02.10
2023
Advice and tips
That’s it, your mind’s made up! This year, you’re heading to the mountains for a well-earned break – for the very first time. And to make sure your first visit is a successful one, take a look at our top tips to help you plan your stay and get the most out of your holiday!
So, you’ve decided to go on holiday to one of our beautiful French resorts this winter. That sounds like a great idea to us, and there are so many options open to you. But, before you head off, our first top tip is to plan ahead, making sure you really consider the type of holiday you want, preparing in advance to ensure everything goes to plan!
Choosing the right resort
Whilst all the French resorts boast a range of exceptional qualities, they don’t all offer the same ones. This means you need to give some thought to what your ideal holiday would entail, define the key elements, and choose the resort that best meets your requirements.
What questions do you need to ask yourself?
- Am I an experienced skier looking for a varied and technical ski area? Or am I an occasional / beginner skier who would prefer a smaller ski area with other additional activities?
- Am I going on holiday with my family? Famille Plus resorts offer all the necessary facilities and services for all ages.
- Do I want to enjoy a calm and restful family-friendly holiday? Or would I prefer a livelier resort with lots going on?
- Would I like to travel by train? Some resorts are accessible by train + shuttlebus.
When you’ve given some thought to what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a resort that will meet all your expectations.
Booking your accommodation
After you’ve decided on your destination, the next step is to book your accommodation. Depending on your budget and your personal preference, you can choose from a rental apartment, tourist residence, hotel or chalet. Or opt for an unusual experience by staying in an igloo, treetop cabin, or glass pod…
Consider your surroundings too. Would you like to stay in a quiet spot in the middle of nature, at the foot of the slopes, or in the heart of the resort’s buzzing nightlife?
As soon as you’ve found the perfect accommodation, make sure you book it as soon as you can! That way you can take advantage of any early-booking deals and be sure to have the accommodation of your choice. Ski holidays are always much in demand.
Checking your insurance
Make sure your travel/health/card card insurance covers you for winter sports activities so that you can enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind. Check with your insurance provider or bank, and take out additional cover if necessary.
You can also take out Carré Neige snowsports insurance in resort when you buy your skipass.
Getting kitted out
Before you head off to the mountains, give some thought to your equipment. To make sure you don’t get caught by surprise, don’t forget the following:
- Sunglasses
- Warm, waterproof clothing
- Snow boots
- Gloves and hat
- Sun cream
- Ski equipment (available to hire in resort)
- Helmet and ski goggles
- Snow tyres and chains in the boot (if you’re travelling by car)
Getting in shape for skiing
Whether you’re looking for a lively, sporty holiday, or just want to focus on skiing, it’s important to get into shape beforehand. Your body might not be used to the physical effort required, so some walking, swimming, cycling, or even just walking up the stairs will help improve your fitness level and prevent injuries.
Before you hit the slopes in the morning, a quick warm-up will really benefit your joints and muscles. And if you’re new to skiing, a few lessons will give you the basics to help you get the most out of the slopes. Don’t hesitate to book a lesson with an ESF ski instructor!
You can book your accommodation, ski lessons and ski equipment rental, as well as anything else you may need for your holiday from our online booking platform!
