In the days of COVID-19 and muted international travel, individuals and families have to think further on how to spend their summer/winter holidays this year. Domestic travel and exploration of one’s backyard now under the spotlight. It may be time to reevaluate what makes for a great vacation, what our priorities and values are within that. It could be time to place crowded beaches, nightclubs, and the overindulgence of alcohol on hold and instead focus on exploration, adventure, health, fitness, and supporting our local economies. For those of us that are fortunate enough to have mountains in our reach without the need to fly, here are our top 5 reasons why you should visit a ski resort this offseason.
1. Avoid the crowds
Perhaps the most significant selling point amid a global pandemic is the ability to safely social distance. If you imagine a popular beach destination vs. a mountain one – the distribution of people is far more sparse in the mountains as there is more space available. The idea of sunning oneself on a sandy beach is a more effective way to shape our view of what a summer holiday should look like. Being immersed in the mountains will attract more visitors this summer – giving you the perfect reason to head for hills.
2. Learn a new sport
The nature of mountain holidays is great for outdoor adventure and exploration. Many offseason ski resorts transform into impressive mountain bike destinations, and just like their winter versions offer everything from rentals and lessons to marked bike trails. In recent years efforts have been made to make mountain biking accessible for all ages, and ski resorts provide the perfect platform to do that as the infrastructure already exists. Hiking is another excellent way to access the best views, ridges, and mountain trails, as well as horseback riding. For those seeking more of a thrill, mountains have paragliding, climbing, and canyoning – so there is no shortage of adrenalin to be found by those that seek it. Where there are mountains – there are rivers and lakes. From mellow floats to wild rapids, the opportunity to kayak, canoe, raft, or paddleboard is endless to varying ages and abilities. During winter, when they function as ski resorts, we can rest assured that comfortable accommodation options will be close at hand with a broad spectrum of amenities and services.
3. Stay healthy
With the focus placed on being active, we are more likely to be in better shape on a mountain holiday compared to a beach one – where hot temperatures and less physical activity may see the reverse. The mountain air is cleaner and less polluted than urban or touristic areas – so when we do breathe harder as we gain ridges or summit peaks, we can rest assured that we are doing our body a world of good. When we do get our heart rate up, we end up drinking far more water. Alongside biking, many ski resorts hand their pistes-turned-meadows over to cattle and livestock in the summer months for grazing. As there tends to be more physical space per person/family/household in these communities, the number of local farmers is often high. Subsequently, fresh, organic produce and meat are readily available, and we can rest assured knowing where it came from.
4. Do a reconnaissance
Getting aquainted with an area in the wintertime can be challenging amid skiers and snowboarders, general busyness, and snowstorms. The services by that time in full “tourist mode,” and the locals that do not work directly within the tourism sector will have elected to slip into the background until the spring. It’s not always easy to gain a truly authentic experience of a mountain town, its people, and services during the winter, and the ski slopes themselves can remain strangers in the varying conditions – looking different from day to day in different light and snow.
5. You are supporting the snow sports industry
With aging populations, a shifting interest in snow sports, increasing operating costs, climate change, and now concerns with the future of international travel – ski resorts are fighting hard to continue to deliver the winter experiences that we love. With an increasingly small window in the winter season to make the main bulk of revenue for the year, any business brought in the offseason is invaluable. Not only visiting these resorts outside of the winter season give you numerous levels of enjoyment and benefit but will actively be helping the resort’s economy.
By Nadine Robb