Why Altitude = Assurance: The Secret to a Proper Ski Holiday

There’s one number that quietly defines the quality of your ski holiday: altitude. It’s not glamorous, it’s not often shouted about but it underpins everything from snow conditions to transfer times to how much faff stands between you and the slopes.

At VIP SKI, our chalets and hotels sit at an average altitude of 1,967m, which puts us in a different league to most ski operators. In this blog, we’ll explain why that matters, what it means for your holiday experience and why higher really is better when it comes to skiing.

In short: altitude is the best predictor of snow, season length and skiable terrain. Here’s why.

1. Better snow reliability

At higher elevations, snow tends to arrive earlier, stick around longer and fall more frequently as powder, not slush. Lower resorts, especially below 1,500m, increasingly suffer from thin coverage and closed pistes during the crucial early and late parts of the season.

Our handpicked resorts, Avoriaz (1,800m), Arc 1950, Plagne Centre (1,970m) and Val d’Isère (1,850m), offer dependable snow throughout the winter. That makes skiing from early December to mid-April not just possible, but pleasurable.

Val d’Isère in particular is a jewel in the French Alps crown: a high, dramatic resort with a world-class snow record and access to the vast Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area. With most terrain above 2,000m and exceptional piste maintenance, it’s one of the safest bets for a snow-sure trip.

2. Ski-in ski-out that works

At altitude, ski-in ski-out isn’t an empty marketing phrase. It’s a genuine part of the experience. Chalets located right on the piste stay snow-covered all season, so you really can step out, click in and go.

No icy roads. No shuttle buses. Just ski straight from the boot room to the mountain.

3. Fewer transfers, less hassle

Our resorts may be high, but they’re not hard to reach. Unlike some far-flung destinations that require hours of winding switchbacks or domestic flights, VIP SKI guests benefit from streamlined, complimentary transfers, offered four times a day up and down to each of our resorts.

We’ve made arrival feel effortless, especially at our dedicated VIP SKI desk at Geneva Airport, staffed every Sunday to welcome guests, assist with timings, and get you on your way with ease. Whether you’re heading for Val d’Isère, Les Arcs, La Plagne or Avoriaz, you’ll be in expert hands from the moment you land.

Less time juggling logistics. More time on the mountain. And absolutely no need for car hire or snow-chain dramas.

4. Longer season, more booking flexibility

High-altitude skiing lets you avoid peak dates without sacrificing conditions. Want a quieter week before Christmas or a value-packed trip after Easter? Resorts above 1,800m hold their snow beautifully, giving you more choice without compromise.

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In recent years, warmer winters have shifted the ski map upwards. Resorts that once had reliable snowfall now rely on snow cannons and optimism. Meanwhile, high-altitude destinations continue to offer a true alpine experience - natural snow, wide-open terrain and that unmistakable mountain magic.

At VIP SKI, we’ve long prioritised altitude. We don’t just choose resorts that look good on a postcard. We choose places where the skiing actually delivers.

Our average altitude of 1,967 metres is no accident. It’s a promise: that your ski holiday will be worthy of the name.

High-altitude resorts offer more than just great snow - they provide peace of mind. Whether you're planning an early-season escape or a springtime ski, choosing a destination with reliable conditions can make all the difference.

So if you're dreaming of wide-open pistes, fresh mountain air and a little more certainty, altitude is well worth considering.