Games on the Nintendo Wii have helped to boost the popularity of trips to the slopes but ski hire users should know that there is no substitute for the real thing.
That is the opinion of Dave Morris, resort manager of the New Generation Ski School in Courchevel, who told the Metro that many people have tried skiing games on Nintendo’s console and thought they would like to try it for real on the slopes.
"There is no substitute for the real experience of skiing or snowboarding in the mountains and simulations on games consoles cannot conceivably replicate the real thing," he said.
As the skiing game on Wii Fit has proven, the sport can be great fun, but only when ski hire users are on the mountains will they appreciate how great it can be, he said.
The Chalets Direct Ski blog recently said that ski hire users of all ages and abilities will find something to entertain them in Courchevel.
Ski hire in Tignes users will find that the resort has great appeal and plenty to keep them coming back, according to one source.
TouristLink.com said that Tignes is one resort where ski hire users of all ages and abilities will find something to keep them entertained, with some excellent facilities and challenging runs.
"The appeal of Tignes is simple: good snow, spread over a wide area of varied terrain. Tignes and Val d’Isere together form the enormous Espace Killy – a Mecca for experts, and ideal for adventurous intermediates" the source said.
It added that Tignes may make the better base for ski hire users, as it is "appreciably higher", as well as being surrounded by excellent intermediate terrain, with quick access to the Grande Motte glacier.
Meanwhile, ski hire in Tignes users can soon take part in the Ski Club of Great Britain’s new Ski Club Dual Slalom, which begins in Tignes on Wednesday April 7th in conjunction with the Evolution 2 ski school.
A new iPhone app is helping ski hire in Val d’Isere users find their way around the resort, it has been claimed.
According to IfYouSki.com, the new app provides detailed information on the resort and the many facilities there and makes things much easier for ski hire users to find, including which restaurant or ski run they are looking for.
"The application uses a unique technology to locate your position on the ski map allowing you to share this information with your more traditional friends using paper maps," the source explained.
It added that another feature which enables people to locate and name mountains is also available for iPhone 3GS users.
Recently, Direct Ski said that ski hire in Val d’Isere users will find that he weather conditions in the resort stay perfect all the way up to the end of the season, with thick snow and blue skies setting the scene.
Snowboard gear users should carefully select the resort they head off to on holiday and match it to their snow sports skills, it has been claimed.
Writing for OnTheSnow.com, James Young, a ski instructor with ten years’ experience working in the Alps, commented that before heading to some resorts, most snowboarders should invest in some lessons in deep powder.
"Choosing the right resort for your holiday can be a difficult thing to do," he added.
"While most resorts these days do try to cater for all abilities, some stand out more for beginners, intermediates or advanced skiers and snowboarders."
Mr Young went on to say that taking the time to pick a resort can make the difference between a good holiday and a trip that will never be forgotten.
Earlier this week, research carried out by InsureandGo suggested that more than half of snow sports enthusiasts heading to the mountains for the first time not take lessons beforehand.
An upcoming cooking event in Val d’Isere will help to educate ski hire users and entertain them in equal measure, with its focus on ethical foods.
The Pistes Gourmandes, La Cuisine Pure event takes place between March 15th and 20th and will help to promote locally-sourced food and show ski hire users how it can be used to create fantastic dishes.
Among the activities set to occur at the event are culinary showcases, cooking classes in both English and French, wine tasting and book signings with some of Europe’s most acclaimed chefs.
In addition, the Golden Spoon cooking contest will see female amateur and professional chefs battling it out, said Marc Bauer, mayor of Val d’Isere.
He told OntheSnow.com: "This contest puts the women of the gastronomic world in the spotlight … and we are thrilled to honour them."
Another event set to dazzle ski hire users in Val d’Isere in the coming weeks is Valpark week, which kicks off on March 22nd and will see some of the planet’s top winter sportsmen and women showing off their freestyle skills.
