8 Myths About Uni Ski & Board Trips

1. Skiing/Boarding holidays are expensive!

This is possibly the most common pre-conception of snow sports holidays, however, also not necessarily true. A snow sports holiday is no longer an elite getaway for the Branson’s of the world, and in fact, when booked with a university, the need to spend a fortune is no more. More often than not, students come home with not only a mad case of the holiday blues after an amazing week in the mountains but also a pocket full of cash after over-budgeting. The base price for our trip is £379 and the only extras you may need (if you don’t have them already) are equipment hire and proper clothing for when you’re ripping up POW, but at £100 for equipment hire and fairly cheap prices easily found for clothing online, there is no need to break the bank for a week of POW, Partying and Fun.

2. I’ve never skied before, so I won’t enjoy it!

Never skied before? Don’t worry, anyone can do it! Even a dog. Before the trip, we will be hosting visits the Chill Factore in Manchester to run sessions for all levels of skiers, whether you are completely new to the sport or you just want to get back into the swing of things after not doing it for a while. These sessions run at an unbeatable price, and with the chance to attend at least 10 before we go away, they are a great way to meet people from the society, learn the sport and gain confidence for the winter trip! However, if for whatever reason, you are unable to attend any of the sessions, whilst on the trip, for a small added fee, lessons will be ran by a professional instructor on the mountains throughout the week!

3. It’s cold!

Obviously, 2000m up a mountain in winter, there is the possibility of snow, however, when the sun does come out, there is nothing like it. Clear blue skies, bright sun and even at temperatures of -5, it can often feel much warmer than 15 degrees in England. The possibility of snow is higher, however, snowfall means better snow to carve and smother runs down the mountain.

4. I won’t like mountain food!

Granted, it’s not quite McDonalds and KFC, however, most cafes, bars and restaurants on the mountains do wide variations of foods from pizza to just sandwiches. They know that most skiers are arriving from all over and therefore, provide for all. You will find that a lot of the eateries offer a buffet style of service, allowing customers to pick and choose to their fancy. As an alternative, supermarkets aren’t a stone’s throw away from most hotels, making it easy to buy food there and take it out with you in the day.

5. I will have to carry my equipment around with me!

More hotels than not have a Ski in/Ski out facility which allows skiers easy access to the mountain right from the door. The only carrying of equipment which is necessary is on/off lifts and to/from your rooms (If storage isn’t provided).

6. The coach journey is too long!

The coach journey is a lengthy one; however, you will never be bored. From the moment we set off everyone is excited to get to the mountain as quickly as possible, therefore, will do anything to pass the time. Bring films/cards/games to play on the coach to help the time pass. Make sure you are engaged with all that happens on the coach and we’ll be there quicker than you can say “I’m the best skier on the mountain”. Also make sure you are stocked up on food and drink, service stations can be expensive!

7. I won’t make any friends!

Societies in general are the best way to meet new people and make friends for the whole of university, however, even more when you’re on a coach together for 20+ hours and spending a whole week together. Snow sports are a great group of people who are very open and welcoming to all. Follow the 3 E’s whilst on the trip and you’ll be the talk of the society in no time:

i. Engage in everything that goes on whilst we are there, from nights out to the events throughout the days.

ii. Explore new avenues you wouldn’t usually in order to meet all members and maximise the benefits of the week.

iii. Enjoy everything you do throughout the week to make the most of the experience and your time away.

8. It’s only about drinking!

What you have to think is that nights out only make up 42 hours of the week, what are you going to be doing for the rest of time?

Obviously the majority of your time is going to be spent on the mountain carving some mad POW, however, we will be hosting various day-time activities throughout the week for people of all abilities to engage in and we highly recommend you do! There is an organised night out every night and drinking obviously plays a part, however, if you don’t drink we can confirm you will not be the only one so make sure you are out every night with us all and make the most of what will be you’re greatest week of the 2015/16 university year!

So, it looks like all the nay sayers and socially mundane better start looking for some new excuses...

#trip #survivalguide #myths