| This winter does not need to be so grim and | | | | for couples, groups or families and are usually within |
| depressing. Although the weather is far from | | | | close proximity of the ski slopes. They are most |
| pleasant, many families, couples and individuals feel | | | | popular amongst groups of friends and families |
| that this is a perfect excuse to stay indoors during | | | | because of the homely relaxed feeling and the |
| the holiday season and keep their children indoors | | | | impressive mountain views they are situated by. A |
| during half term. Often people find it very difficult to | | | | point to remember about chalets is that they can |
| function because of the cold rainy days, often some | | | | come with self-catered kitchen appliances and with |
| take regular trips abroad to a sunny region but this | | | | bathroom or toilet facilities. |
| can be a costly affair and not everyone can afford | | | | The next thing to remember when booking a ski |
| to do this. One ideal way to enjoy the cold weather | | | | holiday is the transportation between the airport and |
| is take yourself, your partner or your friends skiing. | | | | the actual ski resort. Many underestimate the journey |
| A skiing holiday is best enjoyed during the winter | | | | of this trip as some resorts only have ski lifts |
| periods in the alpine regions. There is nothing more | | | | available, but the airport may be a fair few miles |
| exhilarating and uplifting than keeping active whilst | | | | away and getting a taxi can be very expensive |
| having the option of enjoying a relaxing holiday. | | | | (sometimes almost as much as the accommodation |
| There are numerous resorts and ski chalets that are | | | | itself). It is a good idea to book for a package that |
| offered each year at affordable prices, the problem | | | | includes transportation, or look into cheap car rental if |
| are trying to find the ideal resort for you. | | | | you are feeling confident enough to travel on your |
| The first step to take is to look up ski chalets and | | | | own. |
| resorts. If you are taking your family and have | | | | It is also worth talking to others who have |
| children under the age of 7 going, then your main | | | | experienced the Alps, but if you are a first time skier |
| concern is finding a resort with family friendly | | | | then you will need to look up safety precautions and |
| services, possibly with a creche available and a kids | | | | book a few lessons on a dry slope. This gives some |
| activity programme. There are plenty of resorts that | | | | indication of what to expect and it makes the |
| have kids activities planned and opportunities for | | | | instructors/guides work easier for when you turn up |
| private lessons, it is worth the extra expense, and | | | | to the holiday. |
| however there are packages available, which may | | | | Once you have booked up and organised your trip, |
| give you a discount on accommodation. The main | | | | including buying the ever vital holiday insurance, you |
| thing is to have a resort that allows beginners to | | | | will need to make a list of things to take in terms of |
| learn and not feel daunted or overwhelmed by the | | | | ski goggle, ski outfits, gloves, hats, warm clothing, |
| number of expert skiers that are possibly going at | | | | skis etc. It would be advisable to use new |
| the same time. | | | | equipments and not hand-me-downs, unless they are |
| If you do not know what ski chalets are, put simply | | | | of course in good condition themselves. There are |
| they are a wooden house or building usually in the | | | | many ski shops tucked away in the streets of |
| Alpine mountains. They are also known as Swiss | | | | London, as well as sport shops and online websites |
| chalets, as the term derives from the | | | | that offer low priced sportswear and equipment. It is |
| Franco-Provencale part of Switzerland. These chalets | | | | well worth the money if you buy good quality |
| are kept to the highest quality, provide good privacy | | | | products, as they are likely to last longer. |