Prepare Properly for Last Minute Ski Holidays

Too much stress, too little time and a multitude of other modern problems means that, sometimes, an impromptu holiday is just what the doctor ordered. If the winter beckons and the pistes of the French Alps are beginning to look appealing, it's time to hit the slopes! But any off the cuff ski trip needs a little smart preparation to make sure you come back well and truly satisfied.

Plan Your Purpose

The first question you should ask yourself as you look around for last minute ski holidays is just what you're looking for. Is it a fun, fast, and communal way to get a burst of adrenaline coursing through your veins? Is it a refreshing change of scenery? Or is it a little dash of luxury? Regardless of your reasons, you do need to have a general idea of what you expect in order to choose the right deal and the right resort. There's absolutely no value in choosing a resort that's going to be full of families and children if you're hoping for a quiet romantic escape!

Scope the Season

The common image of the French mountain ranges evokes a pleasant chill. The chalets at Les Arcs glisten with an icy sheen and the runs at Paradiski dazzle the eyes with layers of white powder. But, with the addition of pistes fuelled by snow-machines, there are options to visit during any season. If you suddenly feel the urge to book last minute ski holidays, you need to scope the season and see if the reality will fit your dreams.

Select Your Slopes

There is nothing quite like the excitement of booking last minute ski holidays in the Alps and knowing that in a short time you'll be on the pistes. There is likewise nothing quite like arriving on your trip and being beaten black and blue by runs that seem to have a personal vendetta against you. It's very important to pick the right resort with the right runs. Make sure your know whether to choose between La Tania and Meribel, Tignes and Les Menuires, and ensure the slopes are perfectly suited to your level of skills.

Get Your Gear

If you are a regular skier, you will probably have equipment stored at home reminding you of your passion every day. But if you book last minute ski holidays and you don't have gear on standby, make sure you plan to be able to rent the right equipment once you get there. Check ahead to ensure there are enough rental skis or snowboards available and they are to your liking and skill levels.

Follow all these tips and you'll be on the slopes and skiing in style in no time!

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays skiing in the Alps, staying in a catered or self catered chalets in fantastic destinations.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.