Whether it be a week away in the beautiful alps with an adventure-filled skiing getaway, or something a little more relaxing like some Christmas shopping in London, where I’ve put together some of my best tips for planning that perfect, well-deserved break.

Get in early!

It goes without saying that winter breaks and city breaks in specific get booked up pretty fast! That’s not to say that once everyone has snapped them up that’s it, but some of the best prices and deals will be made now and in the next couple of weeks. So getting your booking in early is key to a successful and money-saving break!

When it comes to booking a hotel, think outside the box, some of the most well-known options will most likely be the priciest, but with the rise of things like Air BnB make sure you do your research. Getting a fully serviced apartment as opposed to a commercially well-known and popular hotel could be a great option.

Plan your trips

Whether it’s a few days in London, or a week in Paris, planning your trips is crucial. City breaks are so popular during the winter which means that tours and attractions can get booked up pretty quickly. Take Winter Wonderland as an example, if you’re wanting to do some of the biggest attractions there and you’ll be going in peak Christmas season you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your tickets booked to avoid disappointment.

Don’t leave it too late to pack for your trip either. Nothing ruins a trip like being freezing cold. Superdry have put together a list of winter warmers, and I’m truly in love! Maybe I can treat myself to the Everest one!?

Compare

It goes without saying, but if you’re looking into deals around winter, the best thing you can do is compare. Compare hotel/apartments on different websites and check to make sure that there aren’t any additional voucher codes you could get your hands on. If you’re going further afield, check whether it would be cheaper to do your flights and hotel separately, or whether a package works out a much better deal.

Wherever you plan on going, make sure you plan! City breaks across the winter period are popular, but they’re also one of my favourite things about this season. Where do you plan on going this year?

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The Incredible Views

Whether you choose to ski or snowboard, the location and views are going to be stunning. How can they not be when you are high up a mountain? European slopes aren’t as high altitude as the likes of American or Canadian slopes. But they will still offer breathtaking views. So wherever you choose to take your trip, you know it is going to be gorgeous. Being able to see for miles and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer, certainly, makes for a great trip.

Après Ski

Of course, on a ski trip, the main event is the skiing. But the festivities afterward are one of a kind. Think of plenty of free-flowing drinks and happy faces. It is like one big happy hour. It is a casual affair too. So it can be refreshing not to have to get all dressed up. Just enjoy it with your fellow ski or snowboarding comrades. Having fun under the stars, by some snow filled mountains is an experience like no other.

No Beaches in Sight

If you are someone that diets ferociously for a beach holiday, then there is no need for a ski trip. You will be burning plenty of calories every day, but be covered from head to toe. Not having to prep for a ‘beach body’ can make a refreshing change. It is also a great way to kick-start an exercise programme. You’ll come back with thighs and arms that feel h2er than ever!

You Can Ski All Over the World

If you want to go long-haul, you still can. There are many resorts all over the world. Canada has some amazing resorts with the likes of Whistler. America has plenty of great ones too, from Park City to Breckenridge. There are even ski resorts as far flung as Japan. So you don’t have to feel you are missing out on any culture that you might experience otherwise. If you want to stay closer to home, then France, Switzerland, and Italy boast some of Europe’s best slopes. Who knows, you might love it so much, that you’ll want to do a ski instructor course qualification. Then you’ll be hitting the slopes every year.

Pack Light

Unless you have all of the ski gear, you can pack pretty light. Resorts will offer rental of ski equipment and helmets. All you need is the jacket, salopettes, thermals and thick socks. The evenings are chilled out, so you’ll hardly need to take anything else. Simples!

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In January we decided to go ski-ing in Nordmarka forest, and it was incredible. You can read all about how we went ski-ing on a shoestring budget in Norway by clicking here. If you’ve already booked, then here’s some advice for when you arrive

Keep reading, because there is an amazing competition at the end of the top a pair of tickets to the Telegraph Ski and Snowboarding Show London this October!! 

