It’s skiing season, and with just over 2,000 alpine skiing destinations to choose from, millions of holiday makers are heading off on their winter breaks. Among the list of holiday must-haves, an internet connection is particularly important - especially for checking the weather. But even without unpredictable conditions, skiers expect to be able to stay connected on the slopes, checking out places to eat, keeping on top of travel news and sharing the breathtaking scenery with their social media followers.

Despite the popularity of skiing and snowboarding holidays, for many the cost of data roaming can push the budget too far. In Europe, post-Brexit changes have put an end to guaranteed free roaming around Europe, and those looking to go skiing further afield will also be hit with the kind of charges that could cause them to think twice about that second apres-ski schnapps.

Local SIM cards are still an option, but they’re fiddly, time consuming and require the user to change their existing SIM card, which can make them unreachable on their usual number. The fact that many ski destinations are cross-border is another problem, often leading to poor connections and loss of signal.

The answer is eSIM technology, which provides instant, reliable access to data at an affordable cost.

The introduction of eSIMs means travel customers can now access affordable, hassle free data wherever they roam. This is a welcome change for winter adventure seekers who don’t want to have to deal with the hassle and expense associated with data roaming and local SIM cards.

eSIM Go offers competitive rates for skiing destinations including Switzerland, where we cover the majority of major networks, including two with 5G coverage.

Connectivity on the slopes and beyond

At the time of writing many of Europe’s most popular ski resorts, including Zermatt, Val d’Isere and St Moritz have all got plenty of snow, but record breaking temperatures have been a problem in other areas. Some European resorts have been forced to close already this season due to a shortage of snow, with others turning to artificial alternatives.

While the lack of snow is leaving many skiers and snowboarders disappointed this season, travel companies are having to look at other ways to keep customers happy Luckily, these destinations still have lots to offer without winter sports. Visitors to the Northern Alps and other areas dealing with unseasonably warm temperatures can find plenty to do, like scenic train journeys, hiking trips, cruises on mirror-like lakes and dining at some of the most exceptional restaurants on the planet.

Ski holidays around the world

For those who are set on a skiing holiday and want to try somewhere a little further afield than Europe, other winter sport destinations are really taking off. Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb is consistently voted one of the top ski destinations in the world, along with Colorado’s famous Aspen and Vail Mountain Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Other increasingly popular destinations for keen skiers and snowboarders include Chile, Utah, Japan, Canada, Andorra and Argentina.

Here’s an idea of eSIM Go’s coverage in popular ski destinations around the world:

  • France: all major networks covered with 5G
  • Italy: Most major networks, including 2 with 5G
  • Austria: One major network, with 5G
  • Canada: Two of the major networks, both with 5G
  • US: Two major networks
  • Andorra: We cover the one major network
  • Chile: One of the major networks
  • Japan: Two of the major networks, both with 5G coverage
  • Argentina: One of the major networks

To stay up to date with our offering, follow our social media accounts and visit our resources page here.

Try eSIM for travel

eSIM Go works direct with travel companies, presenting the first genuine opportunity to monetise data with no need for physical SIM cards. There’s no doubt that eSIM makes it far easier for holiday makers and business travellers to stay connected on the go, and our services are rapidly expanding.

To find out more about how eSIM Go is leading the eSIM revolution for travel companies, get in touch.