| We all look forward to our holidays, time spent with | | | | bikers and walkers, and ski hire shops turn into bike |
| family relaxing or simply getting away and recharging | | | | hire and hiking shops as the summer takes a grip. |
| the batteries, lazing around getting a tan before | | | | Mounting biking is not the only activity these holidays |
| getting back to the everyday grind of the workplace. | | | | offer, climbing, hill walking, white water rafting, sailing |
| Sounds like the perfect break to me, or does it? | | | | and other water sports that are suitable for all ages |
| With today's focus being on healthier lifestyles and | | | | and abilities if youre brave enough to try something |
| exercise it makes me think why not look for a | | | | different! |
| change? | | | | However for those of us who still want to retain an |
| Having kept in a comfort zone of beach holidays and | | | | element of relaxation it must be remembered that |
| sticking to what I know it was a challenge to find | | | | activity holidays can be relaxing too, perhaps a spot |
| something a little different bearing in mind it had to | | | | of tennis and a relaxing swim, lunch in a mountain |
| be family orientated, something that will appeal to my | | | | restaurant or a spot of shopping in the boutique style |
| children too? Only having one holiday abroad per year | | | | shops, whilst the rest of the family hits the piste, |
| like most families we would want something that we | | | | then regrouping in the evening to experience the |
| would all enjoy and remember. That's when I thought | | | | diverse range of cafe culture, bars, restaurants and |
| about what we need out of a holiday? | | | | stunning sights to see sampling the local cuisine and |
| When we go on a beach holiday, we spend the | | | | entertainment. |
| majority of the time swimming, biking or lounging | | | | Once the decision had been made I then turned my |
| about, then in the evening strolling round the local | | | | attention to accommodation. Ski Chalets, chalet style |
| area, sampling the local cuisine. When we holiday in | | | | bungalows, hotels, I was spoilt for choice the |
| England we take our bikes, fishing rods and swimming | | | | accommodation suited all size groups solo travelers to |
| costumes and do pretty much the same. That's | | | | groups of 25 plus, so as you can imagine a family of |
| when I decided that an activity holiday would cater | | | | five was no problem. Self catering or catered? all |
| for all. | | | | inclusive or budget accommodation? There was |
| Not quite knowing where to start I searched for | | | | something on offer to suit all pockets, all inclusive |
| activity holidays and to my surprise stumbled upon | | | | packages could be booked which included flights, |
| ski holidays. I thought that ski holidays were simply | | | | transfers and an Activity rep to meet and greet. |
| that? Never having been skiing myself it didn't appeal | | | | How much easier could it get? |
| to me to spend my whole week learning to ski, but | | | | A wide selection of French Resorts including |
| there is so much more to these holidays than meets | | | | Chamonix, Morzine, les Gets and Tignes to choose |
| the eye. | | | | from and each offering similar holidays in the fresh |
| Ski resorts during the summer season don't always | | | | mountain air of the Alps, avoiding package holiday |
| have the amount of snow to offer purely ski | | | | makers and tourists, all that was left was to book. |
| holidays and therefore offer Activity holidays or | | | | We booked our holiday with Alpine Elements who |
| Healthier holidays as an alternative. The Alps are fast | | | | offer winter ski holidays or summer activity holidays, |
| becoming the 'place to be' for summer activity | | | | it was simple. We had a self catering chalet, but still |
| holiday makers and people seeking something a bit | | | | ate out on occasion tasting the delights of the local |
| different to occupy their precious time away, very | | | | cuisine, we tried as many of the activities and |
| much aiming their holidays at families too both for | | | | outdoor pursuits as we could fit into our holiday. |
| families with young children with creches and child | | | | We sampled the bars and cafes and yes I indulged in |
| minding services to families with older children who | | | | a bit of shopping and we still came back with a tan! I |
| want to be in the thick of the activities. | | | | would recommend activity holidays to anyone |
| I found that Ski resorts are now adopting a summer | | | | especially those with children. We had a great time |
| mountain and active pursuits programme with a | | | | and came back with lots of memories. I would |
| vengeance, and especially with a view to bolstering | | | | definitely go again, but don't just take my word for |
| the ski season. Ski lifts turn into 'up lifts' for mountain | | | | it, try it yourself, you never know! |