Where Do Ski Experts Love to Ski? 5 Questions With Our Snow Holiday Experts

What do snow holiday experts actually look for in a ski holiday, and where do they love to ski? We put five questions to three of Travel & Co’s snow holiday experts, Claire, Amy and Kate, to find out.

Their answers cover perfect ski days, the travel hacks they swear by, what clients are asking for this season and the resorts they’d go back to in a heartbeat, from Aspen Snowmass and Palisades Tahoe in the USA to SilverStar and Sun Peaks in Canada and Niseko and Furano in Japan.

What are you most excited about this season?
Claire: “My trip to Europe and checking out some of the best resorts Switzerland and Austria have to offer.”

Walk us through your perfect ski day, first chair to last drink.
Claire: “A hearty breakfast, followed by a few stretches and a look out the window to check out the lift line. A few warm-up runs, then it’s time to find the fun stuff! Finish the afternoon with a mulled wine before heading to the hot tub.”

What’s the biggest ski travel hack or insider tip you swear by?
Claire: “Always take your ski or snowboard boots with you. They can make or break your holiday!”

What are clients looking for more of this season, and what are you recommending as a result?
Claire: “Clients heading to Japan are increasingly looking to combine skiing with cultural experiences. I always suggest adding Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, for its incredible culture and history. Hiroshima is another great option, whether you want to visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome or head to Miyajima to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine.”

Of the destinations you’ve travelled to recently, what are a few of your top picks you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why?
Claire: “Aspen Snowmass: A must for anyone considering skiing in America. From the ski-in/ ski-out accommodation at Snowmass and the understated glamour of Aspen to the uncrowded cruisy terrain at Buttermilk and fantastic ski school, it really ticks all the boxes.”

Claire: “SilverStar: The perfect family destination, with the majority of accommodation being ski-in/ ski-out, so there’s no need to lug the kids’ ski gear around! The mountain is ideal for all abilities, with long green runs for beginners and cruisy blues for intermediates. With a green, blue and black run off every chairlift, families with different abilities can still ski together all day. The small, safe village is another bonus, especially for families with older kids and teens.”

Walk us through your perfect ski day, first chair to last drink.
Kate: “I’d get up early and hit the slopes, getting in as many runs as possible before my legs start giving up. Then a lazy lunch, a few more afternoon laps, followed by food, drinks and exploring the village in the evening.”

What’s the biggest ski travel hack or insider tip you swear by?
Kate: “In Japan, it has to be making the most of the luggage forwarding service for my ski gear and bags, then planning my itinerary around being able to use that, along with the Shinkansen. It makes travelling around so much easier, quicker and more comfortable!”

What are clients looking for more of this season, and what are you recommending as a result?
Kate: “It would have to be experiences. I did an amazing dog-sledding trip in Banff this year, so that’s definitely high on my recommendations. Cat skiing would be up there too — there are some great operators in both Japan and Canada. It’s such an incredible day, especially for anyone who loves the idea of endless fresh runs and untracked powder!”

Of the destinations you’ve travelled to recently, what are a few of your top picks you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why?

Kate: “Niseko — it’s relatively big by Japanese standards, with some excellent sidecountry, as well as a handful of other resorts all within an hour. I’d definitely recommend using Niseko as a base and ticking off some of the other resorts in the area too.”

Kate: “Palisades Tahoe —  with two mountains, 6,000 acres of terrain, deep Sierra snow and incredible Lake Tahoe views, there’s so much to explore. I’d base yourself at The Village at Palisades, right by the Funitel, and spend your days chasing everything from groomers and tree runs to hidden powder pockets and Silverado when the snow delivers. The demo rental gear is amazing too, and off the mountain there’s great food and après right at the base. If you’re hiring a car, the drive via Truckee is well worth it.”

What are you most excited about this season?
Amy: “Actually getting back on the snow and boarding again. My last trip was in 2020!”

Walk us through your perfect ski day, first chair to last drink.
Amy: “An easy morning with a leisurely breakfast, skipping the first-chair rush and cruising the blues while enjoying the scenery. A hot chocolate stop, a long lunch and maybe an afternoon activity off the slopes, before finishing the day with drinks and nibbles as the sun sets, and thinking about doing it all again tomorrow!”

What’s the biggest ski travel hack or insider tip you swear by?
Amy: “Pre-book the activities and extras you know you don’t want to miss. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re there, and you know you won’t miss out on the popular ones.”

What are clients looking for more of this season, and what are you recommending as a result?
Amy: “Japan is definitely the hot ticket at the moment, so I’m encouraging clients to be flexible with their travel dates and expectations around availability. If January is looking tricky, consider February or March. You can still get great conditions, with quieter slopes too.’

Of the destinations you’ve travelled to, what are a few of your top picks you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why?
Amy: “Sun Peaks: Think fairy lights, snow-capped rooftops and ski-in/ ski-out convenience. It’s everything you could imagine a ski holiday to be, with something for everyone.”

Amy: “Furano: An awesome base for exploring the Hokkaido Powder Belt. You can get your culture and cuisine fix while getting off the beaten track and experiencing the beauty of Northern Japan.

Plan your trip with someone who’s been there

Want advice from an expert who’s skied it? Chat to Claire, Amy, Kate or any of our snow holiday experts on 0800 555 035 or email enquire@travelandco.nz, and we’ll match you with the right resort, room and dates for your next ski holiday.