Cheapest Ways to Learn Some New Mountain Sports Skills in France
Going on a holiday is practically anyone’s dream, especially for people who experience the daily work grind. Aside from a much needed respite, a well-planned break allows your mind and body to recharge for the workload ahead. Some people, on the other hand, try out something that’s not necessarily relaxing but absolutely exhilarating – I’m talking about mountain sports!
Whether going solo or with other people, traveling can provide a lot of benefits that you probably need now. Apart from being freed up from daily responsibilities, you can experience some of the best days of your life by going to a new place, explore new things, and meet new people.
Enjoy an Active Holiday in France
France may be known for its romantic scenery in Paris or its exciting cuisine, but the country is also popular for one worthwhile destination: the French Alps.
Going to the French Alps is bound to be fun and exciting. Not only will you be able to reach new and wonderful places, but you also get to learn mountain sports.
In order to maximize your active holiday in the country, here are some quick tips to get you started:
- Plan ahead of time: Don’t fall into the trap of getting too excited for a French Alps holiday by next week! Give yourself enough time to plan everything, from the things that you need to bring, to the arrangements that you need to do as soon as you leave your hometown. Plan your travel for at least 6 months.
- Find the best deals online: What’s great about planning early is that you can get the best deals from online travel companies such as Alpine Elements. Make sure to choose holiday package providers that have been in the business for years and have earned a good reputation for delivering the best services to its clients. Note that most packages are offered at a much lower price when you book them at least 3 months early.
- Study up: Don’t make the mistake of flying off to France without knowing where exactly to go or what to do. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting a lot of time and money scrambling to book a hotel or riding public transportation. In short, you can’t just “wing it” when you’re planning a French holiday.
Learn Mountain Sports Skills in France
If you think that a French Alps holiday involves only one kind of snow-related activity, think again! Expect a lot more ways to spend your French break, and this includes learning new skills in mountain sports!
Here are some affordable and cost-effective ways to learn mountain sports skills in France:
Start by learning the language
How can you learn something if there’s a language barrier? Be sure to know and speak basic French, so that you can communicate well with your mountain sports instructors in France. Most backpackers do it, and it’s a good idea to do it as well.
Know the best places to learn
Aside from having the time of your life at the French Alps and enjoying its natural beauty, you can also pick up new mountain sports skills in key areas. Here are some of the best locations to learn the skills:
- Aix-les-Bains
- Annecy
- Chamonix
- Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
- Evian-Les-Bain
- Grenoble
- Val d’Isère
- Vercors Regional Natural Park
Learn about French mountain sports online
Although learning a new sport is best done physically, watching them on YouTube can also help you get acquainted with the activity. This is especially helpful if you have no idea about this kind of sport, based on the fact that this is being done in another country.
You may check out online video tutorials and inspirational mountain sports skills to give you an idea what you’re getting yourself into. That way, you won’t waste money paying to learn a skill that you won’t be needing later on in life.
Other Ways to Enjoy Winter Alpine Holidays
Aside from learning and enjoying mountain sports skills, you may also embark on a number of winter activities during your holiday in the French Alps:
Skiing
No winter vacation is complete without having to indulge with the snowy slopes of the French Alps by skiing. First-time skiers need not be afraid, though, because practically all of the ski resorts have ski instructors on standby to help you get started with your holiday fun.
Snowboarding
This sport involves descending on a snow-covered slope while standing on a snowboard. To pull this off, you need to have the right balance in order to sway in and out of the slopes. After all, in some places within the French Alps, snowboarding may be the easiest way to travel.
Snow Scoot
You can enjoy the majestic view as you ride on a snow scooter. This is a little bit different from your average land-based scooter, as its wheels are designed to traverse through snow.
Just like ski mountaineering, snowshoeing will allow you to check on different spots in the area with a tour guide. Of course, you may also want to explore on your own. Note that it might take some time to get used to walking using snowshoes.
Ice climbing
This snow activity involves climbing inclined ice formations. This is dangerous and may require more time to get used to.
Important Safety Gear for Active Winter Holidays
To ensure that you are ready to hit the slopes, you need to prepare basic gear that every snow enthusiast should have.
Low-light goggles
These babies ensure that you are protected from the glaring rays of the sun. Remember that despite having snow surrounding you, the sun can still hurt your eyes.
Gloves
You wouldn’t want to experience hypothermia by going outside without gloves. Always protect your hands with gloves. Temperatures may suddenly drop, which could eventually increase of you suffering from frostbite.
Thermal clothes
Never use cotton material for your clothing when you plan to stay and play outdoors. Using cotton may drench you with sweat, which in turn will make you feel cold. Instead, use thermal clothes that allow heat to be trapped in. This will help you feel comfortable, warm and dry while outside the Alps weather.
Earmuffs
This essential protective gear keeps your ears from getting too cold. Did you know that leaving your ears unprotected when out in the snow can increase your risk of having an ear infection?
Waterproof jacket
You may be caught in a snowstorm, which could drench your clothes. Make sure that you always wear a waterproof jacket to keep you warm and dry at all times.
While being fashionable is important for some people, the main goal in using snow gear is to keep you dry, warm and comfortable at all times. Snow clothes can be a bit more expensive compared to summer gear, but they can protect you from the blazing cold. Choosing form over function in terms of clothing may leave you out cold and expose you to a higher risk of sickness.
Any holiday can be a worthwhile trip if you come prepared and equipped with the proper gear needed. Taking a break every once in a while can be an effective way of relieving stress and exploring a whole new world around you. Maximize your next French holiday by considering to pick up a new skill, most particularly in mountain sports.
