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Ski holiday alone?

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I go skiing maybe 3/4 times every year. For a number of reasons, wife new job, brothers wife expecting, friends emigrating, friends skint etc its looking like i won't have anyone to go with after xmas (4 days in Zermatt late december already booked. Has anyone ever been on a si holiday on their own? I'm not sure if I'd be able to do it. I had 3 days in Val D'isere on my own this year when my wife left and before my mates arrived and that wasnt too bad although I went with an off piste guide every day.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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yeah i did it last year, booked a single room in a shared chalet in tignes and ended up riding with a couple of the people staying in the chalet, i think quite often you'll just get swept up into a group if you're in a shared chalet, from my experience anyway
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Sounds like bliss...
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@mk28, yes. Lucky enough to have had many weeks going on my own, in addition to others hols with family and friends. It has always worked out well. I've made several friends who I've skied with in subsequent years.

Mostly I've gone for larger catered chalets and chalethotels. Usually very sociable and good chance of skiing with other guests, if you want. Sometimes I've chosen to ski on my own, going exactly where I want at my pace.

I book these solo getaways very near departure. Got some great deals. Mostly had private room. Occasionally shared twin with another solo traveller.

Never had any problem. Have sometimes thought it would be tricky if I got injured when on my own. I make sure I have good insurance and in France take extra Carre Neige cover with lift pass. Very Happy
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@mk28, book onto the bashes, you won't be alone for long. Loads of people book on as singles and everybody tends to find others of similar speed/ability to ski with every day.
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I went alone sestriere a few year back, I joined a ski school for most of the day but I'm happy skiing piste alone. I found the evenings the hardest/boring part. I stayed in Olympic Village Apartments, not very good for making friends.

I went to chalet hotel (Champoluc - Inghams) last year with another friend, this was great for us becuase they grouped with other small group for breakfast and dinner.

I have 3 trips planned for this season 1 maybe solo but hoping not, if I do end up solo I will look for a small chalet to mingle in the evenings. Probably ski alone but book some skills classes.

dk
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
+1 for the bashes for the single skier , I have been on many ski holidays on my own and none compare to the birthday bash for sociability. I have stayed in small chalets but none of the others skied anywhere near the level that I enjoy. The first ucpa trip was good but the 2nd time I did ucpa , I was the only English guy in the hotel. I am currently trying to find the finance for this seasons wuw and birthday bash which will be my third.
ski holidays
 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Actually, ignore the previous comments, the bashes are terrible, the food is awful and the people are so unfriendly but if there are any places left by the time I have some cash in the bank, I will just have to put up with it. Toofy Grin
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I've done it a few times. Always been a last min' cheap booking as solo gives you the ability to go when you want but does land you with single supplements (though sometimes waved if they're desperate to sell a room). I've been able to hook up with people to ski with most days either by joining tour-op' or SCGB hosting (no longer an option in France) or just tagging along with people met in the hotel/chalet. When I did endup skiing alone it was only for the odd day. You can cover some serious ground alone though, as coffee/lunch stops don't get stretched out and faffing and lift queing time is minimised (especially if there's single skier lines).
The snowHead BASHes are a great alternative though (I'm probably doing 3 this year) if you don't fancy booking a solo trip. Always people to ski and socialise with.
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Many times, no problems, fantastic freedom to do what you want when you want to! Single supplements can be a pain, though, and I've found it much easier to book independently rather than through ops or agencies who seem to have forsaken the single traveller. Not many single hotel rooms in France although chalets do have some single capacity. Easier to book single rooms in Austria and Switzerland through resort websites etc.
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Thanks for the replies. Seems its quite common to get out there alone. Will definitely be checking out the bashes as well looks amazing.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I do one trip on my own every year..... only chance I get to do/go what/where I want to Toofy Grin
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Go for it, total freedom to ski where, when and how you want.

As you mention, you'll need a guide for any serious off-piste action, but then again, you would probably want one even if skiing with others.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
I've been a catered chalet once before with Alpine Elements in Tignes but was with my wife at the time. Its going to be something like that or bashes i think dependent of what dates I can go.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
If you are an off-pister, have a look at the Snoworks backcountry courses. All day off-piste guiding. I'm a big fan when I can't drag a ski buddy with me.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Spent Christmas in La Tania last year on my own, it was fantastic. Went where I wanted, when I wanted. Took lunch or a break to suit and got to spend Christmas Day here:


Mind you as I live on my own I'm quite happy bumbling about, watching telly and reading. I also have incredibly low standards so revelled in having Sizzling Steak Fajita Super Noodles for Christmas dinner....although tbf I did have steak at lunch while looking out over the sunny 3V
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I've done it alone😋 and used the UCPA in France. In Chamonix for example they have off piste courses in groups. I met a load of cool people and the meals are thrown in! You need to be open minded and prepared to sleep in dorms but it works well and is excellent value for money....
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I've done a number of holidays (not just skiing) on my own since my OH died - and did a ski holiday alone before, too, when he had a v bad knee and couldn't ski. It was fine, but I realise it's not for everybody; depends how your mind works, really.

