10 Tips For Solo Skiers

Not everyone dreams of a beach holiday; many of us thrive on the thrill of the ski slopes and atmospheric apres-ski. If you’re a passionate skier but your partner or friends don’t share your enthusiasm, don’t let that stop you from hitting the mountains.  

Whilst skiing with family and friends is a truly memorable experience, solo ski holidays are growing in popularity with skiers of all levels.

• You can ski at your own pace, avoid the pressure to ski pistes that may be out of your comfort zone or ski ability and make spontaneous decisions without having to coordinate with others. Don’t fancy a leisurely lunch in the sun and missing out on valuable ski time? Grab a sandwich to eat on the ski lift and enjoy the views in the process.
• There’s no need to reign in your frustration waiting for the rest of the family to be up, dressed, breakfasted and ready for a day on the slopes. After fuelling up on a cooked breakfast in the chalet, you can be at the front of the queue ready for the first lift every day of your holiday if you like!
• Solo skiers often find it easier to strike up conversations and make new friends, whether at the chalet, ski school or on the chairlift and evening meals in your chalet are the perfect way to connect with fellow guests.
• Your map reading and navigation skills will improve quickly! You will soon get used to planning your route for the day using the piste map or the resort app on your phone.
• If needed, solo ski holidays can double as working holidays. Many chalets have reliable Wi-Fi and quiet spaces for remote work. Maximise your time by skiing in the mornings and working during the afternoons or evenings.

1. Consider joining an online ski group or forum

There are several online groups and forums for skiers such as the Facebook Ski Club, Snowheads and The Ski Club of Great Britain where you will find like-minded people, some of whom are actively looking for fellow skiers to share a chalet with. Some travel companies also offer women only solo ski trips.

2. Choose the right resort

Look for a solo-friendly ski resort offering great amenities and community vibes such as Val d'Isère, Les Arcs or Courchevel. Consider accessibility, ski terrain and off-slope activities.

3. Plan ahead for accommodation

Opt for a catered chalet or ski hotel that encourages interaction. A chalet holiday is the perfect environment for solo skiers as you have company at the start and end of the day and a Chalet Host who will break the ice when you arrive. Look for special offers for solo travellers to avoid extra fees or choose a solo ski holiday package.

4. Take advantage of group ski lessons and guiding

Joining group ski or snowboarding lessons is a great way to meet others and hone your technique. Explore complimentary ski guiding services for solo skiers, like those offered at at Bear Lodge and our Bellevarde chalets in Val d’Isere, where guests can take advantage of 2 days of complimentary ski guiding. This is a fantastic chance to meet fellow skiers and snowboarders of similar skill levels while enjoying a sociable and fun experience on the slopes.

5. Be flexible with travel dates

It probably goes without saying that if you travel off-peak (i.e. avoiding school holidays) you will find cheaper prices and quieter slopes. Solo skiers often find better deals during less busy weeks and some ski companies offer complimentary airport transfers too.

6. Embrace the Freedom

One of the biggest advantages of a solo ski holiday is enjoying complete control over your ski experience, from choosing your accommodation to planning your daily activities. Stop when you want to stop then sit back and relax with your book and a glass of wine until dinner is ready.

Don’t want to miss out on a big rugby international during your stay? Head to the bar in good time, grab a spot and enjoy the experience without worrying about the children needing to get back to the chalet for tea...

7. Join social events

Most resorts offer après-ski events such as torchlit descents, concerts and DJ sets, ski races and meetups. Catered chalets or hotels may host themed nights such as fondue evenings, wine tasting or movie screenings, providing a relaxed setting to socialise with other guests. At Bear Lodge, guests enjoy our popular weekly quiz and we are hosting a cocktail-making masterclass in Val d’Isere in March.

8. Safety first

When skiing or snowboarding solo, safety should be your top priority. Always ensure your phone is fully charged and have the Ski Patrol number on hand in case of emergencies. Avoid going off-piste without a qualified instructor or guide, as well as the proper avalanche safety gear. Many ski schools, such as TDC Ski and New Generation, offer group off-piste courses for various skill levels - these are a great way to explore the extensive backcountry terrain safely and meet other keen skiers.

9. Maximise the chalet experience

In addition to being able to enjoy the luxury of a catered chalet – think gourmet meals, ski boot warmers and in-chalet spa facilities, a catered chalet holiday is the perfect environment for solo skiers as you have company at the start and end of the day and a Chalet Host who will break the ice when you arrive. Chalet staff can also be a useful resource for local tips and hidden gems.

10. Relax and unwind after a day on the slopes

Solo trips offer the chance to fully relax, without needing to follow anyone else’s schedule. Embrace the downtime with hot tub soaks, wellness treatments such as an in-chalet massage or a quiet evening by the fire.

Yes, absolutely! We recommend booking group ski lessons in the morning (cheaper and more sociable than private ski lessons) then exploring the ski resort or enjoying some non-ski activities like snowshoeing or snowmobiling before relaxing back at your chalet.

Tempted to hit the slopes on your own but not sure where to start? Don't worry, skiing solo can be an unforgettable experience with the right plan in place.

"I spent a week at No 1 Bellevarde this April for my annual solo ski trip and it was the best decision! Apart from leaving Val d'Isere with 9 new friends, the snow was amazing for so late in the season, the chalet was the absolute perfect hub to call home for the week and the location was spot on! Amazing service and the recommendations for good places to eat, drink and enjoy live music were so on point! The town centre was lively and full of shops, ski hire, bars, restaurants, live music, a supermarket and souvenir shops. 2 days ski guiding was included with very experienced and knowledgeable guides. The chalet was a contemporary design with thoughtful and funky decor, a lovely flow, tasteful artwork and a warm and cosy vibe. The hot tub was the perfect addition for relaxing the muscles after a long day on the slopes. And let's not forget the ambience with the fire and the relaxed music playlist! We enjoyed a top class and balanced 3 course meal, gorgeously prepped for the 6 days along with champagne and canapés on days 1 and 6 and it was literally heavenly! The thoughtfulness displayed on a daily basis and the standard of food and drink was simply incredible! Thank you all so much for such a memorable week, it will stay in my heart forever and I will definitely book with you again, Sophia."

Whilst solo skiers are welcome to join us throughout the season at any of our catered ski chalets and ski hotels, a single supplement will apply when one person books a twin or double room. So, we’ve curated a selection of special offers for solo skiers in Val d’Isere, Les Gets, Avoriaz and Les Arcs.

Skiing solo can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience. Skiers and snowboarders are a friendly bunch with a common passion for the mountains and winter sports. So whether you are a complete beginner who has always wanted to try skiing or snowboarding or you’re an experienced skier who wants to tick off as many black runs as you can, whatever your level, you will benefit from a week in the mountains.

We hope to see you on the slopes.