If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been assigned the role of Chief Holiday Planner. Pretty awesome, but remember with great power comes great responsibility.
There’s a lot you need to consider when planning a group snowboarding trip. And with such a fine line between gnarly and g-nasty, it’s important you give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
So as we slide into snowboarding season, we thought we’d give you some guidance on how to plan your trip.
Getting everyone on-board
Don’t be surprised when your location shortlist ends up, well, not so short. The trick is keeping your options to a minimum. Asking your friends vote on 10+ resorts will get tiresome, so try and keep it to 2-4 destinations.
Before you take the plunge, make sure you know you’re looking for…
- What’s your average budget?
- What’s your experience level?
- How many hours do you want to spend on the slopes?
- How far do you want to travel?
- What alternative activities are you’re looking for?
Regions such as Austria’s St. Anton are perfect for freeriders. However, beginners might find resorts like this a bit beyond their limit and a little rough around the edges.
Before you go any further, make sure you have an answer to each of those questions. This will help to narrow down your research and give you clear direction when you hit the tour operator sites.
Choose your season
It doesn’t really matter what time of year you want to hit the slopes, but it’s important to do your research to make sure you catch the right season. When do you want to go?
Europe, North America and mountainous regions of Asia, such as Japan, are staple northern-hemisphere destinations for snowboarders the world over. Peak season comes early in the year for both, however you should be able to find healthy snowfall anytime between December and early-April.
Looking for an alternative? Snowboarders tend to flock to South America between June and October, which is South America’s official season. We recommend going right down the middle for peak conditions. Heading over to snowboard hotpots like Chile between July and September to enjoy them in all their glory.
If your heart is set on Europe in summer, Finland is your wildcard. Some areas of Finland still experience arctic temperatures until June, so you’ll easily get away with a snowboarding holiday in the middle of the year.
Be money savvy
Let’s be honest, booking a group snowboarding trip was never going to be cheap. But that are certain things you can do to save you some money along the way…
- Don’t rule out a late-season holiday. Not only can you find a bargain either side of peak season, the slopes will also be quieter.
- Keep an eye out for group deals. Many tour operators offer discount deals for moments just like this.
- Rent gear when you get there. Regular boarders will invest boards, boots and apparel are great. But if it’s your first trip don’t feel like you have to do the same
What about après?
Is the atmosphere of the après just as important to you as the slopes themselves?
If you’re after a snowboarding trip with some edge, why not tie your trip in with a winter sports festival? Events such as Snowboxx and Air + Style usually offer full package trips including flights, accommodation, festival tickets and added extras if you fancy going all out.
The golden rule…
Have fun with it!
Don’t let the planning your trip become a chore. Make it an inclusive process so that all your group are happy with the trip you organise, and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Looking for a little boarding inspiration? Read: 10 must-follow snowboarders on Instagram.
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