Yes, all-inclusive skiing is one thing – here’s whether it’s worth it

Crossing the slopes for skiing or snowboarding can be a daunting task. After all, preparing for the logistics of planning your cold-weather adventure can be as intimidating as having your skis headed down a steep downhill road.

For most tourists, plan a ski vacation means perfecting a variety of details, including where to go, Which ski hotel to stay?how to buy elevator tickets and what equipment to pack (or rent). Should you decide? plan a ski trip for the whole familyCosts can skyrocket quickly.

To help limit out-of-pocket costs and simplify the planning process for winter sports enthusiasts, some resorts now offer all-inclusive ski packages that include a range of details typically provided by guests. self-arrange.

“Instead of paying separate fees for round-trip flights, accommodation, daily meals, drinks, lift tickets and ski/snowboarding classes, families can pay a fee to have a all of that — and more — including, making their family ski vacation stress-free — and a hassle-free experience,” said Carolyne Doyon, president and CEO of Club Med North America, told TPG in an email.

The French resort brand offers more than 20 service packages in North America, Europe, China and Japanconsists of Club Med Quebec Charlevoixone of several ski-friendly properties that are helping Club Med Leading the charge in the all-inclusive ski package space. It launches in December 2021 at Le Massif de Charlevoix, a popular ski destination just north of Quebec City. Additional all-inclusive ski packages are slated to launch at Kiroro Đỉnh Peak Med Club in Japan as well as both Club Med Tignes and Club Med Val d’Isère in the French Alps in December 2022.

With the recent rise in all-inclusive ski packages, you might be wondering if they’re worth buying. Can they really take the frustration out of planning your next ski vacation and save you some money? Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether your next getaway on the slopes should come packaged in an all-inclusive package.

What’s covered with a ski holiday package?

Before you book a ski package, it’s important to know what the package includes.

While the exact contents will vary by package, the ski-focused options are often the same as those available at warm weather resort destination. Usually, this means that the flat rate you’ll pay when booking includes all essentials, such as accommodation, meals, drinks, and select activities.

Club Med ski packages typically include accommodation, food and drinks, lift tickets, equipment rental, lessons, childcare, and other winter activities like snowshoeing. Meanwhile, headquarters in Montana Triple Creek Farmabout 30 minutes from Lost Trail Powder Ski Area, offers packages that include accommodation, meals, ski transfers, lift passes, and equipment rental.

Depending on the resort you choose, you may also get additional services, such as spa treatments and airfare. For ski resorts, there is often an option to pay an additional fee for private mountain guides.

Related: 5 things you should know before booking an all-inclusive resort stay and earn points

Are all-inclusive ski packages more affordable?

All-inclusive ski packages have the potential to save you money compared to paying for each part of your vacation separately. However, you really have to take advantage of everything on offer to spend less through one of these plans. For example, if you don’t need ski classes or equipment rental, chances are it’s more cost-effective to book your own trip.

One such example of a price difference that comes from a cost analysis performed by Club Med. When the brand compared a seven-day family ski package at Club Med Quebéc Charlevoix with a similarly booked family ski holiday at Mont Tremblant independently, Club Med found that the package All-inclusive skiing saved a family of four $3,696.

Of course, this analysis makes a lot of assumptions, such as spending $80 per day on adult meals and $50 per day on children’s meals at Mont Tremblant, plus taking advantage of any included provided by Club Med. However, spending $5,821 on a Club Med all-inclusive package instead of the $9,517 travelers estimate would have to book everything separately at Mont Tremblant is a notable difference.

For travelers who don’t plan on using all the included perks, or often opt for more affordable options when it comes to dining and climbing costs, the final cost will be higher with an all-inclusive package. Therefore, it makes more financial sense to buy everything a la carte instead of wrapping everything through a resort.

Related: 8 Lessons I Learned From My First Package Vacation