Solo ski trips - how did it go for you?

A snowHead

Hi all,
Mrs H is no longer interested in going on a ski holiday, so I'm planning to take the plunge and go alone. Keen to learn of your solo skiing successes, failures, and opinions on the best approach: B&B, half board hotel, or chalet? Book a Crystal/Inghams package that throws me in a room with a stranger? Book morning ski lessons to meet others, or go all out with a firm like Collett's?
A Snowheads bash sounds perfect, but for the fact my work dictates specific dates, so unless a bash is organised for the week commencing 14th December 2025, such won't work for me.
I like to think I'm easy company, though also happy travelling and spending time alone - just not sitting at a table for one for an entire week Embarassed

Dream destination is Alta Badia / the Dolomites, but open to alternative suggestions. I'm a slightly rusty intermediate happiest cruising blues, enjoying the scenery and sampling the mountain refreshments Very Happy

Thanks for your thoughts!

A snowHead

I did these with Ali Ross, Thomson Ski (now Crystal in effect), Snoworks and SCGB Ski Freshtracks. I chose never to share a room.

All a huge success, I made friends almost immediately, because you have the bond of skiing. I wouldn’t say I was naturally gregarious, but I had the confidence through life’s experiences to strike up small talk.

I got lucky with the Thomson Ski trip in that two other guests seemed to like my company from the reps meeting onwards, otherwise it could’ve been a lonely week.

I’d advise doing something like Ski Freshtracks, they have lots of solo traveller weeks (and disregard the snowheads sniping against all things scgb).

Good luck.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Last season I found myself solo, so booked with Crystal to The Aiguille Rouge in Arc 2000....as it gave pretty decent vfm (especially as I booked early and had a loyalty bonus).

As it happens, I know a Snowhead or two who live there for the winter and planned to ski with them.....however, this cunning plan went "Up the left" when Crystal said that their allocation had fallen through and would I accept Tignes Lac instead. This was a decent upgrade, but meant I had lost my ski buddies...but I accepted anyway.

I then read about another Solo snowHead

who was at a loss as well and gave him my details. He decided to risk my company and booked into the same hotel. It went splendidly and we kept each other company for the week.

However, as a member of the SCGB, there were also people to ski with...which we also did.

So it may be worth joining the SCGB and going to one of the resorts where they meet up and ski with each other....although they cannot do any form of guiding. Also keep an eye out for other lone skiers and/or ask who from here is about, if you do go....and you could easily get lucky.

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15th December 2025 may be a little early, but I can commend going to a venue with a good SCGB rep. As a couple of older blokes we book with Crystal and go to Austria. Mainly singles like you, and mainly (but not exclusively) older blokes. Pretty good skiing and partying, usually someone to have a beer with.

I have also done Marmalade courses based in Les Allues, which I think now are organized by Inside Out Skiing. I did an introduction to off piste week there as a single. It was probably the most fun week skiing I have had, though the apres with a group of Irishmen was probably more instrumental.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

> so unless a bash is organised for the week commencing 14th December 2025,

Keep your eyes on dates for the PSB and PIPAU - though I suspect they'll be the two weeks BEFORE that Sad

UCPA is also worth checking out, via Action Outdoors

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Rubbish for me I'm afraid. So much of the enjoyment is to turn around to your skiing companion (s) and just say wow.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

I did several trips on my own when my OH was incapacitated. Always with tuition (e.g. with Inside Out) which provides a complete structure for the week. Also a few Snowheads bashes. Lots of people on bashes are solo - doesn't mean you have to share a room. I've done sailing trips on my own (on small yachts, not cruise ships, so no option but to get to know all your fellow crew members, and again those were often tuition weeks, working through the RYA system). I also quite often went out skiing on my own, for example if my OH was tired or fancied going home before I did, but I don't think I'd much enjoy a whole week skiing on my own.