I would either do a ski coaching course, or go on a Snowheads bash - as advised above! Ideal for solo skiers.

I think on the two bashes I've done, the majority of participants were solo.
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Quote:

also have incredibly low standards so revelled in having Sizzling Steak Fajita Super Noodles for Christmas dinner.

Very Happy
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I think its depends on your personality. I like holidaying alone, and going to snowboard on my own is a pleasure. I personally really enjoy the freedom to explore at my own pace, and get lost in my own thoughts.

Am sure its easy enough to make friends, but for me there's nothing like a bit of solitude first thing on the mountain. I am a freelancer and take some work and books with me, so I take the opportunity to run away mid week in the low season, and keep up with stuff I need to do in the eveingings, after a nice meal. I book it all myself quite last minute, Italian BnBs work quite well.
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I bloody loved my week on my own. Covered LOADS of miles, but could go back at 1pm if I felt like it!

Peace and quiet, not waiting around for the wife to wee at every restaurant, coffee stops were 10 mis not 30. Great.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Went to Chatel for a week by myself earlier this year.

Stayed in self catering accommodation so interaction with other humans was minimal for the entire trip. In fact the only time I spoke, was to

a) say hello to the bus driver.
b) make small talk with randoms on chairlifts.
c) ordering a beer.

Absoulte bliss.

Doesn't necessarily have to be expensive either if you can find yourself a cheap studio flat. Think I paid £150 for the week.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Youth hostels are good for solos. You can ski on your own all day, and dine in the evening with others. Switzerland is good for youth hostels, compared to France.
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This year I have been in a skiing trip to Austria alone for two weeks. I consider myself social person but I'm fine spending quite of bit of time alone too.

I had plans to ski most of the day and work/read something I never find time for/go out in the evenings. While being on a skis there wasn't single moment I felt alone - I was too busy exploring slopes, looking at landscapes, and working on my skiing technique. Also wifi spots were everywhere (so always connected with friends/family), and smalls talks on lifts happened.

And I actually failed to work and read as much as I thought I will because after skiing day there's actually not that much time left. Those two weeks just flew by.

Now, you might be a person who can't stand being alone and for you my day might sound depressing. Just go. You will definitely find someone to spend time with, so many opportunities: hotel/hostel lounge/during lunch in a slope restaurant/dinner/group coaching/on a lift/etc
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I could easily go on a ski holiday by myself, but I don't like to ski alone ... I hate that.
If I'm really on my own I'll join group lessons, I'm lucky enough not to be on my own for long because I just get on and talk to people.

Traveling on my own is fine though.
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I do loads of solo ski holidays as my husband doesn't really enjoy skiing. Like @DrLawn, I hate skiing alone as love the social side and shared experience of it, so I make sure I choose solo holidays where I can ski with other people.

Bashes are great for that, and so are Mark Warner holidays as there are always groups to ski with, especially in their adult-only hotels. I'm doing a MW hol in Jan to the Rosanna in St Anton. I'm doing roomshare and I'm sure there'll be people to ski with.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I loved going to the mountains with my non-skiing other half, but we were careful to choose places where he wouldn't get bored (Wengen and Chamonix were favourites) and where it was easy to meet up in the middle of the day and at the base of a lift at the end of the day.
Going away with a bunch of strangers was more daunting... until I discovered snowHeads. Very Happy
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
I often link two separate ski holidays (with different friends) with a day or two on my own.
I feel a bit bad to say this but I really enjoy skiing on my own, sometimes more so than with others.
When you're skiing in a group there are always tons of decisions to be made - which lift do we take, which run do we do, do we stop for a coffee or lunch, if so where and how long for etc. You will also probably be skiing a little faster or slower than you'd actually like to, so it's a joy just to spend a day doing exactly what you want, and without having to compromise or consult when a decision needs to be made.
Having said that, I don't think I'd want a full week on my own, and it is a bit awkward when you're having a meal in a restaurant, but it's well worth doing for a day or two. It would be a bit of a worry if something went badly wrong though e.g getting lost on a mountain or having a bad fall when skiing solo, so I tend to be a bit more cautious.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@Neil Neige, there's definitely a lot more faff when there's a group, and the larger the group the more faff there seems to be. When you get over about 5 or 6 of you then it can very quickly seem like most of the day is stood somewhere discussing where you've just been/want to go.

