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Whether alpine skiing down mountain pistes or hiking over rocky terrain, renting a catered chalet in the French Alps during the winter or summer months can be an amazing way to spend a holiday. But before you start dreaming of stunning vistas and fresh mountain air, you are going to want to be sure your health and safety is looked after. Here are some tips. Travel Insurance Don’t risk being hit with an unexpected, out-of-pocket medical bill! Travel insurance is a must for travel anywhere out of the country and for most people, is very affordable. Don’t leave home without your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) but realise the limitations in coverage and top up with a more comprehensive plan if necessary. First Aid Kit Pack some basic medical supplies to keep back at your catered chalet should you require a quick band-aide, bite salve or headache remedy. Should you require more serious medical attention, all the Alpine countries offer excellent medical services. Don’t forget to pack and apply high-SPF sunblock for your visit to the Alps in the summer or winter. Don’t be fooled by cloudy days and remember that some of the strongest rays are reflected from the snow. Diet There can be the temptation to indulge to excess while on vacation, but if you are exercising to the max every day you are going to want to keep your body in tip-top shape. While staying at a catered chalet you will have the opportunity to relax and let someone else create healthy and nutritious meals for you. Whoever is in charge of preparing your meals will help ensure that they are delicious and enough to fuel the energy you are spending on the slopes. Keep a supply of healthy snacks with you each day to satisfy hunger in between meals, especially if you have kids with you. Avoid stimulants or high-energy boost drinks that can send blood sugar levels crashing after the initial high. Do not pick and ingest wild mushrooms unless they have been verified as edible by an expert, local pharmacist. Many tourists get sick each year because they mistake one species for another. Similarly, the Alps boasts some of the most crystal clear rivers and streams around, but drinking from them is not a good idea. Make sure you only drink from water sources verified as “Eau Potable.” Enjoy your alcoholic beverages in the evenings, as to not impair judgement while skiing down the mountains or hiking along cliffs during the day. Alcohol and altitude can be a dangerous combination if you are not used to the two together. Off-Piste When skiing off-piste, be sure to follow expert local advice regarding your planned route and inform your group as to where you are going and when you’ll be back. Make sure you are appropriately dressed for weather conditions and carry provisions. Take it Easy Booking a catered chalet in the winter to enjoy skiing in the Alps may mean you are engaging in a lot more daily exercise than what you are used to at home. Prevent injury by avoiding over-exerting yourself beyond your physical limits. Also, remember to wait an hour after a big meal before embarking on any strenuous exercise to avoid cramps or indigestion and to be able to ski or hike comfortably and in top form. Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for the best catered chalet accommodation in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.
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