No Snow In Your Ski Resort?

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It's the holiday you have waited all year for then you find out there's no snow in your resort. What are your options?

If you are about to go skiing and the snow is rather thin on the ground it can be really worrying. Even if your resort has loads of snow cannons their usage can be restricted due to drought warnings so these resorts may still have to close runs. In addition many skiers don’t like skiing on snow totally produced from canons. Snow from canons hardens quicker than natural snow which does increase the risk of injury. Also, when large numbers of skiers all converge on a small run accidents happen. So with all this in mind what can you do?

Check Your Insurance Policy

Some winter sports policies have compensation in them for days you cannot ski due to lack of snow.This money should then allow you to either get yourself to another resort or at least pay for non-skiing activities in the resort. But as always the devil is in the detail. Lack of snow may not allow you to cancel the holiday altogether and some policies won’t cover you if your resort is below a certain level, for example 1600m. Also, if your resort at least keeps one run open your insurance policy may not pay out despite the fact that all runs, bar one, are closed. Another thing to look out for is that if you only arrange your insurance just before you fly out an insurance company could say that you should have known that there was little snow and as such will not pay out.

 

If you can claim for lost days then you could get around £25-35 per day for piste closures. More generous policies will pay up to £500 per day but they will be the more expensive policies. Some policies will also pay out for the cost of unused lift passes, guides and equipment hire.

 

So the message here is check the detail of your winter policy, you may at least get some money back and also always take out insurance when you book your holiday.

 

Find Another Resort Nearby

It is worth checking out resorts that are nearby but higher up. You may need to accept that you have to travel each morning but you will at least be able to ski. Some ski passes will allow you to add in nearby resorts for a little more money.

 

Look At Other Activities in Resort

This might sound a bit dire but if there really isn’t any snow you may just want to find things to do which you will enjoy. Unless you can cancel your holiday and get all the money back you just need to adapt a positive attitude and get on with it.

 

What about snowshoeing? It looks like you are walking on tennis rackets but when you also consider that you burn 600 calories an hour it may not seem such a silly idea. And at least you are enjoying being outside in fresh mountain air. Other activities to consider include ice skating, rock climbing and dog sledding. The other thing to look out for is a spa. If you are lucky enough to have one in your hotel or resort then check it out, it’s not skiing but it will be great for relaxation. It is also worth visiting the local tourist office and seeing what cultural acuities are on offer in your resort.

 

Another idea is to look at what you can do on the nursery slopes which most resorts try to keep open. If you are a keen skier but have never tried snowboarding what about having a few lessons ?

Explore the Mountains

Just because you can’t ski doesn’t mean to say you can’t travel around the mountains. You may not be able to ski but you can still visit the mountain restaurants and enjoy the fresh air and amazing views.

 

In summary you can’t change the weather. If you can’t cancel and get your money back then approach your ski holiday as a holiday and a chance to relax and get away. Try other activities, indoors and out and remember, depending on your policy, you may get some money back.

 

It is also worth thinking about these things when you book your ski holiday for next year. Try to book a resort that is at high altitude and look at the number of snow canons and the facilities in resort. If you are travelling with children check out a swimming pool, spa, ice skating, bowling, playground, all activities that will keep you all amused if there is no snow.

 

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