How To Spend One Month Skiing In the Mountains

One week is never long enough for a ski or snowboard trip. Factoring in travel time, you're lucky to get six whole days on the mountain, six days that are like boot camp because you know you won't be back for another 51 weeks. You're riding first to last lifts, the joy of being on your ski holiday that you've looked forward to all year, dampened by the knowledge that it'll be over all too soon.

By Day 4 you're cream crackered, needing to take a half day break, wasting precious ski time, but what can you do? You can hardly walk down the chalet stairs, your quads are so tight let alone make it to first lifts. If you're a powderhound, of course, this will be the morning that it dumped overnight. But, hey, chances are, if you're hoping to shred the pow, it'll be sunny skies all week - and snow the day you're leaving.

SKI VACATION STRETCHING

So how about taking a longer ski holiday? How about stretching your winter ski vacation to a month in the mountains? This is the question that all digital snowmads and remote workers who can WFH Work From High are asking themselves, as they pack up their laptops and head to the snow, thus putting the 'ski' into 'skiving off'.

As for active retirees, for the POWS, Pensioners on Wide Skis making first tracks in powder and OABs, Old Age Boarders lapping the park, a month in the mountains is just the beginning. Before you can say 'over the hill' they'll be up the hill for the whole winter season.

WHEN TO GO

Obviously avoid all school holidays and especially Christmas and New Year. The beauty of being retired or single and self-employed is that you are not bound by children's vacations. So why dodge snaking ski school lines on the slopes when, in January, you have the resort and fresh powder bowls to yourself.

Best months? In the Northern Hemisphere, January is usually your best bet for powder, but who knows these crazy days of climate variations? March in Europe is generally quiet but avoid the first week in France, which is still half term for some regions. April can be fantastic, with late snow and no crowds. But at this time of year, most fresh snow will get heavy fairly quickly - which means sierra cement if you're skiing Lake Tahoe. Ski touring can be a great option in the spring if there's been enough snow during the winter and the freeze/thaw of the snowpack works its magic.

What's also great about a month in the mountains is that, if you're going abroad, you normally won't need any special entry requirements like a visa. And digital snomads can even work the whole season in some countries that happen to have ski resorts.

DIY SKI TRIPS

You won't find month-long ski trips from the ski holiday operators. This is very much a DIY way of doing the mountains. Find your own accommodation via the apps and take a road trip to get there.

Self-catering is the way to go, thus cutting down on eating out. During the off season weeks, you have plenty of choice and, often, discounts from accommodation providers for staying four weeks.

Digital snomads have already proved the need for co-working spaces in ski resorts - and now, also, co-living. SoHome Le Chable in Verbier, just 300m away from both the train station and the gondolas, offers not only accommodation but, also, shared living room, kitchen, laundry room and a fully-equipped co-working space. There's even a 10 percent discount for bookings longer than two weeks.

AMA Stay in the Italian Dolomites is, also, aimed at today's 'workationers' with hotel and spa plus office facilites to attract long stay, remote-working skiers. With direct access to the Miara gondola, the hotel offers rooms, studios and apartments. The longer you stay the bigger the discount - 35 percent off for 21 - 27 day stays and 45 percent for more than 28 days.  

Flights are going to be cheaper in the quiet ski season, but even better to go with your own wheels to have transport during your stay - and the freedom to visit other resorts during the month. Plus you can load up for four weeks away with all your gear including skis or snowboard, if you have them and, even bring alternative toys such as mountain bike - because, hey, with so much time, there's no pressure to ski everyday. 

SEASON PASS AND TOURING

Ski passes, even though they are usually cheaper off peak, are going to be an expensive consideration, no question. Four times more than your weekly cost can be an eye-watering amount of dosh. You might be better off buying a season pass, which will work out cheaper than four weeks, depending on the resort. If you plan ahead, many resorts offer an early bird price for season passes with a significant discount.

This is why ski touring is such a great option for longer stays in the mountains. If you're new to ski touring, take the month of March or April to enjoy longer sunnier days and spring snow. Also, take a mountain guide and the right equipment. Yes, it's an extra cost, but worth it in the long term with the prospect of many more months on the mountain in the future.

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