As I've got older (and snore more and sleep less well!) I never share rooms but I'm fine with basic facilities (yachts don't generally have showers!). The solo trips I've done have been "catered" but generally I prefer to self-cater, and to have a fridge stocked with beer and wine at supermarket prices. If I've eaten a good lunch, some biscuits and cheese is fine for supper.

I think ski holidays are easier as a "solo" than many sorts of holidays, because there's that core activity that everyone wants to do!

Certainly it would be a pity to give up because your partner would prefer to do something else. Holidays shouldn't become a lowest common denominator!

After all it is free

Rubbish if I'm absolutely on my own, I cba to go out unless it's a bluebird day. Last January one week I didn't cross the doors of my flat except once to take the rubbish out (mates working etc). Much better for me to go on a bash

Been twice on my own since all my ski buddies no longer skied and my partner was injured and unable to ski.

First time stayed in Hotel Amelie through Crystal. Friendly hotel, friendly bar, sort of place people talk to each other, number of older solo skiers, 20 minute gondola up to Meribel. A bit daunting first night in restaurant, then fine. Went to ski school every morning and several days skied with others from the class in the pm.
So it worked well.

Second time went to chalet in Le Praz with company called Single Sport. Chose to have a single room. Fabulous holiday, lessons included in deal. Always someone to ski with. Nearly everyone is a solo traveller, everyone was friendly and inclusive. Age range from about 30 to 80. More than I usually pay for a holiday but well worth it.

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Snowhead bashes, singlesport holidays and until the silly prices SKGB freshtracks, though course only in say flaine is good value . All great, do go for a solo occupancy room but great to find others to ski and lunch/ dinner with though do like a day with just me and the snow
Will ski anything but in rain

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@Halitosis, https://singlesport.com/ski-holidays/

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Thanks all for some good pointers - looks like a specialist operator is the way forward for me (Freshtracks, singlesport and the like). I'll see if I can squeeze dates and apply for the PSB though, as that looks like great fun.

I’ve done a solo trip once. Loved it.
I booked indecently (lol… I meant independently) and stayed in a small hotel. My only regret was using a shared transfer from GVA (should’ve hired a car like normal).

I’m happy in my own company, so took a good book, and also my laptop for work/streaming.

You know it makes sense.

The majority of my (many) ski trips are as a solo traveller, as not many of my friends ski, or do the type of skiing I do (or are that keen on bankrupting themselves Laughing

). I've tried many different formats. Though I'm pretty happy in my own company and also happy to ski around on my own on piste, especially if there is a new resort to explore, ski holidays are generally more fun with some purpose and people to socialise with.

When I was skiing at intermediate level I often booked a single (or sometimes lucky dip shared) room in a large catered chalet and then either booked some lessons during the week or joined the hosted ski groups (run by the likes of LeSki and Collett's). Either way there was some sort of focussed ski activity during the day and people to socialise with in the evenings, if not ski with in the day too. It was easy to find other guests to ski with if I wanted to. Unfortunately neither LeSki or Collett's do hosted skiing any more. I also did one of Collett's ski 'safaris' in the Dolomites staying in mountain refugios, which was fantastic, though these are very pricey now, and you might also find the level of skiing on these a little more advanced/faster than you would be comfortable with.

I also had a couple of great trips staying in French Youth Hostels in ski resorts (La Clusaz and Tignes - RIP), which were very friendly and with great food, although the accommodation was a little basic.

In more recent years, I've tended to go on pre-organised guided or instructed off-piste or ski-touring weeks where you ski with the same group all week. The best format by far for these is when the whole group (and sometimes a wider set of groups) all stay in the same accommodation - normally a hotel or catered chalet. It then becomes a very sociable and usually fun week. There are several companies I could recommend for this sort of thing, but it doesn't sound like the sort of skiing you do!