Ski hire users travelling to La Plagne in groups will find that the resort has plenty to keep them entertained in the coming weeks, it has been claimed.
The Culture Bank pointed out that La Plagne and nearby areas such as Belle Plagne remain very popular with ski hire users, particularly those travelling with families, as there are amenities to cater for all types of winter sports enthusiasts.
"You will find plenty of restaurants if you decide to take advantage of some of the low-cost apartments, or you could enjoy the facilities of a hotel and enjoy your evening in their restaurant," the source said.
It added that the beauty of the region will also keep ski hire users fascinated, as the architecture is matched only by the picturesque mountain scenery.
While in La Plagne, ski hire users can pick from a number of different restaurants, ranging from the stylish Matafan, which is ideal for younger groups, or the rustic Little Red Riding Hood, perfect for those looking for a traditional taste of France.
An upcoming event in Tignes will help to keep ski hire users entertained, the organisers have promised.
The Ski Club of Great Britain has launched the Ski Club Dual Slalom, which begins in Tignes on Wednesday April 7th in conjunction with the Evolution 2 ski school.
It will consist of teams of four racing each other on two slalom courses set up side-by-side, all with the aim of reaching the bottom first, and any ski hire user can join in.
Every entrant is promised a free drink, with a trophy for the winning team, while participants are also encouraged to wear fancy dress.
"Anyone can enter the race in Tignes – we’ll always encourage participation from all ages and abilities, and you’ll always find a mix of those who are out to win and those who are in it for the taking part," the Ski Club said.
Meanwhile, one writer on the Affiliate Speakeasy blog stated that ski hire in Tignes users are in a resort with plenty to do and keep them entertained for the entire duration of their stay.
Ski hire users who are taking their family on holiday should see what child-friendly facilities the resort has.
Natasha von Geldern, writing for Travelbite.co.uk, said that a recent skiing holiday with her 16-month-old daughter showed that parents need to consider child facilities before taking a break.
The mother-of-one said that pregnancy and bringing up a child has led to a few years away from the slopes, but her recent holiday with her family showed her that children and ski breaks do mix.
"If you want to avoid the hassle of nursery drop offs and make the most of each moment you need a specialist alpine family holiday," she advised.
The holidaymaker also recommended that ski hire users get the train to the destination, as the journey allows people to really enjoy the scenery.
John Hill, editor of the Good Ski Guide, recently told the Metro that driving to skiing holidays can be less expensive than flying. 
Ski hire users heading to the slopes in the coming months may find that advanced lessons help them to enjoy the trip even more, one source has suggested.
Clare Mann, writing for the Daily Telegraph, said on a recent trip to the slopes she took part in a three-day professional course in order to hone her skills and make things easier when schussing and slaloming down the slopes.
According to the winter sports enthusiast, she hired some ski equipment and found that, by the second day, she had already noticed the benefits.
"Day two brought blue skies. After warm-up exercises, we headed for the notorious Swiss Wall and some serious bumps. Late in the day, Luc treated us to some tricky off piste in the Vallee de la Manche as sunset approached," Ms Mann said.
Meanwhile, Men’s Fitness said that those travelling on skiing holidays in the coming weeks should try some simple exercises to get in ski shape.
People using ski hire in Courchevel in the coming weeks are in a resort with plenty to keep them entertained and a rich ski heritage, it has been claimed.
According to the World Travelling Club, Courchevel has been proving its pedigree for decades and, as result, has remained a top destination with ski hire users of all ages and abilities.
"Courchevel travel is surely an experience to remember. The original Courchevel resort was planned and developed during World War II. It was a natural choice for tourism development," the source said.
It added that the huge range of activities in Courchevel also mean that ski hire users will never be stuck for something to do or a bar to go to after a day on the pistes.
Meanwhile, a recent post on the Chalets Direct Ski blog said that the facilities in Courchevel are excellent and the place is well worth a visit.
