6 Reasons to Hit the Slopes Early

Enjoy the wide open spaces. One of the best things about getting on the snow before everyone else is that you're likely to have the slopes to yourself. Imagine it: perfectly groomed empty slopes, ski lifts with no danger of a queue building up, the first big powder dumps of winter all to yourself. It seems almost selfish, doesn't it — but really you're just doing your bit to support the local economy in resort. There'll be no queues in the mountain restaurant either, and you won't risk being turned away at a fully-booked restaurant, because they do have space for walk-ins.

Pay less. The even greater miracle of supply-and-demand ski slope economics is that even though you get all the advantages of being one of the first on those empty slopes, you're likely to pay much less for the privilege. Everything from flights to accommodation and other in-resort costs can be significantly discounted — in some cases half of what they are just a week or two later — simply because resorts need business before the holidays, before prices shoot up as demand rapidly outstrips supply.

Get the best of the gear. Another perk for early arrivals is that, if you're renting equipment, you may well find yourself in brand new boots, on the latest skis or board. Whether it's beginner equipment or expert-level demo gear, you're likely to be the first to test it — and no wait in the rental shop either.

Earn bragging rights. Your friends back home will be waiting in much anticipation for their ski holiday later in the winter. They'll also be paying much more for it, battling through busier airports and roads to reach more crowded slopes. While you're whizzing down the mountain, they're at their desks waiting to hear from you about your start-of-season trip — imagine their delight as you live-stream videos of you descending that pristine, empty slope.