I wasn't always a skier. In fact, I only learnt six years ago — on a press trip to the French Alps that changed everything.
I went from total beginner to confidently carving down the slopes in just one week, and I've been hooked ever since. Since then, I've been three more times, and every trip has reminded me why I love it so much.
There's nothing quite like that feeling of stepping out onto the snow, breathing in the icy air, and knowing an entire mountain is waiting for you. The quiet swish of skis, the crunch underfoot, the sun glinting off the peaks — it's pure magic.
Plan Peisey and Les Arcs have quickly become my favourite resorts. They're beautiful, full of charm, character and warmth. There's a friendly, social energy that keeps you smiling from the first chairlift to the last drink of the night.
The full chalet experience
A huge part of what made me fall in love with skiing was experiencing the Ski Beat chalet lifestyle. I've joined them on several press trips, and honestly, I think staying in a chalet is essential to really enjoy the Alps.
It's the perfect mix of comfort and community, waking up to the smell of pastries and coffee, setting off for a day on the slopes, and coming back to a roaring fire and a home-cooked dinner.
Evenings are for good wine, hearty food, and the kind of laughter that echoes long after the plates are cleared.
You meet people from all over the world, swap stories, and before you know it, you've made friends for life.
The joy of the journey
One of the best parts of skiing in France is that it's driveable. We did it last year, loaded the car, set the playlist, and made a proper road trip of it.
Watching the landscape shift from grey British skies to dazzling white peaks is part of the adventure. By the time you arrive, you're already in the holiday spirit.
Once you've had the chalet experience, danced in ski boots and seen the sunrise over the slopes, you'll never want to holiday anywhere else.
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