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Hit the slopes this season
The Christmas holidays are a great time to relax, unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For many this festive season, and over the new year, that’ll mean jetting off to the mountains and hitting the white stuff, and whether you’re a beginner or a mountain master there’s always something on offer for you. To help you decide where to go here are some top resorts to consider when planning your skiing holiday.
Val D’Isere – Billed as the premier ski destination of the French Alps and visited by thousands every year, Val D’Isere has become synonymous with European skiing. With the resort sitting at 1850m and the highest slope at 3500m, you’re guaranteed a good snowfall for your holiday and the vast number of drag and chair lifts make getting around the mountains easy. 22 green slopes, 61 blue, 46 red and 25 black give you the biggest choice in the French Alps, making it an ideal place to go if you travel with a group of mixed ability skiers. Val D’Isere translates to The Valley of Desire and it’s easy to see why, with rolling hills, vast lakes and alpine charm it’s often claimed to be the most beautiful skiing area and with good reason. A great all round resort, a must visit for all keen skiers.
Tignes – Part of the Espace Killy region, of which Val D’Isere is also part of, Tignes is much like Val D’Isere only a little lower down the mountain. Tignes is actually made up of 5 villages; Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet, Tignes Les Boisses and Tignes-les-Brevieres. Its après ski is second to none and if you’re interested in sightseeing then head to the local dam where Pierce Brosnan filmed his famous scene for Goldeneye! In terms of ski runs you’ll be able to choose from 156 runs stretched over 300km, made up with 23 greens, 66 blues, 40 reds and 27 blacks making it one of the best choices around and ideal for skiers of all ages and abilities.
Once you’ve decided where to go it’s a good idea to reserve your skis so you don’t have any hassle when you arrive, just pick them up and hit the snow! Check out package deals too, companies like Alpine Elements offer skiing holidaysthat work out considerably cheaper than booking everything individually by yourself.
Last but not least, be sure to take out adequate medical insurance, as skiing is an adventure sport that carries with it a degree of risk of injury.
Top tips for a perfect family skiing holiday
It’s hard enough organising a ski experience for adults, and when you’ve got kids to plan for too things can get seriously strained. Help take the hassle out of the whole experience by following these top stress-busting tips.
1. Get kitted up: Even if your kids are keen skiers there’s little point in buying them expensive equipment until they stop growing. Instead, hire skis, helmets and boots from a rental outlet in advance, and look online for bargain clothing. Remember that helmets are compulsory in many resorts, so make sure you child is kitted out with headgear before you fly.
2. Timing is everything: Try to avoid skiing with kids during the Christmas holidays or half term. Accommodation and flights will be much more in expensive, and the slopes are likely to be busier. If you can’t take your children out of school then try travelling at Easter instead. It’s generally cheaper so late in the season, although you’ll need to make sure that you opt for a high altitude resort for guaranteed snow. Book in advance and go with a provider such as Alpine Elements to get the best ski deals in the French Alps.
3. Travel insurance: It’s crucial to take out winter sports insurance, particularly if you’re travelling with kids. Accidents can be expensive, and it’s important to ensure that the whole family is protected. Go for joint cover and shop around among providers to find the cheapest offers.
4. Make allowances: Don’t expect your kids to be on the slopes all day. Plan for a morning of lessons and family skiing and then an afternoon spent sampling the resort’s other attractions. Go for a destination which boasts extra facilities, such as cinemas, swimming pools, sports centres and ice rinks. Remember, too, that you’ll need to organise child care if you and your partner want to experience the après ski scene.
5. Come prepared: Shops in ski resorts are generally expensive, so bring extras such as clothing, toys and particularly sun block with you. Make sure you don’t forget anything by making a list of necessaries: essentials include goggles, warm layers, ski socks and mittens. Planning in advance is the best way to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free skiing experience.
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