Luxury ski holidays: Conditioning crucial before taking to the slopes

Dedicating a few hours a week to the gym before heading away on luxury ski holidays will ensure that couples spend more time on the slopes as opposed to the treatment table.

Recent research from Arthritis UK and The Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, shows that ski enthusiasts who fail to prepare their body before enjoying the snow run the risk of developing osteoarthritis in later life.

The study suggested that couples begin conditioning their bodies several weeks before going away, as this will help to reduce the chances of them suffering sprains and tears.

Professor Phil Conaghan, from Leeds University and spokesman for Arthritis UK, told the Daily Telegraph: "Skiers need to strengthen their thigh muscles in particular."

Matt Guarente, from SkiBeginner.com, wrote for HitTheSlopes.co.uk recently that learning to ski is lots of fun for everyone, adding that while falls are an inevitability, people are more likely to smile than frown.