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Dispelling the Myths

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Myth: I cannot ski well enough!

Truth: This myth often arises out of the awe-inspiring, death-defying skiing we sometimes see on television that is done in Europe! Who has not seen a beautiful postcard of threatening mountains overlooking picturesque European villages? It is enough to intimidate anyone!

The truth is the terrain of Europe does provide for some very technical and difficult skiing; however, along with the difficult runs, there are about five or six gentle runs that can be conquered by amateur skiers. Even top-name European resorts have plenty of runs that have at least 35% to as much as 60% of their total mountain area fitting for beginning and intermediate skiers. There are some smaller, less well-known European ski areas that have even more ski area available for those who are just learning how to put on their skis and embrace the sport. In fact, Europeans have had a lot of practice at making skiers become more competent and skillful in the sport. The bottom line is: you do not need to possess a certain skill before entering Europe, but you are sure to leave Europe with some additional skills.

Myth: It is too expensive!

Truth: The lead price of a package can be misleading; skiers need to learn to undo the bottom line of a package. An American ski package does not possess the same basics that a European ski package does. There are some essentials that both packages contain: air transportation and lodging. Also, neither American nor European packages include ski instruction, lunch, or equipment rental. This is where the parallels end, however.

Several elements are pretty much standard with European packages that rarely come with American packages: arrival and departure transportation from the airport and lodging; a welcome drink; breakfast and daily dinner; local taxes and gratuities. The only item that American packages offer that European packages do not is the lift ticket. Thus, when you add up all the elements, you realize that a European package is equal in price to an American package, and may actually be a few dollars less. Skiers from the East and West Coast may find it hard to believe that a ski trip to Europe is equivalent to a ski trip to the Rockies or less! One piece of advice: if your vacation allows for it, make the trip two weeks versus one. Air fare is the major cost of European packages; by staying two weeks you get twice what you pay for!

Myth: It is too cold!

Truth: Temperatures in the Alps are considered mild by most American skiers. Being farther from the ocean with lower elevations, European skiers generally enjoy temperatures in the low to middle 20’s above Fahrenheit. You can expect to see skiers dressed in slim attire rather than the layer effect that insulates skiers in America.

Myth: The slopes are unmarked!

Truth: Skiing in Europe is on wide-open slopes as opposed to single trails. Skiers have no need to fear crashing into a tree as the open slopes allow for skiers to hang their turns wherever they want. The need for well-marked boundaries becomes null and void.

There are still edge markers for safety and a good marker system for ski runs. The color of markers let you know how difficult a run is whereas edge markers warn skiers that they may be tempting fate if they veer off from the path. In general, skiers will find the open terrain freeing as they ski their way down the slope.

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