It’s my eighth fall of the morning, this time at the feet of a Russian child skilled enough to swerve around me. But I can’t help but laugh, assure my ski instructor Nick that really, I’m fine, struggle upright and continue snaking (OK, careering) down piste. The reason: I’ve escaped the city grind, the sun is shining and the air is the freshest I’ve breathed in years. It’s hard not to feel rejuvenated, let alone downright spiritual, on the slopes.
I haven’t donned skis since a budget school trip when I was 16, and it’s clear that my approach to the sport hasn’t changed in the slightest – in other words, I’m reckless. It’s probably a good thing, then, that we won’t actually be doing a whole lot of skiing. While snow lovers can while away days in search of the perfect powder, there’s a host of alternative activities in the area to ensure anyone who visits Méribel – one of eight resorts that make up The Three Valleys, the largest ski area in the world – leaves with the calm headiness that comes only with a winter wellness retreat.