In the immediate aftermath of Covid when group accommodation was a bit tricky, I did a few such guided weeks where I organised my own accommodation and stayed in self-catered studios or hotels. Self-catering was OK when I could meet up with others I knew in the resort or in my ski group to go out for a meal or drink (or have round for dinner) in the evening, but pretty soul-less otherwise, so I tend not to do this now. Staying in a hotel on your own can feel a bit awkward at dinner times sat on your tod, and it's not so easy to meet other people. But if it's got a nice spa/wellness facility it can make for a nice relaxed week, if you are into that sort of thing. I wouldn't want to do this for every trip though.

I went on the PiPAU this year, not previously knowing any of the Snowheads on the trip, and it was excellent and super-sociable (as well as incredibly good value). I had a blast. So if you can make any of the dates, Snowheads bashes could be the way forward for you.

I haven't heard of SingleSport before, but what they offer also sounds perfect for you. I've heard a couple of people recommend Cold Fusion as well, which also do singles ski holidays.

Don't be scared to take the plunge anyway. I'm sure you'll find something that works for you Smile

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

I've just come back from an Xmas week with HOFNAR, briliant week and most people are single travellers.
https://hofnar.com/winter/morzine/skiing-snowboarding/

A snowHead

Done a few solo trips and can thoroughly recommend it. I've always gone through a TO, and had a solo occupancy room. Being a fairly outgoing personality I've made friends with people quickly that I've enjoyed hotel meals, apres, and nights out with, but I do enjoy skiing on my own. Don't get me wrong, when going with friends we tend to stick together, but I like the freedom when solo of setting off when I want, trying for first lifts or a later start in my own time. You get a lot more skiing done as you don't have to have a group decision every time on what runs/lifts/areas to go on. You can stop for a break when you want, eat where and when you want, finish the day when you want. You don't feel pressured to do or not to do certain things. And most importantly, you choose when and which resort you go to.

I'm off to Obergurgl at the end of the week with a friend, and I'm going on a solo trip to Lech three weeks after I get back. I'm really looking forward to both equally as much, but for totally different reasons. Go for it, you'll love it.

A snowHead

A couple of years ago a work colleague and I stayed in a Ski Miquel chalet hotel. There were about 24 guests, almost half of whom were in pairs (but not couples), and one was on his own. Most of these, including us, had booked because they wanted to be able to find other people to ski with. It worked very well - everyone ate dinner together, the tables shifted around over the week, and there were group skiing sessions organised for several days if people wanted to join them. We skied several days with someone who was a very different level from the friend she had come with, and the friend teamed up with another lower level skier. The guy who was there on his own joined up with a group of 4 who had come together.
Ski Miquel have chalet hotels in several resorts, we were in Serre Chevalier, and this year we are going to Saalbach with them. Probably helps if you are a fairly gregarious sort of person - I don't think I'd enjoy going on my own, but my colleague would have no problems if he went on his own.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

The biggest challenge can be finding accommodation where you don't get charged a hefty supplement for single occupancy.

That's why organised trips where you get paired up in a twin room with someone else in the group (and you are all there for the same reason) tend to work well. I can only think of one occasion where my room-mate has been a bit of a pain (dipsomaniac snorer) - usually it works really well and I've made some good friends in the process.

Otherwise, you often have to book very early to secure single rooms in chalets or hotels, which tend to be few and far between.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

It's the Brit ski operators who charge single occupancy, I travel abroad to Europe all the time, and you pay for the room.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

I always used to travel single for a ski trip - requires a bit of research and/or contact tourist office for finding single occupancy without silly premia.

Always used to arrange my own trip and tended to go to countries and resorts with train access so Switzerland or somewhere like Kitzbuhel/Kirchberg in Austria. Only once done a tour operator trip - a cheap week in Wengen with single room.

I suppose I dont mind being on my own and you always bump into like minded people and have the option of skiing with SCGB rep group if you pick the right resort.

