If you’re used to your main annual holiday consisting of fun in the sun, sea and sand, swapping this familiar environment for mountains, snow and sub-zero temperatures probably seems counterintuitive.

But variety is the spice of life and there’s every chance you’ll enjoy a snowsports vacation just as much as your usual beach break. In fact, once you’ve tried it once, you’re guaranteed to go back for more.

Need more convincing? Read these four reasons you should try a skiing holiday.

1. It’s fun!

What could be more exhilarating than zooming down snow covered slopes, twisting through trees, swerving round obstacles and flying over jumps?

First and foremost, skiing is fantastic fun and the buzz you’ll get from being on the slopes and gradually improving your technique will keep you coming back for more.

Tip: check out this video on the joy of skiing from SportChek.

2. It keeps you fit

While you’re having fun on the pistes you’re also getting in trim, which is a brilliant added bonus  ?  in six hours of skiing you can burn 3,000 calories, tone your abs, boost your immune system and even stave off depression.

And apart from the strong core you’ll develop from learning to balance on skis, your cardiovascular system gets a great workout and you can lose up to five pounds a week.

Tip: moderate your alcohol consumption on your ski holiday to maximise the health benefits.

3. The scenery is stunning

Ski holidays are synonymous with stunning scenery  ?  there’s something fundamentally fabulous about any environment cloaked in pristine snow and if you’re in a traditional resort with chocolate box chalets, the ambience is awesome.

But some resorts are blessed by preternatural beauty, for example the view from the summit of Aiguilles de Chamonix in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif extends across three countries and includes the Grand Combin, Monta Rosa and Matterhorn mountains.

Tip: arrange a hassle-free customised ski holiday with Alpine gurus Erna Low.

4. The après-ski is awesome

Whether chic cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants are your bag or you prefer bustling bars serving tankards of high-strength lager and cool clubs where you can throw some shapes ‘til the wee small hours, après-ski is an essential component in any skiing holiday.

Bars like La Folie Douce in the French Alps have elevated après to an art form, but wherever you ski in the world, having a choice of establishments in which to relax and unwind is almost mandatory for any resort.

Tip: read this article on the top 10 party ski resorts from Skyscanner.

So there you have it  ?  a quartet of quality reasons why you should try a skiing holiday.

We hope we’ve encouraged you to hit the slopes and try this cathartic activity that cleanses the mind, body and spirit.

Do you love skiing? Let us know why on the comments section!