First thing first. Here are few tips you might want to consider before spending any money on snow skiing. Are you sure you will like it? Before spending a great amount of money on fancy snow skis, and of course all the matching equipment, why don’t you take a breather and rethink your strategy for a moment. Second hands sports equipment stores are full of snow skiing wannabes that went all out and bought the best of the best and spent a fortune on equipment and ski clothes to find out they did not enjoy it enough for one reason or another and decided to call it to quit.

Snow skiing is a beautiful but demanding sport. To enjoy that wintery sport you have to be in shape, at least good enough so you can be mobile and strong to control your movements and your skis. Believe me you will work a nice sweat out on the way down. This is one great tip after you decided to not spend too much money by buying used equipment instead of new (or using some rentals that the skis station offers for an hourly fee) is to get in shape before hitting the slopes. Believe me, you will be glad you did.

Remember to dress accordingly. You don’t want to feel bulky and heavy so you feel restrained in your movements. This will completely depend on the time of year that you decide to go skiing. When I hit the slopes in Andorra I wore a thick ski-suit and lots of layers. However, in Norway, it wasn’t as cold during the day and I certainly warmed up once I got moving.

  6 Reasons You Should Swap your Swimsuit for a Snowmobile

But one of the most important advice I can give you, once you decided to keep going, is to take some basic skis lessons with a competent ski instructor. Why? Because like any other sports you will get bad habits that you will have to get rid of later on, sooner than later. These bad habits will work against you in the long run. Start on the right foot or should I say the right ski and you will be a better skier in no time because of those basic ski lessons.

Ok now, you have taken a few lessons, and you are well equipped and well dressed, What now? Enjoying a sport is crucial, you need to have fun on the slopes. One of the best way is to have friends that will share the same interest. Do you have no friends that want to share your newfound interest? Do not fret, get on the internet and find some ski clubs that you can join for a small fee or head to an event like the Telegraph Ski and Snowboarding Show *wink wink, nudge nudge*.

You will be certain to meet people with the same passion if not more than you. As a bonus, you will find people with tons of experience that will be happy to share their knowledge at no cost with you. You will discover that you learn faster with a group then alone on the slopes and it is a lot more fun too!

  Throwback Thursday: Exploring Norway

By following these skiing beginners easy to follow tips and advice you will enjoy a great sport that you can practice for many years to come. It will help you to keep healthy, in shape and also make your life a lot more fun. You will jump of joy when the first snowflakes hit the front lawn because that will remind you all the fun ahead instead of grumbling like many others at the thought of all the problems that come with snow. They will wonder why you are wearing a great smile instead of a frown… Go figure!

Okay enough is enough. Let’s get to it! I promised you TWO competitions this week, so here it is: The ‘Slow holidays’ company Inntravel have just launched a range of new snow holidays in Norway. They have collaborated are to exhibit at The Telegraph Ski and Snowboard show in London this October and have kindly offered 2 tickets to give away.

Simply enter using the Rafflecopter widget below for a chance to win 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Tips For Ski-ing In Nordmarka, Norway – Telegraph Ski And Snowboarding Show Giveaway appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

We went to Norway at the beginning of the year and tried our hand at cross-country skiing. It’s the first time I’d been in year, and S had never been before. Now he wants to hit bigger slopes, so we considered checking out Iglu Ski and independent sites. We’re pretty sure where we are going next now (all will be revealed soon). But here are some places that made the shortlist!

Hemsedal, Norway

Hemsedal has craggy and wooded mountains called the Scandinavian Alps. Here you’ll find some of the best skiing in Norway, with ski slopes served up to 1,500 meters.

Hemsedal is great if you’re looking for a quiet and more relaxed ski resort. This is because Hemsedal is not as large as some alpine ski resorts, and manages to keep a quaint, village feel as a result. This also means that it’s perfect for families. At the resort’s base, there’s even the largest children’s ski area in Norway.

Hemsedal has quality and reliable snow all year round, even when the Alps struggle, this, combined with the well-manicured slopes means that it’s a great little spot.

Chamonix, France

If you’re a family with a variety of different experience levels, then Chamonix is the place for you. There’s so much skiing here that it’s split into areas, with multiple slopes for all experience levels. You can see them all here on this ski map. You can even take on what’s known as “Le Grand Ski”.