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Skiing brilliant. You can cover so much ground and go at your own pace.
Evenings boring as heck esp as it gets dark so early. Although if you go to a bar with Brits in there's always someone to talk to at the bar.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

It's massively personal isn't it? E.g I did Christmas week on my own, chose to go self-catering and skies alone because I didn't fancy the forced jolity of Christmas with strangers. Had a lovely time mooching around by myself and skiing what runs I fancied, stopping when I fancied. Cut down greatly on the amount of time stood about discussing route choice but probably a bit slower getting out in the morning and definitely finished earlier some days.

Other people might be much happier in a chalet with ransoms, or doing one of those singles things. Of course there's always a Snowheads bash if you want a group of ransoms too.

After all it is free

One thing to add, you can cover alot of ground on your own. Don't go somewhere too small!

I've skied a fair bit on my own as mrsbillb typically did shorter days and/or easier pistes and has pretty much stopped skiing now. However I've never been in resort alone - it's good to be with someone in the evenings. Plus, we tend to go to ski in, ski out resorts where you can easily return for lunch (we've mostly returned to appt for lunch). Horses for courses, I'd rather ski with at least one other, maybe 3 or 4 as you get that camaraderie thing, that shared, common purpose and enjoyment although the group ideally needs to be of a similar ability level.

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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@mountainaddict, bloody autocorrect

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I prefer to ski with my mates, but if none of them can go, I go by myself. If it is to be, it is up to me.

@Halitosis, I've squeezed in many a solo extra trip, when usual ski buddies unavailable. Never gone with a specialist solo operator, though can see obvious benefits of that. Have booked solo places in chalets and chalet hotels and must say it's always worked out fine. I've been lucky to avoid injury, which is a nagging doubt when you travel alone. Always someone to ski with, or else, the freedom to just do your own thing when you like. Often booked very close to departure and avoided the high cost of supplements.
I'd add that Bashes are very welcoming, sociable and good value. Excellent if you're a bit wary of how a chalet or hotel might be. If not Dec 2025, I'd recommend one some other time.

You know it makes sense.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

I'm female and have been several times with YSE ski to Val d'Isere. They have a chalet/hotel les Chardons with quite a number of single rooms. It has a capacity of 40ish and the singles just fit in. Always found people to ski with.. Cannot recommend them highly enough. Good luck

A snowHead

I’ve been doing mostly solo ski trips for the last 20 years or so since I lost my ski buddy to Triathlon - he won’t ski in case he picks up an injury!

I think it’s a lot to with the type of person you are as to whether it’s for you or not, I’m very happy with my own company and enjoy time on my own. I’d rather be on my own than with just anyone. Doing a ski holiday solo is a bit different to something like lone walking, cycling etc as traditionally it is a social event and the holiday itself involves a lot of periods where interaction is required (or at least is the norm!).

My main points/thoughts are:

Being slightly bored is better than being lumbered with someone that isn’t great company! This is my number one rule. If you are in a group or a couple you can easily keep to your own group and you tend to be left alone. As a solo traveler you have to be careful you don’t get some well meaning type or types trying ‘attach’ you to another solo traveler or even a group. One head waiter once seated me with another lone chap for the entire week which TBH was ok but I’d have preferred it if he hadn’t! Obviously you may get to know some people yourself which is great, some hotels I’ve spent all week on my Jack Jones but other times I’ve met people - usually at the next table. Once that turned out to be a bit of a pain but a couple of times it’s been welcome and even joined them for skiing.

I prefer half board hotels. You get to know the staff and possibly other guests and once the first evening is over people get used to the sad loner on the small table in the corner! Self catering would be just too boring and not enough like a holiday. Bed and breakfast hotel possibly ok but finding somewhere to eat at night can be pain and sitting in a busy restaurant on your own is worse than the HB dinner situation. Chalets aren’t really for me, I prefer the more anonymous nature of hotels.

Single supplements can be a pain but you get to know the resorts and hotels that don’t have them as much. Italy and Austria seem to be the best and in some hotels I’ve been to you can sometimes get really good deals. One I’ve stayed at in Italy was under £800 in January 25 for HB inc flights and transfers.

