Book Ski Vacations with a Pro

Talk to a professional ski tour operator or central reservations service when booking a ski vacation

Dec 19, 2006

Certified ski tour operators and resort reservation services can provide vital insight that assures skiers and snowboarders a successful major ski vacation.

And why not? That’s where the big hills rise and the resorts cover thousands of skiable acres.

But, booking such winter vacations presents challenges. The Mountain Travel Research Project (MTRiP) conducted a survey to determine what vacationers considered the most important factors in booking vacations.

How to obtain that high level of service? Sure, you can hunt a general source like the Internet for packages and deals. But, logic says, turn to an expert.

"In addition to price, visitors are looking for accurate information and local knowledge delivered by a real person who can answer their questions and handle their specific needs," says Ralf Garrison, president of the Denver-based Central Reservation Association of Destination Resorts (CRADR).

"What's most important is the ability to communicate with someone who's had hands-on experience at the various destinations and properties," notes Ted Curtin of Riverdale, NJ-based Rocky Mountain Tours.

That need for hands-on knowledge goes double for Europe, where not only languages, but resort layouts and functional logistics can differ significantly from North America.

"The role of the [European] tour operator is to hand-hold the client, especially first-timers who are unsure about things," explains Daniela Gugliotta of Ski Europe. "We're able to anticipate situations so a person isn’t surprised or disappointed."

Both Central Reservations agencies (or Central Rez) and tour operators can maximize lodging options, rental cars, and ground transfers. Their bulk access to airlines increases the chances of obtaining the best airfare and scheduling, particularly for travel on weekends or during holiday periods.

When dealing with a tour operator, it’s wise to look for one that belongs to SkiTops or NASTOA, whose members must adhere to stringent business criteria and must carry travel and liability insurance to safeguard the consumer.

Central Rez agents offer a local's insight into deals, events, lodging and package options. Their perspective is especially useful for those already decided on a destination, or who are somewhat familiar with it.

A good tour operator knows many resorts. "That's one thing that sets us apart from Central Rez," says Curtin. "If I call Deer Valley, they'll give me lots of information about Deer Valley, but they’re not going to say it's the wrong place for me. We have the ability to offer multiple destinations and comparative pricing."

Offers Gugliotta, "A [European] tour operator will know details that most people don't—like the fact that in Europe most hotels require a Saturday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Sunday stay during ski season. If you book your own midweek flight because you think you’ve found a bargain, you may have difficulty finding a hotel to accommodate you."

No matter your choice—tour op or central rez—be sure that any restrictions or cancellation policies are fully explained.

With so much information available, especially online, a pro's inside knowledge can make or break a $10,000 vacation.

"Sure, your friend or a web chat room might tell you that the Little Nell is the place to stay in Aspen," offers Curtin. "But, if you're a novice-level skier, you'll discover you're better off staying somewhere near Buttermilk or in Snowmass."

The copyright of the article Book Ski Vacations with a Pro in Winter Sports is owned by Mitch Kaplan. Permission to republish Book Ski Vacations with a Pro in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.