While you may think of yourself as someone who belongs on a sun-kissed beach somewhere in the Caribbean, you shouldn’t underestimate the appeal of a ski holiday.
In fact, taking up skiing could soon become of the best things that ever happened to you; so much so that you make it an annual vacation treat. Yes, it’s true – after your first trip to an Alpine ski resort, you will probably find yourself waxing lyrical to family and friends about the joys of swooping down a glittering white piste and celebrating your achievements with a spirited aprés ski session at a mountain restaurant with jaw-dropping views.
Need any more convincing? Read on to discover 10 reasons why taking up skiing will enhance your life – and your holidays.
It’s Thrilling
If you’ve never been much of a thrill-seeker until now, skiing is sure to change your perspective. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating and life-affirming as the sensation of gliding down a snowy mountainside while the wind whistles in your ears and dramatic Alpine peaks glint in the bright winter sunshine.
Admittedly, there will probably be a few spills along the way, but one of the many wonderful things about snow is the way it easily cushions your fall. The only thing you might bruise is your ego, and that will soon recover once you get back on your skis.
Skiing Is Great Exercise
While taking spinning classes or lifting weights at your local gym can undeniably improve your fitness and your muscle tone, these forms of exercise are not quite as engaging and full of fun as a skiing session.
In fact, you can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour – although, admittedly, you are liable to consume the same amount after your day on the slopes, when you eat your body weight in sumptuous fondue and order several glasses of grappa a la Bridget Jones.
You Can Reconnect With Nature
One of the best aspects of skiing is the opportunity it provides you to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in unspoiled landscapes of awe-inspiring beauty.
From the French Alps to the picture-postcard Austrian mountains and the sun-drenched pistes of the Pyrenees, there are so many stunning locations just waiting to be discovered. When you’re not skiing, you can follow scenic hiking trails, cosy up in a horse-drawn sleigh, or simply find a quiet spot and bask in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
You Can Make Some Unforgettable Memories
If you are looking for ways to make magical memories to cherish in the years to come, ski holidays are an ideal choice.
As well as the many thrilling memories you will make of swooping down snowy slopes, you will also be able to reflect fondly on Alpine smorgasbords, twinkling lights, medieval-looking villages, and the many interesting new faces you encountered along the way.
There Are So Many Breath-Taking Ski Resorts To Visit
Luxury seaside getaways may be easy to find, but so are world-class ski resorts. There are plenty of enticing ski holiday package deals to choose from, so you can find the perfect vacation for your requirements and your budget. From well-appointed hotels and apartments, to opulent self-catering Alpine chalets with views to die for, there are so many options available for keen skiers.
It’s A Good Excuse To Feast
One of the great things about devoting several hours to some hardcore cardio is being able to indulge in a smorgasbord of delicious food and drink in a mountain restaurant afterwards, completely free of guilt.
In fact, loading up on calorie-laden goodies – such as a steaming pot of fondue or a plate of breaded schnitzel – after a hard day on the slopes is a crucial part of the skiing lifestyle, not to be passed up.
You Can Soak Up Your Recommended Daily Dose Of Vitamin D
While you can certainly ‘catch those rays’ while lying prone on a tropical beach, you also run the risk of sunburn, sunstroke, awkward tan lines, and various other sun-related problems. Perhaps even worse, you will probably feel that dreaded pressure to be ‘beach body ready’, which entails following a bleak diet and fretting over every pound lost or gained.
On the ski slopes, however, it’s quite the opposite. Yes, you will be able to absorb just as much vitamin D – but you won’t have to worry about sunburn and you certainly won’t have to fret about unflattering tan lines or an ill-fitting bikini.
Quite the contrary; skiing is all about comfort and safety, which means embracing soft fluffy socks, sun glasses or ski goggles, and, of course, those ultra-comfy ski pants. Even when you’re not on the piste, the chilly mountain air will have you reaching for those festive jumpers and a pair of Uggs. No squeezing into flimsy beach party attire or tottering around on potentially ankle-breaking high heels for you; instead, you can spend your ski holidays focusing on having a good time and making the most of the great outdoors, all that fresh clean alpine air, and glorious winter sunshine.
It’s A Challenge
While many of us may fall prey to the entirely understandable temptation to stay firmly inside the boundaries of our comfort zone, it can actually be healthy to break out of those safe and secure confines and try something new and adventurous.
That’s where skiing comes in. There can be no denying the fact that this sport can be rather challenging at times, whether you’re struggling to stay upright on your first nursery slope, or choking back a lump in your throat at the prospect of a particularly extreme piste.
Still, getting the chance to face your fears and learn some adrenaline-pumping new skills can bring you a number of significant benefits – from boosting your self-esteem to giving you a fresh perspective on other challenges and obstacles you may encounter in your daily life back home.
At the very least, meeting the challenges that skiing presents from day one will give you some solid source material for stories to thrill your grandkids with.
Skiing Provides A Unique Way To Bond
Skiing holidays can offer plenty of thrills and spills for go-getting single travellers, but they can also provide a unique and unforgettable means of bonding with your nearest and dearest.
There’s nothing quite like the glow of pride you will feel at seeing your daughter – or sister or father or best friend – make their first wobbling descent down the beginner’s piste. Or the swell of joy and camaraderie you will feel as you all huddle together around a flickering fire in your traditional chalet and toast your skiing achievements with mulled wine or hot chocolate. For a truly magical way to reconnect with your loved ones – whether family or friends – you definitely can’t beat a skiing getaway to a wintry wonderland.
You Can Embrace Different Cultural Traditions
Besides hitting the slopes and enjoying calorific feasts in mountain restaurants and bars, there are also a variety of enthralling cultural experiences you can enjoy on your snowy adventure.
For instance, you can savour the unique experience of your first alpine cow parade, discover how to ward off witches during Walpurgis Night, or party into the night at the Tomorrowland Winter Festival.
You certainly can’t do any of those things on a Caribbean beach!
