Planning
How to Book a Ski Trip on a Realistic Midlands Budget
One good trip a year, done properly. Where to look for deals, what to prioritise, and what you can safely cut.
Destinations
Resort guides written for people who drive to East Midlands Airport, not Gatwick.
Photo by alpenatureski on Pixabay
Most ski content assumes you live near Heathrow with a direct flight to Geneva on your doorstep.
That isn't most of us. Everything here is written from a Midlands starting point, flying from
East Midlands or Birmingham Airport, with realistic routes and realistic budgets.
Start here: planning your trip
Beginners
The 8 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners from the UK Midlands
Good ski schools, gentle terrain, accessible from East Midlands or Birmingham Airport, and realistic budgets.
Families
The Best Family Ski Resorts from the UK Midlands
Childcare, ski schools that work, gentle terrain, and resorts that don't bankrupt you in a week.
Getting There
Flying to Ski Resorts from East Midlands and Birmingham Airport
Which airports, which routes, which operators, and which resort is actually reachable without a painful connection.
Resort guides
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Les Gets & Morzine
Connected resorts in the Portes du Soleil. Matt's most-visited area. Good for mixed ability groups and accessible via Geneva.
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La Plagne
One of the biggest ski areas in France. Matt's done a week here with a mixed ability group. Honest write-up available.
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Méribel
Central to the Three Valleys. Premium prices but unbeatable access to the biggest linked ski area in the world.
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Tignes
High altitude means good snow well into spring. Matt spent a week in Tignes and tested the Oakley Line Miner goggles here.
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Val d'Isère
One of the most famous resorts in the world. Not cheap, not beginner-friendly, but absolutely worth it when you're ready.
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Verbier
Switzerland prices. World-class off-piste. Worth it if you're an advanced skier and willing to budget accordingly.
Trip reports from Matt
Trip Report
A Week in La Plagne with a Mixed Ability Group
The accommodation, the runs, the lessons, the one excellent local restaurant. A full write-up.
Trip Report
Matt's Week in Méribel: What Went Well and What to Do Differently
Not everything went perfectly. That's why this is worth reading: honest about the mistakes too.
Spring Skiing
Spring Skiing: Why March and April Are the Best Months
Lighter crowds, softer snow, sunshine, and cheaper prices. The case for booking after February half-term.