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Why I Finally Gave Audible a Go – and Does it Work for Ski Holidays?
As someone who loves curling up with a physical book, I was a bit sceptical about audiobooks. I always thought I’d miss that real, tangible experience of turning pages and getting lost in the feel of a good paperback. But after the birth of my youngest this year, I realised how much I missed reading. Yet, finding time to sit down with a book had become nearly impossible. I’d loved podcasts for years, so eventually, I decided to give Audible a try.
With Audible, I could finally dive into books again – hands-free! Suddenly, I was able to “read” while feeding the baby, tackling chores, or just relaxing after a long day in the mountains. As a mum and a resident of La Plagne, juggling family life and ski season, Audible has been a game-changer. And now, it’s become a go-to for ski days, especially when long journeys, cold evenings, and quiet après-ski moments are begging for a great story.
If you’ve ever thought about trying Audible, I hope my experience can give you a few pointers. Here’s how Audible has become an essential part of my busy life, why it’s worth every penny, and some of my top picks for winter-themed audiobooks that are perfect for a ski holiday.
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Why I Chose Audible Over Other Audiobook Options
While there are some great free audiobook apps like BorrowBox through the UK library system, Audible offers more flexibility and availability, which has made it invaluable for me. BorrowBox is my first choice for audiobooks because it’s free! It’s fantastic for getting books at no cost, but popular titles can have long waiting lists, and the selection can be limited when it comes to newer or niche genres. Audible, on the other hand, has a huge library and nearly instant access to almost any book I could want.
What’s more, Audible frequently features exclusive titles and professionally narrated books, which take the listening experience to a new level. Unlike BorrowBox, which can sometimes feature basic narration, Audible often has stories narrated by top actors or even by the authors themselves, bringing extra life to the book. There’s something truly immersive about listening to a well-told story, especially when it’s crafted by a talented voice actor who gives each character a distinct personality.
For ski holidays, where long car journeys, flights, and downtime in the chalet are common, Audible has proven itself invaluable. It’s always there when I need it, giving me something great to listen to without needing to pack physical books – especially important when our luggage is packed with ski gear and winter clothes for the kids!
How Audible Fits Into My Life as a Mum
One of the biggest perks of Audible is that it lets me “read” while doing everything else. From middle-of-the-night feeds with the baby to folding laundry or prepping meals, Audible has made it easy to sneak books into my day without needing to sit down. With three kids and the fast-paced life of a ski season, these small, hands-free moments are exactly when I get my reading done. Honestly, I have smashed my GoodReads challenge for this year, partly because I can listen to my latest books while I’m getting other stuff done.
Even when we’re out and about, Audible lets me enjoy books on the go. I can pop in my earphones while waiting for the kids to finish ski lessons or when I’m out for a quick walk around the village. It’s brilliant to be able to keep up with my favourite reads while still getting on with daily life in La Plagne.
For busy mums, Audible is a perfect solution. Rather than sacrificing my reading time, Audible has made it easy to dive into a book whenever I have a few spare minutes, making it feel like I’m getting a bit of “me time” without needing to clear my schedule.
Why Audible is Perfect for Travel and Ski Holidays
Ski holidays are all about adventure, but there’s also plenty of time to fill when you’re travelling with the family. From long flights to winding ski transfers, a good audiobook can be a lifesaver. With Audible, I can download as many books as I need before we even set off, which saves so much space and weight in our already-packed ski bags. Not only does this keep me entertained, but Audible has a wide selection of children’s audiobooks, so the kids can enjoy a story, too, even on long journeys.
And let’s face it – keeping kids entertained while travelling can be tricky. It’s always challenge number 1 for us when we are thinking about travelling and a long journey! Audible’s audiobooks give the whole family something enjoyable to listen to during car rides, and we’ve found that the right story can keep the peace better than any screen ever could. Some of our family’s favourite audiobooks have been adventure stories set in the snow, which help to get everyone in the mood for a winter holiday.
