Nothing brings people together like a group ski holiday.
Whether it's bonding with friends, taking time away with family or giving your best friend a spectacular send-off into married life, ski holidays are the best way to socialise and make memories.
The real beauty is that not all of you have to be ski-mad to enjoy the week or ski weekend. Some of the most memorable days are spent sitting on sun terraces, dancing on tables or sprawling around the fire in a cosy alpine chalet.
Group ski holidays also make for the ultimate corporate trip, giving colleagues the chance to loosen up and enjoy each other's company.
As we've said, planning a group ski holiday isn't always a piece of cake. There are lots of things to consider and it's not unusual for things to get a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, we're brimming with ideas on how to make your group ski trip unforgettable.
First things first, don't leave it to the last minute, especially really large groups. Start planning well in advance and you'll get what you want. The best chalets get snapped up quickly, but you'll find many come with low deposits and you can spread the cost quite nicely.
Depending on what you book, name changes are free with some providers, with the cut off date typically anywhere between 4 to 10 weeks before you travel. This is particularly useful for sports teams or larger groups where you're not certain of the uptake until nearer the time. (Incidentally, if you are uncertain of the group size and want to add people on later, a big hotel or chalet-hotel is often the easiest approach to take).
The resort you choose is critical to making the most of your trip. Not every resort is the same; some are quieter and better suited to families, while others have amazing après ski, for those keen to split their time between the bar and the mountain.
There's also the skiing itself to consider. You don't want to venture all the way to a resort with no decent nursery slopes if your group are all complete beginners. Same goes for advanced skiers - a lack of challenging black runs or off-piste opportunities could see them quickly bored.