Top tips to get the best from your ski holiday
Whether you want to be skiing back country in La Grave
, hitting the gluhwein in Kitzbuhel, or covering 425km of pistes in a week in La Plagne, the key to a great ski holiday is great planning. So, to help you plan your trip we've spoken to a whole bunch of ski industry insiders and come up with some top tips to help you ensure that you have a holiday which is right for you.
Think before you act
Before you begin choosing a holiday, you need to decide what you want. Are you looking for ski-in ski-out? Or for facilities such as a hot tub or sauna? Do you want to go catered or to do your own catering? Do you want to be out each night partying? Or do you want the chalet to have a log fire that you can curl up by in the evenings?
Before you start looking at properties decide together what you are looking for, how many people are going, which counties and ski areas you are considering, how you are getting there, and how much you are willing to pay.
Research your accommodation
Choose your accommodation carefully and have a look at all of the options before you decide what is best for you and your group. Booking flights and accommodation separately often works out at a similar price, while giving you the flexibility to choose where you want to stay. The Chalets Direct Solutions room is a great tool too write in your wish list and let the solutions come back to you.
Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're looking either. "I would always ask for the name of the chalet host and a bit about them" says Andy Young, from Premiere Neige "If a company don't know who is working in your chalet, how can they guarantee you a certain level of catering?".
Make sure that you are price savvy
Being price savvy rather than just looking for the cheapest option can ultimately mean a better holiday for less. Why book a self catered apartment instead of a catered chalet to save money if you know your group will eat out each night? Or choose a cheaper property that's further away from the slopes, when you have to pay for a hire car to get you there and back each day?
One great way to get more for your money is to ski on one of the weeks with lower demand. Typically a January or March week is half the price of the New Year, and there are fewer lift queues too! If you're a first time skier, have a look at the Freshers Ski Week (www.freshersskiweek.com) who offer some great incentives to get beginners onto the snow.
Plan for the children too
If you have children, think carefully about childcare options before you book anything. Children who are used to going to a nursery at home will thrive in the sociability of a resort crche whilst if you prefer more flexibility consider a private nanny. For older children, consider combining morning ski school with afternoon childcare.
"Many companies advertise themselves as child friendly, but the only way to be sure is to ask" says Heather of Ice and Fire (www.ice-fire.co.uk). "The best questions to ask are the specifics of what you need for your child Can you provide a cot and highchair? Are there toys and board games in the chalet? Do you provide early dinners and what's your menu? Who will be looking after my child and what are their qualifications?"
Prepare your body
Last month the medical university of Innsbruck shocked the ski industry by reporting the findings of a study into the cause of deaths in the alpes ""Sudden cardiac death accounts for a staggering 40 per cent of the total fatalities amongst winter sports tourists in the Austrian Alps and of these acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is the leading cause." Says Dr Bernhard Metzler, associate professor of cardiology at the university.
Skiing is a very physical activity and it is important to get your body ready for the challenge of a week on the slopes. "Do plenty of exercise in the run up to your holiday, and ensure that you remain healthy whilst you are here by stretching carefully, drinking plenty of water and giving the booze a miss" recommends Jenny Yates of Summer Zest (www.summerzest.co.uk).
Book as much as you can before you travel
Reserving what you can before you leave the UK will ensure that things go much more smoothly during your holiday. The tourist office for the resort you are visiting is a good place to start, as is an internet search and most alpine companies have an English web presence.
Your chalet host should be able to book lift passes for you in advance, and have them ready for you when you arrive and ski hire is usually cheaper online, with deals of up to 40% off for booking in advance. One handy tip is to try and find a ski hire company who will come to the chalet to cut down on faffing time on the first morning. Be aware too that good ski schools often book up fast so try and reserve your lessons as soon as possible after you book your holiday.
Once all of the planning is done all the remains is to put on your boots, pick up your skis, and prepare yourself for a fantastic holiday.
Top tips to get the best from your ski holiday
By: Heather Morison
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