I don't think it's massively awkward in a restaurant on your own, maybe if you're taking up a table for 4 and they're stacked out. Other than that I think it's nice just to sit there, look at the view and contemplate things.

As for falling, I think that there are enough people on the mountain that it's not too bad if you're sticking to the piste. I fell when I was in Courchevel and gave it the full yard sale treatment as I slid a fairly long distance. People still collected up my crap and came to check that I was ok though....think you could be right about taking it a bit easier though, I'm not sure I was quite as ambitious as I am when with other skiers.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
When skiing anything a bit difficult on my own, I always make sure that there are people on the run above me, especially if unpisted like the (marked) run on the Grands Montets. I once fell most of the way down the Tunnel and absolutely loads of people came to scoop me and my gear up, not to mention the brave Dutchman who broke my fall before I reached the orange netting. Shocked

But I too probably ski more cautiously on my own, though probably more quickly, oddly enough, and with far fewer stops. I enjoy it, especially if I'm skiing somewhere familiar and not worrying about getting lost.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
SnoodyMcFlude wrote:
@Neil Neige, there's definitely a lot more faff when there's a group, and the larger the group the more faff there seems to be. When you get over about 5 or 6 of you then it can very quickly seem like most of the day is stood somewhere discussing where you've just been/want to go.

I don't think it's massively awkward in a restaurant on your own, maybe if you're taking up a table for 4 and they're stacked out. Other than that I think it's nice just to sit there, look at the view and contemplate things.

As for falling, I think that there are enough people on the mountain that it's not too bad if you're sticking to the piste. I fell when I was in Courchevel and gave it the full yard sale treatment as I slid a fairly long distance. People still collected up my crap and came to check that I was ok though....think you could be right about taking it a bit easier though, I'm not sure I was quite as ambitious as I am when with other skiers.


Yeah, the restaurant thing depends on your luck really. I had a couple of days on my own in Norway last year. First night the restaurant was fine, and I would have happily stayed there much longer. Really good buzz. But the second night (different place) there was a big group and then just me, and it did feel a little awkward. Not disastrously so but I just didn't want to hang around. Probably a lot better these days when you have all your digital photos to look at, a phone/tablet to play with etc, rather than just sit there with a book. I do like the feeling of adventure you get on a solo trip.
Skiing safety - I always thought I could get down pretty much any piste without any concerns, but then last year on a solo day I was on what felt like the world's steepest black. Not only was I not with friends, there was no-one on the entire slope! A little bit frightening but probably not that dangerous, and I've never had any other similar experiences.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I live alone. Going on holiday alone feels totally normal.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Philip1972, you sound like a complete back bottom! Your wife is probably just trying to get some time away from you!
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@Jude1, Laughing
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Went to Japan for 3 and half weeks by myself a few years back. Some thoughts on solo trips: http://www.luex.com/magazine/2015/08/17/best-trips-for-solo-ski-and-snowboarder-travellers

Following up on the restaurant point above... I'm also a big fan of masterDating (the d is important there Laughing) and fairly regularly like to go to a decent restaurant alone but with a good book.
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Once upon a time, I went on ski holidays alone Confused
I loved it!
A nice thing about it, is sitting quietly on a chair, enjoying the peace, making elaborate plans for what to do and where to go from the top then, in an instant, dropping them and doing something else entirely on a whim.

These days, every time I try to go skiing a load of bggrs seem to follow me around asking questions...
admin is the xyz bash happening? (what does it say on forthcoming events?)
admin when will the buttons be up? (after they're not)
admin what room am I in? (look on the list)
admin what room is Dave in? (there are 17 Daves, what's his snowHeads name? Now look on the list)
admin do you want a beer? (.... aha now we're talking Cool)

