How to prepare for your first ski trip
Taking your first ski trip can be a magical, maybe daunting, but certainly an exciting experience. Whether you’re beginning at 5, 25 or 45, you’ll need to be prepared for the exciting adventure that lays ahead full of snow, beautiful mountain landscapes, hot chocolates and of course, gliding down the slopes. Like any trip, you’ll need to be prepared. Skiing requires many factors just to get you to that first lift.
I went on my first ski trip aged 19. I had finished my A-Levels and had decided I wanted to go on a ski season before heading to university, as a complete novice. My best friend was going to be with me, and I was youthfully confident. Ahead of my trip I was astounded at how much I needed – it was overwhelming! So today, I am here to take all that stress away.
Here is everything you need before embarking on the greatest adventure of your life…
Find your Perfect Ski Resort
Across Europe there are 3954 ski resorts. Finding the perfect one for a beginner is vital as there are vast variations in slope abilities in each of those resorts. If you are unaware, there is a colour rule for ski slopes. This varies in different parts of the world, however in Europe the rule is:
Green = Easy
Blue = Intermediate
Red = Advanced
Black = Expert
When you are researching the perfect destination for your first ski trip, try and find a resort that has plenty of green runs and importantly, nursery slopes. This is where you can practice the basic moves before heading to the wider resort. Similarly, make sure they have a ski school at that resort. There are many highly regarded ski schools across Europe, so find a resort that can offer you the training you need.
Additionally, you want to make sure it has your desired apres-ski activities. The local towns are usually packed with activities, bars and restaurants, and more for once you’ve finished carving down that fresh powder. Research the resorts you’re heading to make sure the slopes and your après match the vibes you’re going for!
Getting Lessons
As mentioned above, if you are a complete beginner, I would strongly suggest getting lessons from a certified instructor before you take to the slopes. A professional will be able to guide you down the nursery slopes and teach you the vital skills you’ll need to stay safe. Even if you only take one or two, it will be important to learn the fundamentals of skiing and provide you with a solid foundation. Ski schools offer private lessons if you want some in-depth tutoring, but they also often offer group lessons, which can reduce the costs and be a fun way to meet others. Make sure you research your resort and find a plan that works for you. Alternatively, there are some dry ski slopes in the UK which you can go to and have lessons there before heading out.
Invest in your Ski Equipment
Investing in your ski gear is a vital step. It is crucial to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience. A wide variety of retailers now sell ski wear, from supermarkets to designer stores. What is important is that you stay warm and wear waterproof, breathable clothing when you’re upon the mountain. Here is a checklist of the must-haves before you make your way to the slopes - I’ve also added links for my recommendations:
Ski Clothing
o Jacket and Salopettes - I’d recommend Dope as they have great designs for skiers and snowboarders.
o Thermal Layers - This brand called Eivy are great. They’re stylish and the best at keeping you warm.
o Gloves - I would recommend mittens as they’re great for keeping your hands warm, especially as you can tickt hand warmers in there too!
o Hat - this warm wooly hat will keep you warm at apres!!
o Neck Warmer / Buff - any of these buffs will be great at keeping the chill off your necks
Ski Equipment (These can either be bought or hired in-resort)
o Ski’s
o Boots
o Poles
o Helmet
Accessories
o Goggles - these Oakley Goggles have fantastic protection and look sexy on the slopes!
o Hand Warmers - these are essential hand warmers and great to keep you warm on the chairlifts
o Sun cream - this Piz Buin suncream is the best as it has advanced UVA and UVB sun filter technology.
o Lip Balm - similar to above, the Piz Buin sun lip balm is the best on the slopes
o Sunglasses - these protective sunglasses are key to your ski experience
If you’re a beginner, I would definitely consider renting your equipment to save on costs and avoid the hassle of transporting it with your luggage.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Ok – yes, plan your après, but also, it is important to plan your whole week. From ski transfers to ski passes, from restaurants to ice-skating, when you’re in the resort you’ll need to have a structured itinerary to ensure you make the most of your holiday. Ski passes can sometimes be bought with a discount if you’re prepared and buy them early. You’ll also want to ensure your ski transfers are giving you enough wiggle-room to allow for snow storms so you don’t miss your flight home.
Ski resorts tend to be small, tourist locations, so restaurants are booked up fast, especially if you’re travelling in a large group. Do some research into mountain cuisine (mainly meat and a lot of cheese), and find a restaurant that suits you. If you have any dietary requirements, it is especially important to find a place that caters to your needs before you arrive, as it will make your stay far easier. Additionally, if you want to go ice-skating, skidoo-ing (yes a real thing - and you’ll want to do it once you’ve googled!), night-skiing, these are all activities that are booked up fast!
Enjoy 💜
The most important step of your holiday is you enjoy yourself! Enjoy your breath-taking surroundings, enjoy the exhilaration of learning a new skill, and have fun with your your fellow skiers!! Make sure you capture your memories, hug your friends, and become just as obsessed with the mountains as the rest of us. Preparing for your first ski trip can be daunting, but hopefully this article will make you prepared for a magical time on the slopes.
Written by Georgia Harrison
