Skiing in Europe: What To Expect

Whether you are traveling to Europe for a ski vacation from Asia, Australia, Canada or the U.S., skiing in Europe is a unique experience. The views are stunning, the local towns are quaint and the act of skiing is very different there than anywhere else in the world. In Europe, skiing is a social experience it is not a race or a competition for who can get the most runs.

To prepare you for your ski vacation to Europe, we wanted to provide a few tips and things you should know before shipping your skis to Europe. What to know before you go:

  • You Can Afford It

    Many people are a little overwhelmed by the thought of skiing in Europe. Travelers assume it’s out of their budget, however, it actually is comparable to any ski vacation you take. For example, American ski packages seem less expensive at first glance, but they also include much less. European ski vacation packages often include air transportation, your hotel room, arrival and departure transfers between the airport and resort, daily breakfast, taxes and gratuities. They do not include the ski lift ticket though. However, ski lift tickets are less expensive in Europe and often give you access to numerous mountains, valleys or regions.

  • Beginners Can Ski in Europe

    You don’t need to be a black diamond expert to take a ski trip to Europe. Along with having some of the best ski instruction courses, Europe has many smaller ski towns that aren’t as widely known and have more trails that are geared towards beginners.

  • Trails are Different

    Trails are much bigger and wider than in the U.S. In America, skiers are used to carving and turning every few feet to avoid hitting trees. In Europe, trails are much wider, longer and more open. They also can wind around the mountain and you may end up somewhere that is not where you started or nowhere near your base camp.

  • Trail Marker Colors are Different

    Trail markers are one foot disks with colors on them. Blue= easy, red= intermediate, black=difficult.

  • The Temperature is Not Much Colder

    Specifically in America, we will ski in the coldest of temperatures. In Europe, don’t expect many people to ski if it drops below freezing. However, even in the coldest month of January, skiers can expect temperatures to be in the 20s or 30s (F) in most parts of Europe.

  • Lift Lines are a Free for All

    This one is pretty self-explanatory. Instead of nice, organized lines, they kind of funnel you towards the chair life and you are expected to push your way to the front. Also, lifts tend to stay open later in Europe and the busiest time is 10 a.m. due to all the ski lessons.

  • Participate in Après Ski

    Après ski is basically the party at the end of the ski day and is often even more popular than skiing itself. At the end of the day, huts change to bars and everyone has a drink. Whether its tea, a shot of alcohol, spiced wine, or rum, each region has their specialty drink. Try them and feel like a local!

  • Ship Skis

    We have been shipping skis for more than ten years. To make your ski vacation easy, ship skis directly to the mountain, your ski chalet, rental home or hotel. Bags are picked up at your home or office and delivered directly to your final destination. You don’t have to haul luggage, heavy gear and skis to the airport. We do all of the hard work for you! Learn more about shipping skis ahead and luggage shipping in general.

To see the most popular ski destinations around the world, read “Best Skiing in the World.”

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