If you’ve never done it before, a ski holiday is a great option for having fun on holiday while also getting active. Skiing is all about endurance, balance, and working your core, and you will find you are using many muscles you may not use in your day-to-day, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible. This will reduce the risk of injury and early exhaustion.
As a first-timer, however, it’s important to be properly prepared. There are ways you can save money too, through renting equipment and doing your research before you book. Remember to always take breaks and don’t overexert yourself, as you want to enjoy every day and not be suffering the consequences.
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If you’ve never been skiing before, here’s all you need to know before setting off.
Why take a ski holiday?
Ski holidays are perfect if you’re looking to shake up your usual holiday plans. You may want to build your strength, improve endurance or even experience a winter holiday.
For families, skiing is also a great opportunity to learn new skills together. Make some great family memories, that are worth every penny. A skiing holiday could be one of the best things you could pass on to your children, allowing them to start a new hobby, and allow them a super fun time in the process.
It’s not only great for the family, and fun skill to learn. Make sure you are doing your research and thinking about the experience that your family, friends, or partner want to take away from the break. There is something for everyone in many resorts. Your children can make new friends in their skiing classes, and the adults can off and have a drink in the evening.
Choose the right destination for your ski holiday
Choosing the right destination is one of the most important things to get right.
A good place to start is considering what the terrain and difficulty level at the ski resort is like. Ideally, you’ll want a good spread of easier slopes if you’re a beginner.
You should also consider ski holidays which include options for guidance or coaching to help you learn the ropes.
Other key destination-related factors to consider are:
- What restaurants are on offer
- Whether the snow is guaranteed during the season you’re travelling
- Whether you’re looking for a destination with a particular landscape or type of architecture
- What other activities are available for non-ski days such as nightlife, spas, swimming or gyms
- If snowboarding is included in your package
When you’re planning your holiday, check carefully what your booking includes, as you may need to purchase a separate lift pass.
Packing the right clothes and gear
If you’re looking to save money and time, you should consider borrowing ski clothing from a friend or family member. If you have to kit yourself out, however, the essentials you’ll need are:
- A ski jacket
- Layers
- Socks
- Gloves
- Eyewear
- Appropriate headwear
- Ski poles
It’s key to bring multiple thin layers of clothing, with a base layer, mid layer, and waterproof outerwear.
Usually, helmets, skis, and ski poles can be hired at your destination, but make sure to double-check beforehand. This may be an area where you can save on costs, especially if you know anyone who has extra essentials.
Taking care of your body
Be aware that skiing may be hard on your body as a first-timer, so you should prepare yourself with some training or flexibility work like yoga.
If you prefer you could follow a pre-ski home workout routine, this may help to ease or prevent any pain. There are many online skiing workouts that help you train the muscles that you will be using. Allowing you to limber up and prepare your body.
It is advised usually that you start these exercises around 4-6 weeks before your trip, allowing your body time to adjust. Many of these workouts talk you through each muscle group, so you can get the most out of your pre-workout.
Most importantly don’t forget to reward your body with plenty of food, and hot chocolate after all the hard work when you are on the slopes!
Essentials to pack
Some key essentials you mustn’t forget to pack include:
- Sunscreen
- Ski insurance if this isn’t included in your booking
- A lift pass, if this isn’t included in your booking
- Toe warmers, Hand Warmers & boot warmers might be a good extra to add
Though your skiing might not be smooth at first, proper preparation means your holiday will go off without a hitch.
