About to embark on your first ski holiday? Exciting! Here are our top tips for making your trip the best it can be -
Choose a good beginner's resort - Stay in a resort with lots of wide gentle slopes and plenty of blue and green runs that are suitable for beginner skiiers. Our favourites include Morzine, La Plagne, Meribel and La Tania. Ask our private travel consultants for their best recommendations.
Decide whether you'd like to stay in a hotel or a chalet - As much as we love skiing, a holiday in the mountains can be ruined if you're staying in horrible accommodation. At the end of an exciting day on the slopes, there's nothing better than relaxing by the fire, enjoying delicious food and wine, lounging in a hot tub or having a massage and then collapsing into a comfortable bed. We can offer a huge choice of properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Our expert team have tried and tested them all so give them your wish list and we'll find the best place for you.
Ski Lessons - This is a MUST. Do not attempt a 'Bridget Jones' and hurl yourself down the mountain with your eyes closed - this is not the best approach! We highly recommend you book a series of lessons with a reputable instructor to give yourself the best start possible. You can expect to fall down A LOT but you'll also have a huge amount of fun! Produce a 'falls table' with your friends and family and give each other points for the most spectacular and outrageous wipeouts - a great way to ensure lots of laughs. You will probably spend your first few days either going too slowly or too fast and feeling terrified and exhilarated all at the same time. Expect children to pick it up faster than you too - they often have no fear!
We have personally visited and skied with all the best ski schools and guides so we can recommend and book some excellent courses for you. Just call our dedicated concierge team and let them talk you through the options.
Equipment - Don't be one of those people who has 'all the gear but no idea.' We recommend you hire your ski equipment on your first holiday so you can try before you buy. We can suggest some excellent equipment hire shops for you in the resort of your choosing and are often able to access exclusive offers and discounts. Proper ski boots are well insulated and warm (only ever wear one pair of socks). Good circulation is important so make sure you can wiggle your toes and check for any pressure points. Most hire shops will exchange your boots for you if you find them uncomfortable and can offer you the best skis or snowboard for your ability.
Clothing - Never wear jeans or short sleeves. Ensure you have a good pair of waterproof trousers and a windproof/waterproof jacket. Many ski pants are nicely padded which helps to provide extra cushioning when you fall over! Layer up on top with zipped fleeces and thermals that you can remove easily if you get too hot and always wear a helmet. This is now compulsory in America and absolutely essential - especially for beginner skiers. Contrary to what you may think, helmets are very fashion forward these days and could save your life!
Also bring - a good pair of gloves, sunscreen and lipbalm (even when it's cold the sun reflects on the snow and can cause severe sunburn), goggles (if it's snowing,windy or visibility is low), sunglasses (if it's sunny), a ski resort map, your ski pass, money (for all important hot chocolate and vin chaud stops) and some water and snacks to keep you going.
For more tips from our expert team, call us now on +44 1993 899420
We live for skiing and are sure you soon will too!
Image credit: Bridget Jones,The Edge of Reason (2004)
