Beach or Ski: Ultimate Holiday Showdown

Sand or slopes? Ocean waves or back country powder? Après ski or Après sun?

The seaside and the mountainside are two of the world’s favourite holiday playgrounds, but which is best? We all love a trip to the coast, where we can either soak up the sun and take a cooling dip in the sea, or take to the seas for some water sports action. However, skiing and snowboarding holidays also offer a great combination of activity and relaxation up in the mountains… let’s a weigh up a few pros and cons for each.

Waterskiing/Skiing

While waterskiing on the ocean is not recommended for beginners, it is a fun way of spicing up a sedate beach holiday for more experienced waterskiers. However, good old snow skiing has to win this little contest due to the sheer variety of challenges and terrains out there and the sense of speed and freedom gained from being out on the slopes.

Surfing/Snowboarding

With snowboarding being the younger derivative of surfing, we’ll have to give the beach the edge on this one. The thrill of catching a wave and riding the flowing power of one of nature’s most glorious constructions really can’t be beaten.

Sea Swimming/Snowy Jacuzzi

Another win for the beach here. As wonderful as a hot communal jacuzzi can be after a hard day out in the snow, swimming in the ocean is tough to beat, giving a wonderful feel of being close to nature and bringing all the senses to life!

Sea View/Mountain Views

A hit for snow holidays here… as wonderful as coastal views are, with the salty breeze in your face and the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, the mountains offer wild and majestic vistas which just beg to be photographed. Worth hiking up to see, and even more worth a look after a quick ride up the ski lift!

Sunbathing/Sauna

Getting a healthy glow isn’t really an option on a ski holiday, except for that part of your face not covered by goggles. Although a good soak in a sauna gives a similar experience, the cheery vitamin D injection available at the beach, not to mention the envious glances of friends when you get home, give the beach another win here…

Seaside Hotel/Cosy Chalet

Not to say that there aren’t some wonderful coastal hotels around with glorious views of sea and sky, but there’s something uniquely homely about a ski chalet. An open fire and a hot chocolate with good company at the end of a day’s fun in the snow gives the snow holiday this ronud…

Swimsuit & Towel/Snow Gear

Simplicity wins the day here. As much as it’s great fun spending a lot of money on all the latest ski and snowboard gear, all you really need at the beach is your swimsuit and a nice big towel. And maybe a hat for snoozing.

Sea Breeze/Mountain Air

Sure, a sea breeze is highly invigorating, but the cold, clean air of the mountains rushing through your lungs as you plunge down a black run is unbeatable. Another hit for skiing holidays!

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