LUXE Serendipity magazine

The winter ski season is in full swing and for winter sports enthusiasts travelling from East Midlands Airport, this time of the year is one of the most popular periods to hit the slopes.

The airport, which is always proud to provide an effortless experience for customers, is even easier to fly from at this time of year when there are fewer people in the terminal than during the peak summer months. Car parks and bus stops are all close to the terminal – with the airport conveniently located just off the M1 – and the vast majority of passengers clear security in under 15 minutes.

Ski resorts are also a little quieter than during the Christmas peak, but conditions for skiing are still excellent, with plenty of snow on the ground and lower temperatures stopping it from becoming slushy. These factors in combination mean it’s a great time of year for beginners who benefit from more space and less pressure on the slopes, as well as serious skiers who can rely on good snow quality.

For skiers travelling from East Midlands Airport this season, there’s plenty of choice. TUI fly to Salzburg and Chambery while Jet2 fly to Geneva – offering gateways to some of the finest Alpine skiing available. TUI also fly to Turin which opens up the option of the Susa Valley, while Ryanair can connect you to Malaga, Krakow and Prague for access to the Sierra Nevada, low-budget Polish resorts and the Czech Republic’s Giant Mountains. 

If you’re going skiing or snowboarding in the coming weeks, here are some things you can do before you set off to get the most out of your trip.

Flights and Resorts

When you’re booking a flight, consider onward travel at your destination – particularly if you’ll be relying on public transport to get you to your resort, which may not be running around the clock. Getting an early flight to an Alpine resort will mean you arrive by mid-morning and can even get some ski time in on the day you arrive.

When picking a resort, it’s crucial to find something that matches your group’s skill level – if there are skiers of mixed abilities, the larger resorts will offer a variety of pistes with something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re all experienced skiers you might be a bit more adventurous with your choice of resort. Also consider the type of environment you’re looking for – is it family fun, après-ski, or chocolate box village?

Packing for a ski trip

Your packing list for a ski trip will look a little different to any other type of holiday and will probably involve leaving space in your bag to pack a lot more layers – thermal base layers, waterproofs, ski socks and gloves, and neckwarmers will all be necessary, but you’ll also need to bring sunglasses and sun cream for any exposed skin, offering protection from the sun’s UV rays which are stronger at altitude.

Although you’ll need to save space for these items, don’t forget to pack essentials like chargers, adapters and travel documents.

Before you travel

Book your parking in advance to get the best deal –  if you’re planning to be dropped off, consider using the free drop-off area in the airport’s mid-stay car park, with a quick and convenient free shuttle bus connection or ten-minute walk to the terminal. If you want to be dropped on our forecourt you can pay £5 for 15 minutes, which is more than enough for most passengers thanks to our barrierless exits – just remember to pay online or by phone by midnight the following day.

Book lessons and equipment rentals before you travel – and get yourself in shape in the weeks leading up to your trip, too, so you can get the most enjoyment out of it. Travel insurance is also crucial for any winter sports trip – make sure you’re covered for any activities you’re taking part in.

At the airport

Use the oversized baggage lane to drop off your skis or boards when you’ve checked in. To save room in your bag, you might have decided to wear some thermal layers to the airport – but security scanners require you to remove outer layers of clothing, so take off outer layers like coats and jackets before you get to the trays to save time and keep queues moving.

Consider booking in at the airport’s Escape Lounge which offers the perfect environment to relax ahead of your flight with comfortable seating, charging points for electronic devices, complimentary WiFi and flight information screens.

Escape caters for travellers of all ages with a complimentary buffet, salad bar and unlimited hot and soft drinks. Escape starts from £35.99 per person.