Looking for an alternative to the beach and bikini vibes for your next family getaway? Swap your flip flops for a pair of skis and ride the slopes in France or Italy instead! While you’re at it, we’ve got some “dos and don’ts” when it comes to planning your snowy European mountain escape — starting with guaranteed savings of 15% when you book an alpine adventure with Sure Travel and Club Med (definitely a DO!).
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Chances are if you have kids, you’ll be restricted to travelling when school’s out in December or early January. If that’s the case, take note of your intended resort’s altitude. Snow’s been falling later every year, meaning some of the lower slopes yield more slush than powder.
France, Italy and Switzerland are always a good bet for optimal conditions throughout the season. Club Med – one of the world’s leading all-inclusive ski operators – has 22 different resort options in France, Italy and Switzerland. The majority of the resorts are in France, including Val Thorens (Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300m above sea level). These resorts cater to all abilities, including blue runs for rookies and ungroomed “off-piste” slopes for the more advanced.
Meanwhile in Italy, Club Med's Pragelato Sestriere resort in the Piedmont region is a contemporary ski resort that has hosted the ski jumping and cross country skiing events in the 2006 Turin Olympics, and is ideally positioned to give your family the ski holiday of a lifetime.
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Forget hauling heavy gear from A to B — save your energy for the day of skiing or snow boarding by choosing a resort where you can wear your equipment out of your room and straight onto a ski lift or gondola.
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Not only will a family ski holiday keep you active (rather than lounging by the pool and snacking all day), it’s a great way to learn new skills and bond with your family.
The best ski resorts have beginners’ classes for all ages, as well as alternative activities for those in the group who aren’t interested in the slalom. Try out ice skating, snow tubing, hiking or snowshoeing — or if cosy indoor activities are more your thing, relax at the spa or a heated pool.
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You’re burning so many calories skiing that a little all-inclusive holiday indulgence won’t hurt (your waistline or wallet)! Club Med knows the meaning of “eat, drink and be merry”.
We’re talking decadent waffles, pancakes and local cheeses for breakfast; comfort food lunches and afternoon tea; fondue and steak tartare, as well as a kids’ menu to please the pickiest of gourmands. Yum!
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All the tasty food and drinks listed above are a good reminder why you’ll want to book an all-inclusive getaway. Not having to worry about spending money or surprise additional costs is a huge reason this type of travel is so convenient for families, honeymooners or groups.
All-inclusive ski holidays typically include flights, hotel, food, equipment hire and lift passes, meaning you’ll never blow your budget with holiday impulse spends.
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If this is your first time to a cold winter climate, you might not know how to pack for -15 to -10 weather. Do your research and invest (or borrow) some suitable kit.
Although boots, skis, poles and a helmet are included with your ski package, you’ll still need to pack a waterproof ski jacket, waterproof gloves, non-slip boots (for when you’re not on the slopes), a hat that covers your ears, thermal socks, a scarf or buff to cover your neck and mouth, sun cream, and goggles or sunglasses.
And rather than dressing too warm under your jacket, consider that you’ll actually be getting quite the workout. Wear thin layers so you can unzip and cool off as you heat up.
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Have a little extra time before or after your ski week? France is a country of culture and art, medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and beaches. There's the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, French Riviera, haute couture, gourmet cuisine, pastries and so much more. Venture into the local cities and towns to soak up as much of the “art-de-vivre” (and wine) as you can find.
Likewise, Italy has some of the world’s best food (pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso and tiramisu), along with thousands of years of history — including gladiators, aqueducts, and empires that stretched to the ends of the earth.
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Club Med Days Spring Special is now on! Get 15% of ski resort packages at selected resorts, including:
7 Nights Ski at Club Med Val Thorens, France
7 Nights Club Med Alpe d'Huez, France
7 Nights, Club Med Grand Massif Samoens, France
7 Nights Ski Club Med Val d'Isere, France
7 Nights Ski, Club Med Tignes, France
7 Nights Ski, Club Med Pragelato Sestriere, Italy
But hurry - deal ends 26 September! Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to book/enquire, or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.
