Our Instructors' Advice Before You Arrive

The cold is creeping in, the first snow is starting to settle, and there's only one question on your mind: when do you head to the mountains? Before you tackle the green, blue, red or even black runs, our instructors have put together their best tips to help you get ready for your holiday. They're the ones skiing with you all week, so it's worth borrowing a bit of their experience before you even pack your bags.

Get your body ready, without overdoing it

There's no need to sign up for a gym. A few small habits in your daily routine will do the trick: leave the car at home when you can, walk more, take the stairs instead of the lift. Some apps even turn your steps into small rewards, a nice bit of motivation to move a little more each day.

One of our instructors in La Plagne also swears by swimming: a great way to get back into shape before you hit the slopes. Flippers optional, but they help.

Stock up on vitamins before you go

Raclette, fondue, tartiflette: the specialities of our mountains are worth earning. To make room for all that comfort food, load up on seasonal fruit and vegetables in the weeks before you travel. A good way to arrive feeling strong and ready for an active week on the slopes.

Warm clothes are your best friends

There's nothing worse than realising, on Monday morning as your ski lesson starts, that you've left your gloves at home. Before you pack, take the time to check you have everything you need to handle the cold in the mountains, from first lift to last. The right technical layers make a real difference over a full week, especially for children who spend their whole day outside.

Check your gear and your car

If you're bringing your own ski equipment, it's worth giving it a proper check before you leave:

• give everything a good clean, especially if it's been sitting in a cellar since last season
• check that the plastic on your boots hasn't melted
• have your skis waxed at the start and end of the season

One of our instructors in Tignes says the same thing every year: well maintained kit means a more relaxed week on the slopes. If you're driving, check your tyre pressure, your oil levels, and pack your snow chains or snow socks.

Mix it up once you're there

To keep track of everything happening in resort, download the local app or stop by the tourist office as soon as you arrive. It's the easiest way to stay on top of everything going on during your stay. It's also a good chance to try something different: sunrise ski touring in La Plagne, for example, a lovely way to experience the mountain differently with family or friends.

What matters most is enjoying it

This is your holiday, and the most important thing is enjoying it at your own pace. Our instructors can't wait to see you on the slopes.

To sort out your stay, book your dates or browse our lessons.