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Skiing and snowboarding holidays for intermediates

Kayte Williams
(Holidays Expert)

Crystal Ski - Crystal have an online 'Resort Finder' service to show all the resorts suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Thomson Ski - Thomson has a 'Resort finder' section on their home page allowing you to search for resorts suitable for intermediate skiers and boarders.

See more of our recommended companies

Improving your technique

The problem with many intermediate skiers is that they never get beyond the blue and red pistes in the resorts, preferring to scoot around on terrain they know and feel comfortable with. That's all well and good - but nothing in the mountains is more fun than becoming a better skier or snowboarder, and every new skill mastered will deepen your enjoyment of the trip. What's more, if you don't push yourself and improve, you may well find the experience becoming rather stale.

Intermediate skiers should follow an exercise programme in the weeks before they leave, and book themselves into a ski or snowboard school. You may well think you can already ski, but there's a lot of difference between tackling an easy piste and creaming through thigh-deep powder.

What to take with you

You should already have the basics - hat, goggles, thermals and gloves, and maybe your own jacket and trousers too. Now's the time to invest in a helmet and your own ski boots.

The helmet should be obvious. As an intermediate skier, you're picking up speed now, and tackling steeper slopes. A helmet won't save you in a 30mph collision with a tree, but it will make a lot of difference if you fall over and bang your head.

Buying your own boots is just as important. Rental boots are pretty disgusting things anyway - but the real benefit comes from wearing something that fits you properly and gives you proper control over your skis or snowboard. Along with fitness, a good pair of boots will make a huge difference to whether or not you improve.
Invest in a rucksack too - that way you can load up with snacks and water, an extra layer of clothing, in case you get cold, and that all-important sun block.

Safety on the slopes

Don't push yourself too far, too fast. Skiing or snowboarding at speed is half the fun of being on the mountains, but there's a time and a place to let rip. Don't do it on a crowded slope full of beginners, who aren't in control, and may suddenly change direction. Don't do it on steep or icy slopes where stopping will be all but impossible. Don't do it if you can't see what's coming up next, either because of low cloud, a bend or a bump.

Experimenting with new terrain is part and parcel of improving your skiing and snowboarding too. But take it in easy stages. It's better to find a gentle slope with a few small moguls on it rather than launching yourself into a full-blown bump run. And while it's okay to wander off-piste for a few yards to nibble at the powder, going any further can be very dangerous. Just because a slope is within site of a piste, doesn't mean its avalanche-proof.

These days, most resorts publish codes of conduct for mountain users to follow. Check them out and follow the rules.

Ski and winter sports insurance

Don't leave home without it. And don't assume your travel insurance covers skiing or snowboarding if you already have a policy.

Where to go

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on ski holidays