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With only a few weeks to go until Easter, there is still some availability for great family ski holidays or group ski breaks. Choose your resort carefully to ensure the best skiing conditions – ideally high altitude for perfect powder, with a wide variety of runs for all levels of experience.

Of course all resorts now have snow cannons and piste bashers to produce snow and to maintain the slopes in top condition, but they cannot prevent the rising spring temperature. Be sure and stick to resorts over 1300m.

France has some great resorts that offer great skiing into late spring, with Val d’Isere at 1850m, Alpe d’Huez at 1860m and La Plagne, ranging from 1800-2050 m, being three of the highest. You’ll get a decent tan and come back honed and fit, what more could you ask for? For a vibrant après-ski scene, Val d’Isere has that magical combination of powder and party that makes it one of the top ski resorts in the world.

Depending on the type of ski break you want, there are plenty of catered ski chalets and ski hotels to choose from. Catered chalets are perfect for family Easter skiing holidays as the children can relax and there is lots of flexibility with meal times, plus the amount of space in the chalet means they have more freedom to run around inside. Fully catered chalets are also great for group ski holidays too, as no-one has to prepare meals, and the chef ensures everyone is happy with the daily menu. Chalets at the luxury end of the market offer privacy and space for individuals with large communal areas for getting together at the end of the day. Other facilities usually include hot tubs, DVDs and TVs in every room, luxury toiletries and so on.

Ski hotels can be a good option if you are going alone or in a small party, and as the prices vary enormously you should be able to find something within your budget.

If your Easter ski holiday is going to be your first skiing trip this season, try and stick to an exercise programme over the next few weeks to build stamina and improve your flexibility. This should include some running, which is a great way to build strength in your calves and hamstrings. Cycling is also a good all-rounder for aerobic exercise. If you’re a member of a gym or have a personal trainer, they should be able to advise you of other useful exercises.

Once you’re on holiday, try and remember to do your warm up exercises each morning. Doing this will help reduce the risk of injury, encourage greater blood supply to your muscles and wake you up properly!

For the best luxury catered ski chalets in Val d’Isere, look no further than Le Chardon Mountain Lodges. In unrivalled locations, they provide exceptionally high standards of service, from discreet and efficient concierge service to sumptuous meals prepared by experienced chefs.