Skiing is certainly hard on a body. At the end of a long day of skiing in the cold, winter weather there is nothing quite as good as a soak in a nice, hot tub of water. But, alas, you step into the tub to realize that it is ice cold. You call down to the front desk only to be informed that it happens often and that it should be fixed sometime by tomorrow evening. Stop and check yourself in the mirror, you have just become a victim of bad skiing accommodations.

This Could Have Been Avoided

All too often, skiers, especially those new to the sport, focus more on the skiing aspect of their vacations rather than on their skiing accommodations. Make no mistake, especially in popular ski areas, lodges, hotels, and chalets sometimes, well, do not put their best foot forward in terms of cleanliness and service.  It is not to say every resort is a tourist trap, but in places where business is overflowing a bed, no matter the condition, is a place to sleep. And, there are people who will settle for just about anything.

Mary and Jim’s Not So Fantastic Ride

Mary and Jim decided one year to do something amazing for their one week of vacation a year. They both worked a lot, and while not rich, they had saved just enough money in their rainy day fund to do something a little nicer that year. They were both avid skiers in their youth, and they decided that it would be a nice idea to book some skiing accommodations and head out for the week.

They chose to return to a little spot where they had vacationed as college sweethearts, and stay at the same little skiing accommodation. They arrived full of energy, vigor, and happiness, but they were soon demoralized at the condition of their lodge. Time, tourists, and the elements had all taken their toll on what once was a beautiful, cozy skiing accommodation.

What Did They Do?

What could they do? They were already there, and the money they had paid was non-refundable. To make matters worse, while they slept for five nights amongst the cockroaches, across the street was a brand new resort with all the amenities they had dreamt about. So, each day as they set out for the slopes they were cruelly reminded of the vacation that could have been, but alas wasn’t not to be. The lesson: Look before you book your next ski accommodations, or you might really be up a slope without a pole.