How to Plan the Perfect School Ski Trip: A Teacher’s Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a school ski trip can feel like a big task. There are budgets to manage, forms to complete, parents to reassure and students to excite. The good news is that, with the right support, it is far more straightforward than many teachers expect.
This guide walks you through the process step by step, from first ideas to departure day. It is written for busy teachers who want clear answers, practical guidance and the confidence that they are making the right decisions for their students.
"As an SEND provision, we were looked after by the team at SkiBound from booking to departure. I would highly recommend to all educational providers looking to book a winter sports trip in the future."
Bramfield House
Step 1: Start with the basics
Before you speak to anyone, it helps to have a rough idea of what you need.
Think about:
- Your budget range
- The age and ability of your students
- The time of year you want to travel
- Whether this is a first-time trip or something you run regularly
School ski trips usually include transport, accommodation, lift passes, ski hire and instruction. Having these bundled together makes planning simpler and costs clearer from the start.
A specialist school ski company can help you shape these early ideas into realistic options.
Step 2: Choose the right destination
There is no single “best” destination. The right choice depends on your group.
Here is a simple guide to what different regions offer.
Austria
A strong choice for schools that value structure and efficiency. Resorts are known for modern lift systems, clear organisation and a welcoming atmosphere that works well for student groups.
Italy
Ideal for groups who enjoy relaxed evenings and hearty food. Family-run hotels are common, and mealtimes are often a highlight for students and staff alike.
France
Well suited to groups looking for high-altitude skiing and large, purpose-built resorts. Many schools return year after year for the scale and convenience.
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USA and Canada
A different style of ski trip, with excellent organisation, smooth ski fitting and well-groomed slopes. Wildlife sightings and wide open runs make this a memorable option for older students.
If your group includes mixed abilities, most resorts cater for beginners through to confident skiers, with clear piste grading and professional instruction.
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Step 3: Get a detailed quote
Once you have narrowed down your destination and accommodation, your school ski advisor will prepare a full quote.
This gives you:
- A clear breakdown of what is included
- Dates, transport and resort details
- A document you can share with senior leaders for approval
Having everything in one place makes the sign-off process much easier.
Step 4: Make a provisional booking
A provisional booking usually holds your places for a short period, often around two weeks.
During this time:
- You are not committed
- You can share information with parents and students
- You can gauge interest before asking for deposits
Many teachers use this stage to run an information evening or send home letters.
Step 5: Collect deposits and confirm
Once you have enough interest, you can collect initial deposits from students who want to take part.
To confirm the trip:
- Complete the booking form
- Send it back with the first deposits
- At this point, your ski trip is secured.
Download your free copy of the SkiBound Ski Guide
Step 6: Plan travel with confidence
Travel is a key part of the experience, and schools can choose what suits them best.
Options usually include:
- Coach travel from school, with safety-audited operators and direct pick-up
- Ferry crossings, most commonly Dover to Calais
- Eurotunnel, the quickest Channel crossing when available
- Flights, essential for North America and useful for some European resorts
Overseas transfers are arranged with the same care as UK travel. In North America, local school buses or resort shuttles are often used.
Step 7: Support right up to departure
As departure approaches, you will be supported by a dedicated Tour Coordinator with local knowledge of your destination.
They can help with:
- Final rooming lists
- Ski hire details
- Resort questions
- On-the-ground planning
This is often the stage where teachers feel most reassured, knowing there is an expert contact managing the finer details.
Want the full checklist?
Our gated Ski Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Planning a School Ski Trip brings it all together in one place. It is designed to save you time and answer the questions teachers ask most often.
Planning a ski trip for 2027 or beyond, download your copy for free!