guide or instructor.

Unfortunately, this can get very expensive, with guide fees often topping €400 per day! With no one to split the costs with as a solo traveller, this can make a HUGE difference to the total cost of your trip.

One of the best ways around these costs is to join a dedicated freeride camp. There are many camps all around the world, for all ability levels from beginner to expert to almost athlete-level shredders.

Camps often tie in guiding/instruction, accommodation and airport transfers, which keeps costs down, and are a great way to meet new, adventurous ski buddies (who may well be interested in joining your big trip next year)!

Other than coaching camps, most heliski and cat ski operators are excellent at matching small groups, couples, and singles into homogenous groups – keeping everyone happy and moving at the same speed and rhythm is essential to making the most of each day.

You need to choose the operator carefully to match your ideal type of terrain, ski level, budget and preferred group size (larger helicopters usually work out cheaper, but can mean you cover less ground and ski less fresh snow). Still, they are generally able to coordinate transfers to manage costs, and the remote but sociable lodges are a perfect place to relax and meet new like-minded friends.

LUEX Top Trips for Solo Travellers

Black diamond lodge and tours, japan.

Black Diamond Lodge and Tours is the ultimate choice for true powder addicts and ski bums who want to experience the real Japan and its legendary powder! The lodge itself is not fancy, and rather quite basic and hostel-style, though full of charm.

It's a hub for an eclectic bunch of passionate riders from all over the world, and the atmosphere is extremely open, friendly, and welcoming.

They run several different tours and road trips around Hokkaido, which means you can chase storms around the island, exploring the best resorts in the best snow conditions.

Trips generally finish either in Sapporo (a crazy city which is well worth a visit) from where you can fly home, or back at the Lodge in Niseko, so it's easy to coordinate your onward travel plans.

Skiers Lodge La Grave, France

The Skiers Lodge in La Grave knows what a 21st-century skier really wants, and they deliver. Offering world-class guiding in small groups, great chemistry between lodge guests and guides, plus cozy boutique-style accommodation with gourmet food, Skiers Lodge La Grave has everything you could ask for.

The lodge is perfectly located, just 3 minutes walk from the lift, and next to the attached K2 Bar (often hosts live music) – the ideal place to meet new friends.

La Grave boasts the biggest lift-accessed backcountry in the world, with vertical descents of over 2000 vertical meters. The terrain features steep chutes, 50-degree pitches, cliffs, and crevasses.

With all that said, this trip is not for the fainthearted: the steep slopes and dramatic drops mean this trip is for advanced and expert riders only. You don't have to get too extreme, and many clients take it rather relaxed, but you should be ready to tackle full-on high alpine terrain.

Northern Escape Heli and Cat Skiing, Canada

Many heli operators provide a decent set up with cozy lodges, small groups, big terrain, and plenty of snow, but Northern Escape Heliskiing offers all of the above and at the very best quality.

What really separates the wheat from the chaff is a well functioning and reliable team behind the scenes. The logistics behind a heliski operator are incredibly complicated – it's a lot of effort to coordinate all skiers, pilots, helicopters, fuel, etc. With Northern Escape and their well-trained team, you get the best experience in all respects: the 'machine' is state-of-the-art and the guides among the best.

Returning to the wooden log-style chalets is very special at Northern Escape. You'll be treated to yummy tapas, with cold beer and wine, before relaxing with your new ski buddies in the hot tub.

The lodging is a very important part of the whole experience, and the incredibly welcoming owners John and Jody (plus their daughter Mikaela) will make you feel truly at home. They definitely have a talent for creating a warm and joyful atmosphere: good times – with interesting people from all over the world!

Plus, no down days at Northern Escape! When it snows too heavily for the helicopters to fly, the snowcats whisk you up the goods and more than your fair share of deep stormy powder.

Aurora Arktika, Iceland

Immerse yourself in the wild and beautiful landscapes of Iceland on a one-of-a-kind sailing and skiing trip. In the Hornstandir Nature Reserve, in the West Fjords of Iceland (just a few miles from the Arctic Circle), you can leave the world behind, spending your days skiing the snowy peaks and your nights resting at sea on the 'expedition yacht' AURORA Arktika.

On the Iceland Sailboat Skiing trip, you'll anchor each night in a different spot, traveling around the fjords finding the best powder. Each day you can look forward to 6 to 8 hours of skiing or snowboarding, but whenever you're ready to rest, your boat will be waiting at the bottom of the hill. The boat sleeps 10 guests in comfortable bunks, and you'll enjoy communal gourmet meals aboard with the rest of the group.

SASS Camps Bariloche, Argentina

SASS Camps are located in the beautiful lakeside ski town of Bariloche. At these fantastic, all-inclusive camps, you will have the time of your life perfecting your skills and enjoying the best of Argentina. SASS prides itself in offering the best of everything, from the coaches and guests to the accommodation and hospitality.