Even after a full day on the slopes, I’ve found Audible is perfect for relaxing in the evenings. Curling up in the chalet with a warm drink and listening to an atmospheric book, like The Chalet by Catherine Cooper, sets the tone for a cosy night after a big day of skiing. For those quieter moments, an audiobook has been the perfect way to wind down while soaking up the mountain vibes.
The Ski Lodge Experience with Audible: Top Audiobooks for the Season
If you’re looking for ski-themed audiobooks to bring on your next holiday, here are a few of my favourites so far that pair perfectly with a snowy getaway:
- The Chalet by Catherine Cooper
Set in the French Alps, this thriller is the ultimate ski holiday listen. The narration is gripping, and the atmospheric story pulls you right into the chilling mystery. It’s perfect for listening to in the chalet after a day on the slopes, bringing a bit of suspense to your winter escape. - The Ski Trip by Sarah Clarke
Another great winter read, The Ski Trip combines drama, friendship, and the snow-covered mountains. The narration is brilliant, adding depth and emotion to the story, which makes it ideal for relaxing après-ski.
Top tip: When you’re browsing Audible, look for narrators who use accents that feel natural to you. Personally, I find that British narrators make for a much more enjoyable listen, even when the story is set in the States. Something about hearing familiar accents keeps me more engaged, especially for longer books.
Audible vs BorrowBox: The Key Differences
For anyone on a budget, BorrowBox from your UK library is a fantastic way to access audiobooks for free. However, BorrowBox can be hit or miss depending on availability, and popular titles often have long waitlists. Audible, on the other hand, offers an enormous library with instant access, which has made it a great supplement when I can’t find something on BorrowBox.
Another advantage of Audible is the audio quality and extra features. Audible allows you to adjust playback speed, set sleep timers, and easily rewind by a few seconds—perfect if you missed a key detail. And with Audible’s monthly credit system, you get to keep each book forever, which isn’t possible with BorrowBox’s lending model.
So, while I still use BorrowBox for certain books, Audible has become my go-to for times when I want a specific book immediately or if I know it’s something I’ll want to re-listen to in the future.
Why Audible’s Subscription is Worth the Cost
Audible works on a credit system: each month, you receive one credit that you can use on any audiobook in their library, regardless of price. Audible also runs regular member sales, where you can find additional books at great discounts, making it easy to build up a library without breaking the bank.
For me, the subscription pays for itself. If I bought each audiobook individually, I’d spend much more each month, so having a credit that lets me choose any book is excellent value. Plus, if you’re listening to at least one book a month, Audible is well worth it, especially if you travel often or enjoy “reading” while on the move.
A great feature is that you can pause your subscription if you find that you’ve accumulated credits but aren’t using them up. I have paused my account before, and it’s perfect because you still have access to your credits to use and listen to everything you have downloaded. Then, you can simply reactivate your account when you’re ready to get some new books.
And the best part? Audible offers a 30-day free trial for new members, so you can try it out risk-free. You’ll get one credit to download any book you like, and if it’s not for you, you can cancel without paying a thing – and you get to keep that first book forever.
Getting Started with Audible
Signing up for Audible is quick and simple. Just head to Amazon, where you can start with their 30-day free trial. Or, at the time of writing this, they have a deal for £0.99 per month for the first 3 months. The price after this is £7.99 per month. After signing up, you’ll receive a credit to download any audiobook, which you’ll keep even if you cancel.
Audible has made a huge difference to my reading habits as a busy mum, and I think it could be a fantastic addition to any ski holiday packing list. You’ll never be short of something to listen to, and whether it’s a gripping thriller or a cosy winter story, an audiobook is the perfect way to add a bit of magic to your time in the mountains.
That’s La Plagne & Audible
Whether I’m feeding the baby, managing a ski holiday with the kids, or simply taking a moment to unwind, Audible has become an essential part of my life. Audiobooks allow me to fit “reading” into my day hands-free, and they’ve made long journeys and après-ski moments so much more enjoyable.
If you’re considering giving it a go, I highly recommend the free trial to see if Audible works for you. Trust me, the flexibility of listening on the go is a game-changer.
If you’re looking for some good ski-themed book recommendations for all the family, check out this popular post with all my favourite books for all ages.
See you on the slopes!
