Have you just booked your very first-ever ski holiday? No idea how to start preparing or what to bring? Don't worry, we've got you covered! A little preparation at home before you leave for your ski resort will help you take to the slopes with total confidence. In this article we've put together a packing list along with tips for getting in shape, booking ski lessons and generally preparing for your first ski holiday. Happy skiing!
Ski holidays are no fun if your nose is approaching frostbite stage! Skiing is a high-alpine activity and it's important dress properly. Generally, this means dressing in three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer (NOT COTTON), an insulating mid-layer (like fleece) and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Many ski jackets combine the midlayer and outer layer to keep you warmer, but keep in mind that first-time skiers exert a lot of energy by falling down and getting back up again, so you might work up a sweat! If you don't have ski clothing, consider borrowing from a friend, checking out secondhand stores or buying cheap clothing from stores like Decathlon. There's no point paying for top-of-the-line ski gear if you're not 100% sure you'll like the sport! Check the weather forecast at your ski resort before you go and pack accordingly, but bring layers in case it's colder or warmer than you expected.
Most experienced skiers remember the days when everybody skied in a beanie, but those days are long over. Nowadays you just can't really justify not skiing with a helmet! Even if you have total confidence in your own skills, you never know when another skier or snowboarder is going to come rocketing out of nowhere and give you a concussion. So, get yourself a helmet (some ski rental stores include a helmet with ski rental) and make sure it's the proper fit.
Take our word for it, not having a pair of goggles can totally ruin your ski day! The sun reflects off the snow in a ski area, and your eyes will thank you for protecting them from the glare. Not only that, but if it's blizzarding sideways, a regular pair of sunglasses won't protect your face. You don't need to get the fanciest ski goggles out there, but a solid pair with the appropriate colour of lens for the weather will go a long way towards improving your day on the mountain.
Goggles, a helmet and ski clothing are a good start to your ski outfit, but let's not forget about mittens, a scarf or balaclava (Buff makes excellent, versatile neck warmers), ski socks and a stylish beanie for après-ski! You could opt for gloves, but I find a cheap pair of water-resistent skiing mittens work better against the cold than an expensive pair of gloves. Ski socks are an item I personally invest a little more in, because those ski boots have a way of freezing your toes off. Splurge on merino-wool ski socks and thank me later (whatever you do, don't wear short socks, as the ski boot comes up almost to your knee). A word to the wise: don't double your socks. This will compress your feet, reducing circulation and making you colder.
Now that you're protected against the cold, it's time to pick out a pair of skis. For your first ski holiday, it makes zero sense to buy skis. Most ski resorts offer the option to book rental equipment online, so all you have to do is pick it up when you get to the resort. This also saves you the luggage fees. When you're getting fitted for your skis and boots, make sure you clarify you're a beginner. This will change the length and style of your ski or board, as well as how to adjust the bindings, so you can ski in total safety. We recommend skiing without poles on your first day, as they're apt to get in the way - but it's a choice you can make with your ski instructor.
For your very first skiing holiday, it's essential to pick a beginner-friendly ski resort. While almost every ski resort has an area with nursery slopes, once you've got the hang of stopping you'll want to be taking your skills onto a longer green slope so you can perfect your turns. Ideally, you'll learn to ski in a smaller ski resort with plenty of gentle green slopes and maybe some slightly steeper blue slopes. This way you can work your way up at your own pace. For ideas, check out our article on the best ski resorts for beginners >
Unless you're crazy enough to let your partner teach you how to ski, you'll probably want to take ski or snowboard lessons for your first time on the slopes. An experienced ski or snowboard instructor can introduce you to the sport in an enjoyable way, while ensuring you learn the proper technique. Again, most ski resorts allow you to book your ski lessons online before you get to the Alps and will even offer a small discount for doing so. And forget what you heard about French ski instructors shouting "bend ze knees!" - these days you shouldn't have any trouble finding an English-speaking ski instructor if you do your research.
Between the altitude and the using-muscles-you-didn't-know-you-had, skiing will take its toll on your body! Getting in shape a few months before your ski holiday can help you overcome the aches and pains that assail all of us on our first ski holiday every season. Our article on getting fit for ski season can help you target the muscle groups that are most commonly used in skiing and snowboarding.
You can't expect to ski like a professional on your very first day, or even your first week! Skiing and snowboarding require a solid base from which to work on improving your technique, so instead of going as fast as you can, concentrate on perfecting the exercises your instructor is showing you. Learning to ski or snowboard can be a painful process where you fall down a lot and get frustrated when you can't link turns like the pros. We've all been there! Don't worry if you don't make it onto a blue or even a full green piste in your first week. The important thing is to have fun!
Skiing and snowboarding are very social sports and finding a group of friends or family to go skiing with makes the holiday even more fun! But don't worry, even if your friends and family can't make it on your first skiing holiday, there are plenty of ways to make new skiing friends. Be warned, skiing and snowboarding are addictive!
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