The incredible Patagonian terrain you will ski or ride during your trip covers over 1,500 acres, including epic backcountry. You'll be awestruck with the amazing vistas over snowcapped peaks and abundant lakes at the massive Cerro Catedral Resort – one of the best resorts in South America, with an incredible variety of terrain from steeps to trees.

Young-minded riders will particularly love the SASS camps because you can shred as much as you want during the days, then enjoy Bariloche's epic nightlife in the evenings. Riders come from all over the world to enjoy the company of other young people looking for the times of their lives.

Overview of our favorites

Black Diamond Tours is your choice if you are looking for the real powder experience in Hokkaido/Japan. The guides work professional. Ja Pow!

Experience the thrill of real adventure on this ski expedition to the world’s southernmost continent: Antarctica.

Experience the steep backcountry slopes and dramatic drops at legendary La Grave just 3 minutes from the lifts with the Skier’s Lodge La Grave!

Searching for a bar-raiser heli operator? This is it: Plenty of snow - check. Small groups - check. Great terrain - check.

Sailing, skiing, and exploring the fjords of Iceland; the Iceland Sailboat Skiing trip is the adventure of a lifetime!

Epic snow and amazing culture combine to make the perfect skiing or snowboarding vacation in Bariloche, Argentina with a SASS Camp!

• Snow Inspiration

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0330 102 8004 or Make an enquiry

Ski Holidays for Single Skiers

Go skiing alone but not on your own.

Everyone loves a ski holiday and sometimes skiing on your own can be a whole new experience. At Skiworld, we pride ourselves on being an open, friendly and most of all fun-loving company that is 100% Made in the Mountains. The difference with us is that every single one of us is obsessed with all things snow! And we find that this gives us something in common with all our staff and all of our guests. So even if you are travelling on your own, you will never feel left out when the conversation turns to ski!

Get Involved on Your Solo Ski Holiday

Staying in a shared catered ski chalet  can be a great way to ski as a single traveller; the dinner party atmosphere and like-minded conversation means that you can get as involved as you want to on your solo ski holiday. We often hear tales of chalet guests who have got on so well together (having never met each other before), that they re-book chalets together for years to come!

Getting Good Value on a Solo Ski Holiday

It is true that finding single accommodation in a ski resort is not always the easiest, but us friendly folks at Skiworld also have some tricks to help make this easier as well. If you prefer a little more space our empty bed supplements are reasonably priced, especially on Late Availability holidays .

If you'd like to discuss a solo or single-traveler ski holiday, you can get in touch with us easily...

Call a Ski Specialist > Send Email Enquiry >

We also offer a number of special interest holidays over the course of the season, perfect for meeting like-minded fellow skiers and trying out a new experience at the same time.  Sign Up to Our Offers Alert  for more details!

Good for Singles

To help you plan your single ski holiday more easily, we have put together the following list of properties that are good for singles. Or feel free to give our Sales Team a call and have a chat about what you are looking for - they are always happy to talk ski!

• Accommodation

Sat 4th Jan 2025

• Explore About Us The Portillo experience About Us Lake of the Inca Our Team What people say about us Gallery Portillo Blog Stories Plan When to visit Getting Here Ski lodging options Dining Options Tips for your trip Amenities & Services Activities and events Portillo Ski Resort Guides Guide for Singles Portillo Family Guide Guide for older skiers Guide for couples Guide for day skiers See all resort guides
• Our mountains Our mountains Portillo Ski Experiences Trail Map Skiable terrain Climate and Conditions Ski rental Heliski Mountain Services Portillo Ski Experiences Ski in the Andes Ski for Beginners Intermediate skiers Advanced Skiers Back-country skiing World cup skiers in Portillo
• Lodging Hotel Portillo Octogon Lodge Chalets Inca Lodge CHECK IN
• Ski school Private Lessons Group Lessons Guided Skiing Adaptive Skiing Ski Camps Ski Instructors
• Rates & Offers Ski Week Mini week Transportation Special Weeks
• Day skiing at Portillo

• Resort Guide for Singles
• About Portillo
• Portillo experience
• Plan your visit
• Ski Resort Guides
• Activities & events
• Portillo Blog Stories
• Family ski trip Guide
• Couples Ski Guide
• Older Skiers Guide
• Guide day skiing

Solo travelers will love a singles ski trip to Portillo

Portillo is a melting pot of like-minded people, coming together for their love of the outdoors and skiing. Once here, you become part of something special, a social scene where new friends are easily made. Whether on the slopes, at the bar, on the deck at Tio Bob’s, or in the pool, every day is filled with fun, making this a truely unique singles ski trip at one of the best ski resorts for singles.

