10 tips for preparing your ski vacation

Summer and back to school went well. It's time to prepare for your ski vacation ! To help you, Pointe de sel has gathered here the 10 best tips for a successful ski holiday.

Tip No.1: Book your chalet in advance

To prepare for your ski vacation with family in the Alps, the ideal is to book a private chalet. Opt for an exclusive experience with the comfort of a chalet that will accommodate your entire family with enough space for everyone, grandparents, children and grandchildren. The warm atmosphere of a ski chalet holiday is incomparable. Sharing friendly moments by the fireplace, enjoying meals together and enjoying the snowy landscapes creates unforgettable memories. The proximity, comfort and unique character of a chalet contribute to a warm and intimate experience, perfect for a memorable vacation.

Selecting a private chalet guarantees a personalized stay in a luxurious atmosphere in the heart of the Alps. The most beautiful chalets and those with the best ski-in/ski-out location go quickly. The Christmas and New Year school holidays and the February holidays are particularly the most requested periods.

Anticipate as much as possible when booking your chalet rental. As soon as you know your vacation dates and who you wish to go with, contact us to find your ski chalet corresponding to your criteria (chalet for 4, 10, 12 or 15 people, chalet with swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi, nearby chalet from the ESF, ski-in/ski-out chalet, etc.).

Tip #2 for preparing your ski vacation: Choose a suitable ski resort

For good prepare for your ski vacation, selecting a ski resort suited to your needs is crucial. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or as a couple, find a destination that offers activities that meet your expectations.

When selecting your destination, opt for a high altitude resort to ensure optimal snow conditions, especially during the Christmas period. Higher altitude resorts offer more reliable snow cover and an extended ski season.

Make sure the resort offers a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. A variety of trails allows each member of the family to fully enjoy their experience on the snowy slopes.

Check if the resort benefits from the “Famille Plus” label, guaranteeing a welcome suitable for families with specific services for children. Many certified resorts offer fun and educational activities for young people, as well as adapted infrastructure, thus creating a friendly environment for the whole family.

In addition to activities on the slopes, choose a resort offering a variety of non-ski activities accessible to non-skiers. Snowshoe walks, dog sledding, spas, lively shops and varied restaurants are all options to diversify the pleasures and make your ski vacation unforgettable.

Tip #3 for preparing your ski vacation: Book children's ski lessons in advance

Schedule your ski lessons as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress. Pointe de sel offers advance booking of ski or snowboard lessons at the ski school at the same time as your accommodation. As your stay is tailor-made, you can opt for group lessons or private lessons for greater progress adapted to your pace.

Our ski school partners offer a range of lessons suitable for all levels and professional supervision with a limited number of children per group. You get a complete learning experience.

Tip #4: Prepare your ski vacation physically

We never think about it when preparing for our ski vacation... Before hitting the slopes, adequate physical preparation is essential to minimize the risk of injury. To properly prepare for your ski vacation, here are some exercises to integrate into your pre-ski routine:

• Muscle strengthening: Spend time strengthening specific muscles used when skiing, such as your quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and core muscles. Squats, lunges, plank exercises, and leg extensions are great choices.
• Cardiovascular: Board sports require good cardiovascular fitness. Engage in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or jumping rope to improve your endurance.
• Stretches: Before and after exercise, spend time stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness. Focus on the muscles of your legs, back and shoulders.
• Ski-specific exercises: Simulate ski-specific movements to prepare your muscles for the actions required on the slopes. Exercises such as seated squats (as if you were on a chairlift), trunk rotations, and side jumps can be beneficial.
• Fast walk : Incorporate brisk walking into your daily routine to improve your overall fitness and strengthen your legs.

Be sure to start your physical preparation program at least a month before departure to allow your body to gradually adapt to the effort. This proactive approach will help optimize your fitness and maximize your enjoyment on the slopes.

Tip #5: Check your ski equipment

Make sure you have quality ski equipment by having the bindings adjusted by a professional. Opt for quality ski equipment, adapted to your level of expertise. The partners of Pointe de sel can guide you in choosing the equipment that best suits your needs.