Seriously though, the bashes should be big enough to give you ample opportunity to find someone to ski/eat/drink with at your preferred pace.
They are also big enough that, should you wish to spend time alone, it's easy to do so (without the trickiness of extricating yourself from tacit obligations that often develop in smaller groups).
They're sort of like group trips for independent travellers Wink

pam w wrote:
I think on the two bashes I've done, the majority of participants were solo.
It might seem like that but every bash has had a good mix of solos, couples and groups of friends.
For example, you were on the S11BB where there were 15 couples (25% of the group). At a rough estimate, I'd say about 50% of the rest, specified who they'd like to share a room with. So yes, a fair number of solos but also a lot of established friendship groups.
Many of those groups though have come about, at least to some degree, from previous bashes. A good example being the Chuckle Sisters who met when, as solos, I roomed them together on the EoSB. Now one is rarely seen on a bash without the other but they also have a rota of friends from their respective homes that they bring along as 'extras' in their Chuckle Crew. But further, their extended Chuckle Crew also tends to included varying numbers of other snowHeads on any given bash dependent upon who just happens to wander into their sphere of influence snowHead So are these solos? Friends? Ski-buddies? Gang members?
The objective (in my mind) is that these distinctions become meaningless in the context of a bash since everyone's a snowHead! snowHead
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Skiing on your own means you have to take responsibility for your decisions. Often when in a group, people tend to delegate that responsibility to the proxy leader. This is particularly the case for beginners.

This means you actually have to take more care in planning, and in doing, more than you would if you thought there was someone in a group who would pull you out of a crevasse if you fell in one. You know the one, the chap with all the ropes, shovel, and probe.

For me this means understanding the risks, and only taking risks which are possible for you to extricate yourself from on your own.

Wearing a helmet dawned on me as one risk you cannot live without on your own. If you fell, and became unconscious, on your own, you might get in a seriously difficult situation. Climing the local hill with my skis (with no helmet) I took very little skiing risk, but actually climbing up icy paths in itself is a major risk. I slipped on such a path, and fell on my side. I did not bang my head that time, but I have on other occassions done so without a helmet. In 1998 I banged my head on a double black diamond run in Vail on my own. I was on holiday with others, but skiing on my own at that moment. The piste was empty as it was the first week of the season, and there was limited snow cover and not many holidaymakers. I was unconscious, I do not know how long, and I felt a bit sick and had a mild headache for the rest of that day. It could have been much worse.

Breaking a limb on your own might be painful, but in most cases you could deal with the problem and get to safety and care. I take velcro wraps, and have thought about strapping ski poles to my legs in case of a snap, so I could at least get off the mountain (assuming there were no medical assistance in that area : for example the local hill)

mobile phone coverage needs to be checked while out on hills just in case, as well as battery power. In Scotland if you dial 999 any carrier that you received a signal from can be used. Mountain rescue could be contacted, never needed in my case.

what causes avalanches the weather is often the cause of avalanche risk. Windy, recent large snowfall on icy base, large build ups of snow at windy summits, etc Avalanche risk in resorts are well advertised around pistes. People are often the main cause of avalanches. Skiers taking risks they should not take, and often take because they have an incorrect belief that they are safe due to numbers. Your safety is ensured by not skiing where an avalanche might occur. If you are on your own you do not risk it.

like driving, you can ski safely and take little risk, but you cannot account for idiots Always check out for idiots on the hill, particularly above you on hills. Look up and see if there is a snow accumulation, with skiers on it. On your own you do not get the risk of people fooling around in dangerous situations. Just as in driving with passangers who can cause distractions to your concentration, skiing alone allows you to be more focussed. Sometimes there will be people on the hill who may have an agenda which is to distract, irritate, or abuse you. As when driving and people cut you up, make obscene gestures, and be generally inconsiderate, a defensive driver is one who recognises such behaviour and does not get provoked.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
I did this in L2A last season (pre family trip) and would happily repeat the experience . . .if you're the sociable type then a catered chalet means you can enjoy the après. You've then got options as to either tagging onto a group or having days/time on your own as required . . .bliss.

My only advice is to get a whistle - I had a little 2" tube version clipped across the front harness of my backpack. Didn't have to use it, but thought it might make sense in the event of a fall / injury as there's no guarantees somebodies going to stop and help when your skiing solo . . .especially if your slightly off the beaten track etc . . .
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Good points by @Bigtipper, ...hope I never have to ski off mountain with broken leg strapped to ski pole Shocked
@Belch, great to find someone else who carries a whistle, as my family/friends think I'm weird. I also carry a walkie talkie. Even when skiing alone, there's a decent chance of contacting someone by scanning frequencies, in an emergency. Some back up in case mobile phone not working. I never deliberately go off piste when skiing alone.
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Philip1972 wrote:
coffee stops were 10 mis not 30.


Coffee stops? Aren't the lifts enough rest for you. Lightweight. snowHead
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