There's a lot you can
do in the French Alps. Apart from the usual skiing, you can tour the idyllic towns, eat out, and participate in what many call “après ski,” among many others. With a lot to look forward to, it pays to be more prepared for your holiday here. That's why it's important to follow a few tips. Picking the right season is one! Should you go to the French Alps in winter or summer? What about what to pack? What items will ensure that you'll have as good a time as possible in the French Alps? The answers lie in the following tips.
Know When To Go
First things first, you need to know when to go. You probably think that the best time to go to the French Alps is winter. All that snow and ice are what makes the destination so magical, after all. Don't people travel to the French Alps to go skiing and do other winter sports? To a certain extent yes, this is true. This doesn't mean, however, that winter is the best time to go to the French Alps. Spring and summer are just as good, especially if you're an outdoorsy traveler. These seasons are the best for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and more.
Rent a Car
How do you get around the French Alps? The most famous is to take the train, beloved for the stunning landscapes you'd get to see along the way. And when you get to the alpine
ski resort towns, the communes have their own buses to get you to where you need to be. So there's really no need to rent a car, right? Well, even though there's no need, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't! On the contrary, renting a car is arguably better than commuting. This lets you travel at your own pace, enjoy some scenic road trips, and give you as much control of your trip as possible.
Get Some Basic Ski Lessons
Don't be so proud that you forego getting basic ski lessons. This is an absolute must for beginners, especially those who were never that athletic to begin with. And even if you're already an intermediate-level skier, going through the basics again won't hurt. If you haven't skied for a long time, it's quite hard to get back into the groove again. It's even possible that the's been such a long time since you last skied that you'll feel like you're a beginner again. Taking basic lessons will ensure that you'll definitely know your way around the slopes.
Bring Proper Ski Gear
You'd be surprised at how many people still need to hear this! This is one of the
best tips to follow in any ski resort town, whether you're in the French Alps or not. Countless people tend to favor fashion over function when it comes to ski gear., particularly when it comes to apparel. You may be wearing a trendy jacket in a bright color, but that doesn't mean that it's suited for the slopes. When you get to the Alps yourself, you'll find that not just any ordinary piece of clothing will do to keep you warm. You need the right items for the job!
Remember to Pack Casual Clothes Too
Don't forget about
Après-Ski! Part of the magic of the French Alps is the glamour of après-ski. This refers to the many activities in ski resort towns after skiing. They include eating out, drinking with friends, indulging in French cheese, and more. As such, it's important to pack some casual clothes too. Though it's normal to go straight to the bars in your ski gear, this can get annoying (both for you and the people around you). So what do you
wear to après-ski? Well, you can don some chic cashmere pieces, quality knitwear, cute boots, and perhaps a trendy coat or two!
Only Go Hiking in Summer
One of the
best things to do in the French Alps is to go hiking and, as mentioned previously, the best time for this is summer. You might want to see the famous peaks of the French Alps in winter when they're covered in snow and in full icy glory. They do look spectacular around this time of year, but they're also dangerous. Snowstorms are common in winter and you'll easily get lost if you get trapped in one. So if you want to go hiking up the French Alps, do so in summer. Don't worry! The mountains look just as breathtaking with their lush greenery and colorful flowers too!
Keep Some Stomach Medicine Handy
It's imperative that you have some medicine handy when you travel to the French Alps. Even if the alpine towns have their own pharmacies and health centers, it's always better to come prepared. Especially if it's your first time in the French Alps. Since you haven't been here before, you never know how much the place will affect you. For one thing, it's fairly common for people to experience stomach pains when they're at high altitudes. Will you let that ruin your fun? You shouldn't! Something as simple as stomach medicine can help you avoid that problem!
Get The Right Luxury Chalet
In terms of your accommodations,
renting a luxury chalet is arguably better than getting a room in a resort. Even if the resort is luxurious and boasts first-class amenities, getting your own rental lets you treat the place like your own home. Especially if it's the right one for you. If, for instance, you traveled to the French Alps with friends and family, you should rent a large chalet with many bedrooms. If your ski holiday also serves as a romantic getaway with your special someone, a nice little cottage is more than enough!
Planning a holiday in the French Alps soon? Then follow these tips! Traveling to this part of the world is no walk in the park. As long as you follow these tips, you're guaranteed to have as good a time as possible!
