Have you ever scrolled past those perfect winter photos and thought, “That looks amazing, but I could never do a ski trip,” then this one is for you.

In December 2025 I was lucky enough to be invited on a Contiki fam trip to Hopfgarten in Austria for three nights, and I went with a mix of excitement and mild panic.

Having not skied before, I was travelling alone to a new country but what found was the complete opposite of intimidating. It was fun, friendly and full of people who were there to try something new, make memories and having a laugh.

Contiki is designed for 18–35 year olds, so everyone was at a similar life stage: lots of solo travellers, pairs of friends and small groups, all looking for that mix of adventure, nightlife and new connections. It meant the whole trip had a really relaxed, social feel, without ever feeling cliquey or exclusive.

From the moment I arrived, the Contiki team were warm, welcoming and super on it. Travelling solo or just with a friend or two can sometimes feel a bit “eek, what have I done?”, especially on a ski trip where half the people look like they were born wearing skis. But the hosts made it all feel easy. They learned names, checked in on how we were getting on, helped organise ski school, answered all the random questions and were always around with advice or a joke. It felt like having your own little support squad, which makes this kind of trip perfect if you are a solo traveller or a group of friends who want adventure without having to organise every tiny detail.

Now, the skiing. Let’s just say: if falling over was an Olympic sport, I would have come home with a medal. I spent a good portion of my time on the slopes getting very well acquainted with the snow. There were some spectacular tumbles, arms and legs everywhere, that had me (and a few others) crying with laughter. Learning to ski is hard, and there were definitely moments when my legs were burning and I wondered why I had voluntarily strapped planks to my feet. But then you get those little wins: your first run without stacking it, that satisfying feeling when you finally nail a turn, looking up and suddenly noticing the mountains all around you and the fresh, icy air. It is all worth it.

One of my favourite parts was the social side back at the accommodation. Instead of everyone hiding away in their rooms, it is set up to bring people together. Communal dining meant big, shared tables where you sit down, pile your plate high and start chatting about the day: who fell over the most, who tried a new run, who discovered the best hot chocolate on the mountain. It has that lovely, easygoing, “you can sit with us” vibe, so even if you arrive knowing no one, you definitely will not leave that way.

Then there is the onsite bar, which is basically the heart of the fun. Contiki really lean into the social side with themed nights, games and organised activities. One night you might be taking part in a ridiculous quiz, the next you are up dancing, or playing silly games you did not know you needed in your life until that moment. Or you can just tuck yourself into a cosy corner with a drink, swapping stories with people from all over the world. It is structured enough that you never feel at a loose end, but relaxed enough that you can dip in and out as much as you like.

In terms of cost, I was really impressed by the value. Skiing has a bit of a reputation for being expensive, and yes, it can be, but this felt like a very smart way to do it. You are not just paying for a bed in a room, you are getting the hosted experience, the social programme, the communal meals, the support and the reassurance that you will be looked after from start to finish. For 18–35 year olds who want maximum experience for their money, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Looking back, what sticks with me is the feeling of being part of a little mountain gang for a few days. I fell over a lot, laughed even more, made new friends and pushed myself way outside my comfort zone. And despite the bruises and the slightly sore muscles, I absolutely loved every second. If you are tempted by the idea of skiing, or you just fancy a fun, social winter escape where everything is taken care of and you can focus on enjoying yourself, a Contiki trip to Austria could be exactly what you are looking for.