What To Consider When Going On Your First Ski Holiday

*Collaborative Post

If you’re going on your skiing holidays for the very first time, then there are a number of factors you might want to account for. Get your preparation right, and you’ll stand a much better chance of having a positive experience – and perhaps starting a lifelong passion for this amazing pastime.

So, which variables are worth thinking about?

Choosing the right resort

To give yourself the best chance of a good ski holiday, you’ll need to choose an appropriate resort. For beginners, that means looking for a resort that offers a good mixture of beginner-friendly slopes, as well as good ski schools and other facilities that might support you at the outset of your skiing journey.

There are a number of ski holidays that offer this particular combination of features. In France, we have Sauze d’Oulx and Val d’Isere. In Andorra, there’s El Tarter.

Getting the essentials

While you might want to invest in the best available equipment, there’s little point in doing this before you have a strong idea of what you’re looking for. A better approach is to rent. This approach also has the advantage of saving you the trouble of taking a lot of extra luggage with you, some of which will incur an extra baggage charge at the airport.

What you will need to take, however, is the right clothing. Skiwear comprises three distinct layers. There are thermal undergarments, a warming mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket (and a pair of salopets). You’ll also need essential safety equipment, like a helmet and a set of goggles.

Starting on the slopes

You’ll want to build your skills, and confidence, very gradually. Start with the smaller slopes, and move on to the more challenging ones only when you’re ready. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. The easiest runs are green – though many resorts will start at blue.

You might think that it’s worthwhile to try the sport on an indoor slope in the UK before you go. This is often a good idea for the simple reason that it will let you know whether you really hate skiing before you commit to a week of it. Bear in mind, however, that the real thing is much more cost-effective and enjoyable. If you don’t want to go to an indoor slope, then you can just arrive at the mountain an hour early and catch up quickly.

Plan your spare time

You’re not going to be spending every waking hour on the slopes themselves. Thus, it’s worth thinking about what else the resort might have to offer. You might indulge in a range of après-ski activities, depending on your chosen resort. These might include an hour in the spa, a session at a local swimming pool, or a table at a quality restaurant.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.