Heading to the mountains with the whole crew? Sounds great! But Anika doesn’t ski, and Fabi wants to be the first one on the slopes. Ben loves to take an early morning swim, while Helena is eager to try her hand at snowshoeing. The whole group, though, does agree on one thing: a full sauna session after an active day in the snow is a must.
Our all-in-one solution: a holiday home with wellness area in the ski resort!
Something for Everyone under One Roof: Skiing, Wellness, and Relaxation
The ideal winter vacation spent with your best friends is one where everyone’s wishes are taken into account, where everyone gets to enjoy their favorite activities, from skiing to pure relaxation, while at the same time spending quality time together.
When you escape to a holiday home, you are completely flexible when it comes to your daily plans. Some might hit the slopes, while others capture images of pristine, snow-covered landscapes during extended winter hikes. Needless to say, everyone is excited about the powder snow right outside their front door. Plus, having the luxury of a private (whirl-) pool on the terrace and shared hours by the fireplace is something everyone looks forward to.
Creating Shared Experiences and Memories Together
Even with separate daily plans, you still have plenty of together time: skiers and winter hikers can meet up for lunch over Germknödel at the ski hut or relax together in lounge chairs, soaking up the sun and sipping on spritzers. And later that same afternoon, everyone gathers on the couch in their holiday home, in the sauna, or in the whirlpool so as to mellow out completely before preparing and enjoying dinner together.
5 more ideas for special activities together:
- An evening sledding expedition
- A horse-drawn carriage ride
- A walk by torch light
- A snowball fight
- Fondue or a high-spirited evening spent up at a ski hut
Affordable Luxury: A Private Wellness Area during Your Ski Vacation
A holiday home for your ski getaway doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when the group splits the costs. Even if your holiday home includes a private sauna or pool, dividing the rent among several friends makes this option extremely appealing. Depending on your personal tastes and your budget, there’s nothing to stop you and your buddies from enjoying an early morning swim, a late-night sauna, or a starlit soak in the outdoor hot tub!
Accommodation Checklist for Your Ski and Wellness Getaway
Finding the perfect holiday home or holiday apartment isn’t always easy, right? Discuss the following points with your friends beforehand, and then you’ll be one big step closer to a fantastic skiing and wellness escape:
- Bedrooms: Do you need single rooms, double rooms, or are shared rooms with double and bunk beds acceptable?
- Bathrooms: Ensuring plenty of bathrooms avoids early-morning bottlenecks and unnecessary discussions.
- Common Area: A spacious living/dining area offers everyone a place to gather for laid-back afternoons or evenings. The dining table should be large enough for group meals. Pro tip: a fireplace in the living area adds an extra touch of coziness to any ski-and-wellness vacation!
- How is the kitchen equipped (such as stove, oven, dishwasher)?
- Wellness: Which wellness amenities are a must after skiing? Does your holiday home include a private spa with a sauna, whirlpool, or even a pool? Is there a wellness area with a steam bath, indoor or heated outdoor pool in your apartment complex? Is there a spa or wellness resort nearby?
- Other Amenities: Such as a balcony or terrace for snowball fights, cellar ski storage or heated boot room, a garage for cars …
- Location: Should your wellness accommodations be right by the ski area, and possibly even offer ski-in/ski-out? Where are the winter hiking trails for non-skiers? Are there shopping facilities nearby, and where’s the closest restaurant?
Cool Winter Events
Is partying an essential element of your holiday with friends? Then you’ll definitely be interested in the start or end of the ski season, when ski resorts host an array of opening festivities and spring events. Top tips include the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Schladming-Dachstein, and Obertauern.
Aside from major sporting events like the Ski World Cup, Saalbach-Hinterglemm has earned a reputation as a venue for legendary music festivals such as the Rave on Snow and BERGFESTival. In March, White Pearl Mountain Days draws crowds with a variety-packed program of top DJs, mountain yoga, and delectable culinary highlights. For its annual ski opening, Schladming attracts top stars like Robbie Williams (2023), Sting, Simply Red, and Bryan Adams (2024).
ALPS RESORTS: Saalbach Suites, Villa Liesl, Bergresort Hauser Kaibling (Hauser Kaibling/Schladming), Alpenrock Schladming or Alpenchalets Reiteralm
Skiing and Wellness: Our Top 5 Accommodations for Friends
- Kreischberg Pool Villas & Penthouses, Styria: Private pool, outdoor hot tub, or sauna – and just 150 meters from the base station of the Kreischberg gondola. The villas and apartments accommodate up to 10 people.
- Bergresort Hauser Kaibling, Styria: Ski-in/ski-out with a private pool – doesn’t that sound amazing? Better still, hire chef Andreas Marrer to prepare a special dinner for you and your friends right there in your own holiday home.
- Montafon Suites Schruns, Vorarlberg: Just a few steps from the Hochjochbahn base station, Montafon Suites Schruns welcomes ski and wellness fans. Amenities at this modern apartment resort include a wellness area with heated outdoor pool, sauna, and steam bath. The Superior-category penthouse accommodates up to 10 people.
- Naturchalets Turracher Höhe, Styria/Carinthia: A chalet with private sauna, hot tub, or whirlpool, surrounded by pine trees. The new Naturchalets host up to 10 friends in total comfort. The pistes as well as the Nocky Flitzer Alpine Coaster are about 1.5 km away.
- Almresort Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, Carinthia: The holiday homes (up to 16 people) at Almresort Sonnenalpe Nassfeld are right there in the ski area and next to the Madritschen 6-seater chairlift. After skiing, relax in the private Finnish sauna. The resort also boasts a fitness room.
Still haven’t found quite what you are looking for? Then check out our more than 40 ALPS RESORTS to find the perfect home base for your ski-and-wellness getaway!
FAQs about Skiing and Wellness Vacations with Friends
If you’re not tied to precise holiday periods, it’s best to choose dates outside peak season. January and February are usually the snowiest months, while March is ideal for sun skiing. A tip for groups of friends: check out the ski openings and end-of-season events at various ski resorts.
Holiday homes with private wellness areas are very popular, so it’s best to book early (6–12 months in advance) for dates during high season.
Holiday homes with private wellness areas in ski resorts are often slightly more expensive, but they do offer an exclusive experience with a mini-spa feel. Plus, dividing the cost between friends makes it way more affordable.
Yes, many holiday homes offer excellent wellness facilities, hiking trails, and other recreational options for those who prefer to kick back completely or enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Photo materials © Friends on the ski shuttle: saalbach.com/Georg Lindacher; White Pearl Mountain Days: saalbach.com/Michael Hedl
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
Would you like to learn more about ALPS RESORTS? Feel free to use our contact form or submit a non-binding inquiry.