With tremendously long slopes, free ride skiing and off-piste skiing all available, you’ll never get bored of the slopes here. There’s even slopes specifically for beginners, so they can learn at their own pace and you’ll never get stuck in traffic.

Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and it’s now all-mountain skiing. Professional guides are also available if you’re looking to test yourself to your limits off-piste while the children take advantage of the children’s slopes.

Verbier, Switzerland

Finally, consider Verbier in Switzerland. It’s the main resort in Switzerland’s largest ski area. It mainly attracts youthful, sporty clientele, so it’s great if you’re heading there with adolescents. There’s a bustling nightlife and lots of sun.

Nearly 100 lifts access more than 400km worth of runs, including off-piste Alps slopes. If you travel to the top of Mont Fort, you can see as far as Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. When you’re 3,300 meters up, there’s plenty of stunning scenery to take in.

The post Dreaming Of White Blankets And Ski Chalets appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the sun and sea – but equally – I can’t resist a snowy holiday. When I return from a getaway in Norway, upload a photo on top of Mount Snowdon or tell them I’m wild camping in Scandinavia, I get two reactions:

• Reaction 1: “Don’t you feel the cold?”
• Reaction 2: “Oh my God! That looks incredible, I wish I could go somewhere like that!”

For the record, I’m always cold but with the right gear, it’s not a problem. What I don’t understand though, is why people say they wish they could go there, but don’t! Don’t tell me it’s money, I see you sipping cocktails in a bikini on Facebook.

When we went to Norway, flights started from £5 each way – which let’s be honest, you can’t get any cheaper! Every time we book a trip, we make sacrifices and trade tan lines for aching feet. I appreciate it sounds a little mental, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d love to be able to afford some winter sun occasionally, but to be honest, even if I could, there still SO much I want to do in cold countries. From mountain treks to snowmobiling safaris, the list is forever growing!

What’s the big fuss? Here’s my 6 reasons I’m booking a snowmobile tour this year 

Unusual locations

The Canary Islands. Turkey. Spain. France. These are all the traditional holiday spots, and it seems the world is full of people who have visited them. Lesser known for their holiday pursuits are the Nordic countries. This is a great shame, given all these unique lands have to offer. I mean GREENLAND!? COM’ON!

Travelling doesn’t have to be about visiting a vast array of places purely for the sake of it. However, it can be nice to have a less-often seen stamp in your passport to cement your place as a world traveller.

Stunning scenery

Instagram is full of photos of beautiful sunsets, to the point where they have become a cliche. Visiting Norway or similar can be a breath of fresh air for your followers as they finally see something a little different. Sweeping vistas of huge mountains, deep fjords and photographs of snowy landscapes can bring a whole new perspective to you also.

A photo posted by NORWAY (@mittnorge) on Jun 2, 2016 at 5:32am PDT

You’re in control

After a brief tutelage on how to control a snowmobile, it’s yours for the driving. Unlike a regular desert safari where a guide will be behind the wheel, with this type of holiday, you can choose where you go. If you want to stop and pause, or just explore somewhere new, it’s your decision.

Room to breathe

The vastness of the landscape will help, but the simple fact is that the countries that offer this type of adventure are less-visited. This means if you wish to escape the usual tourist traps, then try going off the usual holiday trail on a safari or hike. Especially while out in the snow, you can travel miles without seeing another soul but those in your party.

And after the snow…

Stepping out the usual doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a night out on the tiles to let your hair down. Helsinki and Reykjavik are particularly highly thought of as destinations for the world’s leading DJs. In common with much of Sweden and Norway, they also have thriving club and live music scenes. Just because it isn’t a named club in Ibiza doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy that side of a holiday.

Get in touch with the adventurous side of yourself, all while experiencing things few people have the gumption to try. You may be exhausted and tested, but there’s no doubt a snowmobile safari offers a unique and rewarding experience.

The post 6 Reasons You Should Swap Your Swimsuit For a Snowmobile appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

It was truly magical, and we couldn’t have been luckier with the weather we had. I cannot wait to head back in the summer and visit the gorgeous Fjords in the sunshine. Hopefully this post will give you a little inspiration to go and explore Norway 

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