End-of-year celebrations on the slopes: how to prepare?
The snow holidays are almost here! To make sure everything goes to plan, here is Cimalp's checklist to help you prepare your end-of-year ski celebrations properly. You'll 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. And if you are going on holiday with children or with adults who have different preferences, this 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 have 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 places. If you are travelling outside of school holidays, finding accommodation is less of a challenge. And if you like taking a risk, you can also wait until the last minute and look out for the many ski accommodation deals available online.
Thinking about ski passes
To access alpine skiing slopes with ease, look into 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.
Plan the right gear
Technical mountain clothing
To gear up properly for the mountains and winter sports, it is important to ask yourself the right questions. This will help you put together your complete kit for skiing and other snow sports. Here are some tips:
- Adapt your gear to your winter activity.
- Stay warm during your time in the snow.
- Opt for durable, technical clothing for demanding sports such as cross-country skiing or ski touring.
Once fully equipped, progress at your own pace and take in the view!
The right gear for your snow activities
Depending on your winter sporting activity, you can choose to either buy or hire equipment. A non-exhaustive list of essential kit:
- skis or a snowboarding board
- ski boots
- ski poles
- ski helmet
- sledging
- snowshoeing
- crampons
Making the most of the mountains
Before the big departure, don't forget to prepare your car properly. This will allow you to react accordingly if heavy snow falls on the road. Once you reach the summit, all that's left is to enjoy, with respect, what nature and the mountains have to offer!
Winter sports for everyone
There is no shortage of mountain activities! Downhill skiing, sledging, hiking, white trail, dog sledging, fat biking, ski touring, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing or even ice diving — the choice is yours. However, it is important to plan bookings in advance and keep an eye on your budget.
Planning your budget for a ski weekend or week
Relaxation in an idyllic setting
End-of-year celebrations in the snow are anything but restful. Between days out on the slopes, evenings spent preparing meals with friends or family, moments of rest are few and far between. Remember to let go and unwind, as the mountains are probably the perfect place to pause and recharge. Heated pools, hammams or mountain spas — find your bliss in a wellness bubble. Some establishments feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the surrounding massifs. For food lovers, you can opt for a restaurant meal, whether as a couple or with the family.
For those who have not planned to visit a ski resort or go skiing, there is always the option of heading out for a day's hiking in the snow, not far from home, in a forest or in the mountains. Either way, it's the holidays! So let yourself be guided.
