Fight the festive flab and get fit to ski with Jet2.com
The airline of choice for northern skiers, Jet2.com, is tipping a ski and snowboarding break as the best way to work off the weight accumulated through festive feasting. With record snow conditions being recorded in the Alps, and free ski or board carriage on Jet2.com flights booked by 19th February 2012, booking a ski break is a great incentive to burn the Christmas calories and have a healthy start to 2012.
Whether an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro, each hour on the slopes provides a complete body work-out burning between 300-500 calories. Skiing and boarding also improve aerobic fitness, strength, muscle tone, balance and agility.
Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director of Jet2.com, said: “To be able to maximize enjoyment of the holiday and to avoid annoying aches and pains whilst away we recommend an exercise programme prior to hitting the slopes. At this time of year many people are looking to rid themselves of extra inches accumulated over the festive period and getting fit to ski provides a great way to recover from over indulgences.”
“We’re proud to be a ski-friendly airline, with perfectly timed flights ensuring snow enthusiasts can put their good work into action as soon as they arrive, and have enough time to get to the airport from the mountains when they return. Our generous 22kg baggage allowance means bulky ski wear and kit is easily transported. We also have a ski or board bag allowance of 20kg which we are offering free on new bookings made by 19th February 2012 - the perfect excuse to book a ski fit trip sooner rather than later!”
To use the free ski or board carriage offer, enter the code FREESKI at the time of booking.
Jet2.com’s snow sport gurus provide the following ski fit tips:
Improve ski stamina with three 20 minutes sessions of uninterrupted cardio each week
If cycling, running and other more traditional exercise regimes are not for you, try joining the Zumba craze to boost cardio fitness
Biking, the cross trainer and step are great for building up leg strength
Yoga or general stretching help with suppleness making your muscles more prepared
Pilates and abdominal exercises help with core strength giving vital back support when you’re on the slopes
Strengthen leg, bum and tum muscles with squats and knee raises
Don’t forget to give shoulders and backs a boost to build core strength and help balance.
Remember to take care of mind, body and soul when you arrive by:
Skiing away stress – clear your mind and whittle down your worries as you focus on overcoming the mountain terrain rather than everyday stresses
Burning more calories – it doesn’t get much healthier than a ski trip. Burning calories and fresh clean air combined with exercise at high altitude means a better aerobic workout
Getting a natural high – mountain air, magnificent views and exercise are great for releasing serotonin – making you feel happy and increasing natural immunity
Stretching before and after is just as important on the slopes as it is in your pre trip regime
Respect the environment – observe and follow the information and advice regarding your resort, be mindful of weather predicted, respect the boundaries of the piste unless you have experience and equipment for off-piste environments.
Travel insurance is a must for any holiday and with winter sports cover from £10 per person per week, the peace of mind provided by this protection won’t eat into the après ski fund. Cover can be bought online at jet2insurance.com.
Resort Guide
Geneva is close to some of the most expansive ski areas of the Alps including resorts such as Chamoix, Morzine – Avoriaz, Chamonix, Verbier and Italy’s Courmayeur, at the base of breathtaking Mont Blanc. Meanwhile, Chambery is the gateway to the most superb skiing in France – including the resorts of Tignes, Val d'Isere, Meribel and Val Thorens.
Salzburg is ideal for the snow-capped peaks of Austria and with 130 resorts in a three radius, including Schladming, Zell am See, Kitzbuhel and Saalbach, there is something for all abilities.
Visit Jet2.com/ski for help researching the perfect piste and off piste adventure for 2012. Information includes detailed resort information such as slope difficulty, downloadable piste maps and drive times from the airport, as well as weather reports and live ‘snow cams’. The site also allows users to search by type of resort in a ‘Best For...’ section, to help holidaymakers find the right location for them.