The skiing part of things is mostly very enjoyable but you sometimes miss having someone to comment to about some amazing view or something that has happened. On the whole though being able to decide exactly where to ski, how long to stop for, where and when to eat etc is good.

One thing to definitely consider is what happens in case of injury. I know we don’t like to think about it but better to think about it now than after. I would always recommend going with a TO like Crystal etc as they nearly always have a rep in resort. If something happens you have definite point of contact that should hopefully be able to help with sorting things out, they will probably be able to speak the local language as well. Just having someone there that no matter how inefficient or useless they might be (they’ve always been great TBH!) is going to be much better than no one at all.

I’d say that if you’re happy with your own company then definitely give it a go on your own before trying a Bash or seeking a stranger out on here. You will definitely have a great time on your own whereas it could end up being a bit weird bunking up with someone you don’t know. To be honest I wouldn’t do that now even with people I do know, separate rooms every time no matter the extra cost!

My next trip is only a few weeks away and I’m doing 2 days in one resort on my own, then a week with someone I met skiing a couple of years ago and then another 4 days on my own (in the Dolomites). I did similar last year and I enjoyed the time on my own as much (if not more!) than the time with my friend.

A snowHead

@japes1275, has said everything I would have said and agree with, I’d just add that when I go solo I have a laminated card with all my details and where I’m staying, and emergency UK contact in case I do have an accident. I also only ski on piste and within my capabilities, all this helps to keep my wife happy as possible.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

When I've been away on my own (not just skiing) my family always have basic details of where I am and somebody could be on a plane and out to help in the event of a problem. As I would do, for them. And don't overlook the fact that wherever you are, lots of the people around are ready to help, and capable. When I broke down on a deserted dirt road in Africa, years ago (I was 22 my mother would have had a fit) a chap jumped out from behind a bush, and helped. Particularly on piste in a ski resort there are whole teams of people ready to help and capable of doing so. Probably one of the lowest-risk solo holidays you could possibly take! Sure, there are rogues around, but you don't have to go abroad to run the risk of bumping into them.

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I've skied a lot on my own on piste and have comforted myself with the thought, in recent years, that people will rush to help me up if I fall, because I'm a frail, little old lady. Unfortunately, with a helmet and goggles on, that isn't obvious! Laughing

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@japes1275, I'd rather be self catering to avoid dealing with randoms, especially when I went over Christmas. I took a Chromecast so had easy access to lots of sport, films and TV to keep boredom at bay. That said, I was quite happy to have pretty much the same meal every evening too, as I'm a man of simple tastes

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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

My other 'problem' is that most people will help you up by offering a hand and pulling you up by one arm. That is truly death and destruction for someone with rotator cuff problems which I now unhelpfully have on both sides. It's embarrassing to ask a total stranger to hug me with their hands in my armpits and pulling me up that way. Embarassed

After all it is free

Reading this thread prompts me to ask if everybody sets up the safety and emergency options on their mobile? I ask because despite being tech savvy and a long term mobile user, I only found out about them recently.

This allows first responders to call your emergency contacts, and see your medical info, without unlocking your phone and can be set to send your location to the emergency services when you dial them. One of the options allows you to instigate an emergency call simply by pressing the power button multiple times.

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@KSH, the instinct of some people just to drag a fallen person to their feet is certainly a problem. My mother once fell, in a garden centre. My father was useless in such situations - embarrassed, wanted to get her on her feet and make themselves scarce. She was grateful for a woman who took charge, insisted she was left on the floor with time to do a quick inventory, decide that everything worked, and get her breath back. When I broke my pelvis my brother in law and the Frenchman who knocked me over took a side each and lifted me to my feet, but I was quite clear that there was no way I could stand up! So they lowered me to the snow again where I could await somebody who actually knew what they were doing. We were near the bottom of a lift and I overheard the liftie telling the piste patrol that they were dealing with an elderly lady. She obviously didn't think I'd understand. And I wasn't THAT elderly then.....

Help!!

Solo ski trips - how did it go for you?

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