Single Skiers

Year after year, groups of singles and solo travelers walk through the door of Hotel Portillo and are instantly welcomed by our staff, as well as a multitude of other guests checking-in for the week. Little do they know, they quickly all become acquainted and some become friends for life. The Portillo experience is a special one and an ideal setting for a singles ski trip. Singles will meet other friends and potentially, life partners. Through the years, we have heard of many Portillo “Love Stories” that originated on our chairlifts, hot tub or after a night of dancing. Days at Portillo are never spent alone. Throughout your stay, new friends are met, runs are shared, and meals enjoyed with new company. We often see groups of friends return to Portillo together after having met on their previous visits. Ski Portillo really is a great ski destination for single skiers.

When to Visit?

Getting here, lodging options on your singles ski trip, where to eat, where to ski, ski school options, equipment rental, activities at portillo.

2024 season dates: June 22 - September 28

Whakapapa, Tūroa reveal 2024 season pass prices as skifields go it alone

Thomas Bywater

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The Ruapehu skifields at Whakapapa and Tūroa are going their separate ways this season, issuing their own individual passes. Photo / Mt Ruapehu

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) and Pure Tūroa Limited (PTL) have unveiled how 2024 ski passes will work, now both sides of the mountain have gone it alone.

With lower-mountain passes and long-term three-season memberships, both fields are experimenting with different pass types and rates to see if they can make the 2024 season work.

A full adult season pass for 2024 at either Whakapapa or Tūroa will cost $649, a slight increase on the previous season. However, with separate operators this season with their own individual passes, a season pass comes with half the skiing of previous years.

This also represents the first price increase in two years, when a RAL anytime season pass was frozen at $599 during the receivership process.

However, both RAL and PTL have been looking at ways to attract skiers back following the financial problems encountered by the North Island ski slopes.

Included in this season’s Tūroa and Whakapapa season passes will be two days’ guest passes at each others’ slopes.

Both operators have been looking at added incentives to justify the price of separate season passes.

Whakapapa woos new skiers with lower-slope and kids’ passes

Whakapapa, whose season passes go on sale today, has looked further afield for added value. RAL has looked to a partnership with the Powder Alliance to provide three days’ complimentary skiing at partner resorts in Canada and the US.

While this is likely to appeal to only a few more adventurous snowsports fans, there are also local incentives for Whakapapa season pass holders. This includes buddy passes for money off friends’ day passes and half-price skiing at the Auckland Snowplanet indoor ski centre.

Free passes at Whakapapa for children under 10 would also greatly increase its appeal for families, says Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue.

“As we kick off 2024, we are looking back to that legacy with a high focus on growing the sport into the future, so we are putting our priority with our future guests by offering free season passes to kids under 10,” he said.

There is a focus on getting a new generation on skis with a return of youth Alpine ski competitions like the North Island Primary School Ski Champs (NIPS) being held for the first time since 2019.

For beginners wanting to give snowsports a go, the ski field is also offering lower-mountain adult passes at roughly half the price of an all-mountain pass.

“We are pleased that we have partnered with Tūroa on two free days reciprocal with a purchase from either side,” Donoghue told the Herald.

While they did not expect as many people to splash out on season passes for both sides of the mountain, he said this season offered “fantastic value” with the guest passes and reciprocal agreement with Tūroa. There would also be day passes to suit locals and inbound tourists.

“We’ve been at this price point before, the key difference this year being that we are now operating as two independent ski areas, together focusing on the future of North Island snow sports.”

Whakapapa season passes are on sale from today until May 15.

On the other side of Ruapehu, PTL says its season passes will go on sale from Thursday, April 18.

Pure Tūroa offers three-year pass for RAL Life pass holders

The new operators out of Ohakune say they are excited to have finally completed their 18-month takeover bid for the former RAL skifield.

“We’ve been focused on getting ready for the 2024 season since the skifield closed last season. We’re primed to deliver an awesome season, and now we’re excited to be able to focus solely on that,” said Cameron Robertson, co-director of PTL.

PTL said they will also be releasing local rates passes and day passes soon. Children 5 and under and seniors 75 and over will be eligible to ski for free in the 2024 season.

One type of ski pass that will not return is the Life Pass - a lifetime shareholder class that was issued by previous skifield operators RAL.

Despite having thousands of special lifetime pass holders on the books, the new operator said it was not commercially viable to return to the Life Pass programme

“For a commercial company, we don’t see it as sensible to effectively sell your future revenue at a very discounted price for a short-term gain.”

Tūroa will, however, be offering extended three-year passes for existing RAL Life Pass Holders for $999 - lasting until the end of the 2026 season.

At Whakapapa RAL is offering current Life Pass holders a 30 per cent discount applied to their 2024 Season Pass purchase, but will need to buy new season passes going forward.

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