End-of-year holidays on the slopes: how to prepare?
The snow holidays are just around the corner! To make sure everything goes to plan, here's Cimalp's checklist to help you prepare your end-of-year ski break properly. You'll be able to make the most of every moment in the great outdoors, with family or friends.
Choosing the right ski resort
The choice of ski resort is often defined by two criteria:
- What are your activity preferences?
- Who are you going with?
Indeed, whether you love skiing all day long or prefer to mix up your snow activities, the resort you choose will differ accordingly. And if you're heading off with children or with adults who all have different preferences, that will also influence your choice of ski resort for your snow holiday. Tignes, Villars-de-Lans or Saint-Lary — choose a
winter sports resort that suits you!
Book your accommodation
Once you've chosen your ski resort, it's time to get down to business! Book your accommodation as soon as possible to make sure you have enough space for everyone. If you're travelling outside school holidays, finding accommodation is less of a challenge. And if you like living on the edge, you can always wait until the last minute and take advantage of the many last-minute ski accommodation deals available online.
Thinking about ski passes
To access alpine skiing pistes with ease, consider ski passes for yourself or the whole family. You can visit the website of most mountain resorts to book your pass and simplify your access to the ski lifts.
Choosing the right equipment
Technical mountain clothing
To get
gearing up for the mountains and winter sports, it's important to ask yourself the right questions. This will help you put together your complete kit for skiing and other snow sports. Here are a few tips:
- Adapt your equipment to your winter activity.
- Stay warm during your time in the snow.
- Choose durable, technical clothing for demanding sports like cross-country skiing or ski touring.
Once well equipped, progress at your own pace and soak in the views!
The right gear for your snow activities
Depending on your winter sport activity, you can choose to buy or hire your equipment. A non-exhaustive list of essential gear:
- skis or the snowboarding board
- ski boots
- ski poles
- the ski helmet
- the sledge
- snowshoeing
- snow crampons
Making the most of the mountains
Before setting off, don't forget to prepare your car properly. This will allow you to act accordingly if heavy snow starts falling on the road. Once you've reached the summit, all that's left to do is enjoy — with respect — everything nature and the mountains have to offer!
Winter sports for everyone
Mountain activities are endless! Downhill skiing, sledging, hiking, trail blanc, dog sledding, fatbiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing or even
ice diving, you're spoilt for choice. However, it's essential to plan your bookings ahead and keep an eye on your budget.
Planning your budget for a ski weekend or week
Relaxation in an idyllic setting
The end-of-year holidays in the snow are no walk in the park. Between days enjoying the powder, evenings preparing meals with friends or family, moments of rest are few and far between. Take time to unwind and relax — the mountains are probably the perfect place to hit pause. Heated pool, hammam or
mountain spas, find your haven in a wellness retreat. Some establishments feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the surrounding massifs. For food lovers, you can opt for a restaurant for a romantic meal or a family outing.
For those who haven't planned to visit a ski resort or ski, there's always the option of heading somewhere close to home — a forest or mountain hike in the snow for the day. Either way, it's the holidays! So let yourself be guided.
