When I went freelance three years ago at the very beginning of the pandemic, I couldn’t imagine what a good decision it would turn out to be. Fast forward to January 2023 and I’m working on my blog while looking out over the Swiss Alps.
| Press trip |
I was invited on a ski workation with Coliving Frilingue, a coliving space in the mountains in Switzerland and I had the time of my life. Between meeting amazing new friends for life, my first time skiing and partying in Verbier, there were some moments I’ll never forget.
Here’s what you can expect from a ski workation.
What is a workation?
A workation is exactly what it sounds like, a combination of working and a vacation. Perfect for digital nomads or remote workers, a workation means that you can do your work around having fun, travelling and exploring.
On a ski vacation you’ll typically spend either the morning or the afternoon skiing and the rest of the day doing work. Well, that’s if you can bear to tear yourself away from the slopes!
A workation is usually a week or a couple of weeks long, the perfect break without needing to neglect your work or take annual leave, if you have a full time job.
What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. If you’ve ever stayed in a hostel or a mountain refuge then you’ll know the kind of thing to expect. The Ski Hostel is a cute wooden lodge with amazing views of the snow-covered mountains around it.
Bedrooms are shared with bunkbeds but I believe you may be able to pay extra to have your own room, if sharing isn’t your thing. Bathrooms are also shared.
The main area is split into different areas with tables for working, sofas for relaxing and games like table tennis and pool for downtime.
You can also choose whether to cook your own meals, pay to join in with the group or pay extra for a half board package. I would definitely recommend eating with the rest of the group as it’s a great way to bond and chat about your adventures.
What is the skiing like on a workation?
Typically on a workation you’ll spend a few hours skiing in the morning or afternoon and then fit your work in around that. The Ski Hostel is close to three small Swiss ski resorts – Vichères-Liddes, La Fouly, and Champex-Lac.
All of these resorts are within a 40 minute drive of the accommodation and there are transfers to the resorts each day, or you can catch a lift with someone else. You can even get to Vicheres on the local bus, if you’d prefer.
The ski pass for all three of these resorts is just €80 for the entire season so a workation is a great way of skiing on a budget and continue to earn as you do so.
Nightlife on a workation
A workation definitely isn’t all work and no play. During ours we got to get out and explore, outside of skiing every day. We went to an amazing outdoor thermal spa one evening which was so much fun and really chilled, exactly what was needed after the battering I took skiing. Did I mention I fell over quite a bit?!
There were also party nights in the hostel with an outdoor BBQ one night, as well as fondue and raclette nights.
One of the best nights of the week was when we headed into the famous ski resort of Verbier for apres ski. There was a live band in one of the bars and we had so much fun drinking and dancing all night.
If you’re considering taking a workation this year then take this as your sign to do it. Coliving Frilingue also offers a summer workation in Switzerland where instead of skiing, you’ll be hiking and enjoying nature, as well as one in Montenegro (definitely on my list!), so there’s something for everyone.
