Escape Travel

Tips For Planning Your First Ski Trip

woman skiing in mountains in winter

Skiing can be an enormously rewarding experience. But, if you’ve yet to indulge in this kind of holiday, it might also seem a daunting one. You might worry about the possibility of your not enjoying yourself – or of getting something wrong, and putting yourself in danger.

The good news is that skiing is a great deal more forgiving than many first-timers fear – but to give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll want to do the right preparation and research. Let’s run through a few essential tips for planning your first trip.

Choosing the Right Destination

Some ski resorts tend to be geared toward beginners. These come with quality instructors, gentle slopes, and a culture of acceptance and patience. These are the resorts you should favour when booking your first trip. You might also think about how far you’ll need to travel, and whether the resort provides any additional amenities you might need. Bulgaria ski holidays tend to be an interesting option – they tend to be more beginner-friendly than the alternatives in France and Italy, with many of them catering to new starters specifically.

Booking Lessons and Equipment

Ideally, you’ll want to know exactly where you’re going for ski rentals. Spend extra time fitting your boots, as these are the most important items. You might favour shorter skis, as these tend to be easier to handle. The people working in the rental shop will often be able to provide great advice – so, listen to them. When you get a feel for how different sets of skis perform, you can think about investing in your own, later on.

You’ll also need lessons. Look for reputable ski schools with certified instructors. The better your instructor, the more likely you are to have a positive experience during the first week.

woman with snowboard on slope
Photo by Gustavo Fring

Preparing Physically and Mentally

Skiing can be demanding work. If you’re out of shape, then you might find yourself beginning to suffer by the end of the week – or perhaps even sooner. Make sure that you have good core strength, and that you’re flexible enough to take a tumble. This will reduce your risk of injury, and allow you to steer more easily.

Packing Essentials

To ensure that you don’t miss anything, it’s a good idea to set out a checklist. You’ll need three layers of clothing, these being: a base layer, to keep the heat in and wick up sweat, a middle layer, to keep you warm, and a coat, to keep you dry. You’ll be renting a helmet – but you might consider wrist guards, too.

Finally, make sure that you’re covered in the event of a disaster. Look for a UK Global Health Insurance Card, if you’re going to be skiing in Europe, and make sure that your travel insurance covers winter sports.

woman on snow ground in the forest with rods
Photo by Simon Berger

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