| With only a few weeks to go until Easter, there is | | | | chalets are also great for group ski holidays too, as |
| still some availability for great family ski holidays or | | | | no-one has to prepare meals, and the chef ensures |
| group ski breaks. Choose your resort carefully to | | | | everyone is happy with the daily menu. Chalets at |
| ensure the best skiing conditions - ideally high altitude | | | | the luxury end of the market offer privacy and |
| for perfect powder, with a wide variety of runs for | | | | space for individuals with large communal areas for |
| all levels of experience. | | | | getting together at the end of the day. Other |
| Of course all resorts now have snow cannons and | | | | facilities usually include hot tubs, DVDs and TVs in |
| piste bashers to produce snow and to maintain the | | | | every room, luxury toiletries and so on. |
| slopes in top condition, but they cannot prevent the | | | | Ski hotels can be a good option if you are going |
| rising spring temperature. Be sure and stick to resorts | | | | alone or in a small party, and as the prices vary |
| over 1300m. | | | | enormously you should be able to find something |
| France has some great resorts that offer great skiing | | | | within your budget. |
| into late spring, with Val d'Isere at 1850m, Alpe | | | | If your Easter ski holiday is going to be your first |
| d'Huez at 1860m and La Plagne, ranging from | | | | skiing trip this season, try and stick to an exercise |
| 1800-2050 m, being three of the highest. You'll get a | | | | programme over the next few weeks to build |
| decent tan and come back honed and fit, what more | | | | stamina and improve your flexibility. This should |
| could you ask for? For a vibrant après-ski scene, Val | | | | include some running, which is a great way to build |
| d'Isere has that magical combination of powder and | | | | strength in your calves and hamstrings. Cycling is also |
| party that makes it one of the top ski resorts in the | | | | a good all-rounder for aerobic exercise. If you're a |
| world. | | | | member of a gym or have a personal trainer, they |
| Depending on the type of ski break you want, there | | | | should be able to advise you of other useful |
| are plenty of catered ski chalets and ski hotels to | | | | exercises. |
| choose from. Catered chalets are perfect for family | | | | Once you're on holiday, try and remember to do |
| Easter skiing holidays as the children can relax and | | | | your warm up exercises each morning. Doing this will |
| there is lots of flexibility with meal times, plus the | | | | help reduce the risk of injury, encourage greater |
| amount of space in the chalet means they have | | | | blood supply to your muscles and wake you up |
| more freedom to run around inside. Fully catered | | | | properly! |