In addition to snow equipment, adequate ski clothing is essential. Wear clothing that effectively covers your skin while ensuring good heat regulation. Technical, breathable materials are essential for wicking away moisture while providing a barrier against the cold.

Before departure, don't forget to try on the children's ski outfits. Growing quickly, it's crucial to make sure their clothes always fit.

Finally simplify your life by opting for services Pointe de sel. We reserve the ski equipment for you in advance and we deliver the equipment directly to your chalet. Everything is prepared to offer you a smooth departure.

Tip #6: Take stock of your insurance:

Before hitting the slopes, make sure you are covered in the event of an accident. Mountain rescue can be expensive, so carefully checking your insurance is essential. We encourage you to review the guarantees of insurance contracts and to take out additional insurance if necessary to prepare for your ski vacation in complete safety.

Have you also thought about taking out cancellation insurance for your stay? Pointe de sel offers you an optional cancellation insurance which covers you in the event of illness or death before and during your stay.

Tip #7: Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions

Preparing for your ski vacation requires meticulously checking your vehicle before setting off for the Alps. Snow or 4-season tires or chains are mandatory in winter throughout Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

Don't forget to check the tire pressure, test the installation of the chains (before being in snow conditions), antifreeze fluid, check the levels and lights.

If you take the train or plane, remember to book your tickets well in advance to benefit from the best deals. Pointe de sel can organize a transfer from the train station or airport to take you as quickly as possible to your ski holiday chalet.

Tip #8: Eat a balanced diet

Although mountain specialties are tempting and tasty (are you more into fondue or raclette?), maintaining a balanced diet is important to fully enjoy your stay. After a good full breakfast at the chalet, slip some healthy snacks into your backpack to take on the slopes (cereal bars or dried fruit), and a small bottle of water to hydrate yourself regularly.

For healthy, hassle-free dinners, opt for chef-prepared meal delivery, offered exclusively by Pointe de sel. These tasty meals are designed to meet your nutritional needs while tantalizing your taste buds.

By opting for chalet catering prepared by qualified chefs, you save the time and effort associated with meal preparation while ensuring a balanced diet during your ski vacation. The exclusive services of Pointe de sel merge comfort with quality, transforming every meal into an exceptional culinary experience.

9. Protect yourself from the sun:

Contrary to popular belief, the sun can be just as harmful in winter as in summer, including when it is overcast or snowing.

• Remember to bring sunglasses with effective UV filters to avoid glare and protect your eyes from the intense glare of the snow. Make sure they offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen specially formulated for winter sports. Apply generously to all exposed areas of your skin, paying particular attention to the face, neck and hands. Reapply regularly, especially after a ski session or after sweating.
• Don't forget to protect your lips with a lip balm containing sun protection factor. Winter conditions can dry out the skin, and proper protection prevents chapping and burning.

10. Keep a positive attitude:

The key to a successful ski vacation is a positive attitude and stress-free preparation. Find out how Pointe de sel simplifies your vacation experience:

• Personalized advice: Our dedicated team will guide you in choosing the ideal chalet and offer advice tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're new to skiing or a seasoned skier, we personalize our recommendations to ensure a memorable vacation.
• Easy booking: Enjoy a smooth booking process with advisors available to answer your questions and prepare your ski trip as best as possible. Give your dates, choose your chalet and book with confidence.
• Tailor-made services: Personalize your stay with our tailor-made services. From tasty catering delivered to your chalet to ski and off-ski activities, including childcare and transfers, we take care of everything. Enjoy a hassle-free vacation by delegating the logistical details.
• Dedicated Customer Support: Our customer support team is available to answer all your questions and resolve any issues. Enjoy personalized assistance for a worry-free stay.

With Pointe de sel, keep your mindset positive and prepare for a stress-free vacation where every detail is taken care of. Make the most of your ski trip with family or friends, with complete confidence and peace of mind.