Things to consider for next Winter
The weather
El Nino and La Nina are natural weather patterns affecting the winters in Europe, simply put El Nino warms us up and El Nina cools us down.
El Nino dominated winter of 2024 with warmer air turning snowfall to rain so we were all excited by the return of its opposite sibling El Nina arriving in time for the winter of 2025, cooling us down and turning rain to snow - would this supercharge snowfall and make winter 2025 one to remember ?
Well no - we were not buried in snow and it was not a cold winter either, skiing conditions were good, we did not have many ‘bluebird days’ but had more than our fair share of nice weather, cold weather thermals stayed in the suitcase and visits to the hospital were at a record low so a win win for all.
For the coming winter of 2026 there is another phenomena predicted, ENSO-neutral with neither El Niño nor La Niña dominating. There is the old saying that in the UK we do not have a climate, just a lot of weather - I am beginning to think this applies to winter in Europe so that leads me to the age old question - when should we go skiing ?
The financial bit
Forget weather for a moment, let us consider cost, I remember ( many years ago ) worrying when the cost of a 6 day ski trip by coach to Switzerland went through the £200 barrier, every year since costs have risen but since Covid they have exploded, the traditional half term ski trip becoming unaffordable for many so what are the options, how do we keep costs under control?
OK - let's put the Weather and the Financial bit together
Many quality resorts now have sophisticated snow cannon systems that cover 100% of the ski slopes, it is always cold in December so you will always have snow to ski on in the unlikely event the natural stuff does not arrive in time. Artificial snow is now very good, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between artificial and natural snow. December flights are sensibly priced, ski slopes are not crowded and everyone in resort has a spark as the new season commences - what is not to like?
Thoughts for December skiing
Folgaria
has one of the most powerful snow production facilities in Italy
Tonale
has height and snow cannons
Travelling in term time?
If you can travel in term time take advantage of sensible prices and offer what for many students is the trip of a lifetime that cost wise is relatively affordable, many destinations offer super deals, just avoid the European school holidays.
Thoughts for term time skiing - Italy is your oyster, a plethora of quality 3 star hotels ofering great value.
Sadly many schools do not allow staff / students to miss a single day off school so you are between a rock and a hard place here. Simply getting to resort February half term costs an arm and a leg and you are likely to lose another appendage purchasing your ski pass and paying for lessons and accommodation - sadly this does not leave many appendages left to ski with! Added to this, for next winter some genius decided to hold the winter Olympics over the February half term so a very expensive experience just became even more redicously expensive! For 2026 seriously consider bending the ears of your SLT to take a couple of days off at the end of the Christmas term so a December ski is possible and much more affordable. If this is not an option go at Easter, Easter is early next year - go high and try to avoid a Saturday flight then you have a chance of something special at a price that leaves you with most of your appendages!
Thoughts for Easter skiing
What we offer
The Ski Company has been organising wonderful winter holidays and superb ski trips for over 30 years; school ski trips, group ski holidays, ski trips for friends and families and corporate ski trips.
Why book with us
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ABTA and ATOL members
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Exceptional ski holidays at sensible prices
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Over 30 years of experience organising ski trips
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Online booking platform – we’ve gone paper free!
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Experienced in-resort team to support you throughout your stay
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95% rebooking rate – some of our customers have been travelling with us for 30 years!
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Direct collection of payment
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Packages that include everything – no hidden extras
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Personal ski trip assistant – you’ll never hit a switchboard with us!
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Price promise on our ski trips