The days are turning crisper, the first snow is already whitening the mountain peaks, and the spirit of Christmas is gently creeping into the shops… It is time to prepare your ski holiday! To help you, Pointe de Sel has gathered the 10 best tips for a successful ski holiday in the Alps with family or friends.
Tip 1: Book your chalet early
To nail your ski holiday in the Alps, book your accommodation as soon as possible — that is, as soon as you have a rough idea of your dates. This will give you a sense of the availability and budget, which can vary widely from one week to the next during the ski season.
Some chalets are sometimes booked over a year in advance, generally from June or September. Late-bookers can be reassured: properties are sometimes still available at the last minute, especially recently renovated chalets.
If you are going as a family, a privatised chalet is ideal. Ski chalets deliver an unforgettable experience, between warm comfort and privacy. Pick a slope-side chalet that can host your whole family with enough space for everyone — grandparents, children and grandchildren.
The warm atmosphere of a chalet ski holiday is incomparable. Sharing convivial moments by the fireplace, enjoying meals together and taking in the snowy landscapes creates unforgettable memories. The closeness, comfort and unique character of a chalet contribute to a warm, intimate experience — perfect for memorable holidays.
The magic of a chalet ski holiday with Pointe de Sel
Tip 2 to prepare your ski holiday: Choose the right ski resort
To get ready for your ski holiday properly, picking a ski resort that fits your needs is crucial. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or colleagues for a corporate retreat, find a destination offering activities that match your expectations.
When choosing your destination, opt for a high-altitude resort to ensure optimal snow cover, particularly over the Christmas period. High-altitude resorts deliver more reliable snow cover and a longer ski season.
Make sure the resort offers a variety of pistes suited to your levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. A diversity of pistes lets every member of the family fully enjoy their experience on the snowy slopes.
Pointe de Sel takes you for your ski holiday in resorts renowned for the quality of their ski area and snow cover. The resorts hold the “Famille Plus” label, ensuring a family-friendly welcome with specific services for children and fun activities for the youngest, creating a warm environment for the whole family.
In addition to slope activities, favour a resort offering a variety of off-piste options accessible to non-skiers. Snowshoeing, husky-sled rides, spas, lively shops and varied restaurants are just a few of the options to diversify your enjoyment and make your ski holiday unforgettable.
Tip 3 to nail your ski holiday: Book the children’s ski lessons in advance
Plan your ski lessons as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress. Pointe de Sel offers advance booking of ski or snowboard lessons with the ski school at the same time as your accommodation. As your stay is built tailor-made, you can opt for group lessons or private lessons for greater progress at your own pace.
Our ski school partners offer a range of lessons suited to every level, with professional supervision and a limited number of children per group. You enjoy a complete learning experience.
Tip 4: Get physically ready for your ski holiday
It rarely comes to mind when preparing your ski holiday… Before flying down the pistes, proper physical preparation is essential to minimise the risk of injury. To prepare your ski holiday well, here are a few exercises to add to your pre-ski routine:
- Strength training: spend time strengthening the muscles specifically used in skiing — quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and core. Squats, lunges, plank exercises and leg extensions are excellent choices.
- Cardiovascular: snow sports demand good cardiovascular fitness. Take up activities such as running, cycling, swimming or skipping to improve your endurance.
- Stretching: before and after exercise, dedicate time to stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness. Focus on the legs, back and shoulders.
- Ski-specific exercises: simulate ski-specific movements to prepare your muscles for what is required on the slopes. Wall sits (as if you were on a chairlift), trunk rotations and lateral jumps can be beneficial.
- Brisk walking: add brisk walking to your daily routine to improve overall fitness and strengthen your legs.
Start your physical preparation programme at least one month before departure to let your body progressively adjust to the effort. This proactive approach will help optimise your fitness and maximise 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 gear suited to your level. Pointe de Sel’s partners can guide you in choosing the equipment that best fits your needs.
Beyond the gear itself, suitable ski clothing is essential. Wear clothes that effectively cover your skin while ensuring good thermal regulation. Technical, breathable fabrics are essential to wick away moisture while providing a barrier against the cold.
Before departure, do not forget to try on the children’s ski clothing. As they grow quickly, it is crucial to make sure their clothes still fit.
Make life easier by opting for Pointe de Sel’s services. We book your ski equipment in advance and deliver the kit straight to your chalet. Everything is set up for a smooth start.
Pointe de Sel can also offer ski-clothing rental delivered directly to your chalet for a ski holiday with style and comfort.
Tip 6: Review your insurance
Before flying down the slopes, make sure you are covered in case of accident. Mountain rescue can be expensive, so a careful review of your insurance is essential. We encourage you to check the coverage of your policies and to take out additional insurance if needed to prepare your ski holiday safely.
Have you also thought about taking out cancellation insurance for your stay?
Pointe de Sel offers optional cancellation insurance covering you in case of illness or death before and during your ski holiday. Get in touch to discuss it!
Tip 7: Get your vehicle ready for winter conditions
Preparing your ski holiday means carefully checking your vehicle before heading to the Alps. Snow tyres or all-season tyres, or chains, are mandatory in winter throughout Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
Don’t forget to check tyre pressure, test fitting the chains (before being out in the snow), antifreeze, and to check fluid levels and lights.
If you are taking the train or plane, book your tickets well in advance for the best fares. Pointe de Sel can arrange the transfer from the station or airport to take you swiftly to your ski-holiday chalet.
Tip 8: Adopt a balanced diet
While mountain specialities are tempting and delicious (are you more of a fondue or raclette fan?), keeping a balanced diet matters to make the most of your stay. After a hearty breakfast at the chalet, slip into your backpack some healthy snacks for the slopes (cereal bars or dried fruit) and a small water bottle to stay hydrated regularly.
For balanced, hassle-free dinners, opt for chef-prepared meal delivery, offered exclusively by Pointe de Sel. These delicious meals are designed to meet your nutritional needs while delighting your tastebuds.
By choosing in-chalet dining prepared by qualified chefs, you save the time and effort of preparing meals while ensuring balanced eating throughout your ski holiday. Pointe de Sel’s exclusive services blend comfort with quality, turning each 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 — even when it is overcast or snowing.
- Make sure to pack sunglasses with effective UV filters to avoid glare and protect your eyes from the intense reflection off the snow. Make sure they offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for winter sports. Apply generously to all exposed 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 a sun protection factor. Winter conditions on a ski holiday can dry out the skin, and proper protection prevents chapping and burns.
10. Keep a positive mindset
The key to a successful ski holiday lies in a positive mindset and stress-free preparation. Discover how Pointe de Sel simplifies your ski holiday experience:
- Personalised advice: our dedicated team guides you in choosing your ideal ski chalet and offers advice tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are a beginner skier or seasoned enthusiast, we tailor our recommendations to ensure memorable holidays.
- Easy booking: enjoy a smooth booking process with advisers available to answer your questions and prepare your ski stay at its best. Share your dates, choose your ideal chalet from our suggestions and book with confidence.
- Bespoke services: personalise your stay in the Alps with our bespoke services. From delicious meals delivered to your chalet to ski and off-piste activities, plus childcare and transfers — we take care of everything. Enjoy hassle-free holidays by delegating the logistical details.
- Dedicated customer support: our team is available to answer all your questions and resolve any issues. Enjoy personalised support for a worry-free ski stay.
With Pointe de Sel, keep your positive mindset and prepare for stress-free holidays where every detail is taken care of. Make the most of your ski stay with family or friends, in complete confidence and serenity.
Book your ski holiday with Pointe de Sel
Pointe de Sel offers a curated selection of privatised chalets ensuring a personalised ski stay in a refined, authentic atmosphere at the heart of the Alps. The most beautiful chalets in the Alps — and those with the best ski-in/ski-out location — go quickly. The Christmas, New Year and February school holidays are particularly sought-after periods.
Book your chalet rental as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know your holiday dates and who you would like to travel with, get in touch to find your ski chalet matching your criteria. We have chalets for families of 4 to 15 guests, with pool, spa, sauna or hot tub. All our chalets are close to the slopes and some are also near the ski school. We even have a few ski-in/ski-out chalets to offer — get in touch quickly!
