Beginners top tips for booking a ski holiday

When booking your first ski holiday a lot of questions can go through your mind, like which resorts have the best slopes for beginners, where the best skiing conditions are and which ski resorts have the best ski hotels, or whether you want to go for a catered ski holiday or if you are going to spend a little extra on that luxury ski holiday you have always dreamed of. We have put together a beginner’s guide to help get you started.

The right package for you

Avoid booking your holiday in peak times - Christmas, New Year, Easter and February half-term as prices can be almost double. Choose a resort that best caters to your ability as a skier, so go somewhere that has plenty of blue and green runs would be better for you rather than a resort with a variety of different runs. Try and find a good inclusive deal that includes flights, hotel/transfer, meals, ski pass and hire as this can make your holiday cheaper than purchasing everything separately. Talk all the options through will a travel advisor to find a package that suits your needs, whether you are looking to stay in a catered ski chalet or a hotel. If you are going with someone who doesn’t want to ski or with children it is best to choose a resort that has lots of off the slopes activities.

Ski school

When you are a beginner it is vital that you choose a ski school which has English speaking instructors and a good reputation. The worst thing when you are trying to learn something new is miscommunication. Ski holidays in France are usually very popular with first –time skiers from the UK due to their English speaking instructors, excellent ski schools and close proximity to Britain.

To buy or to hire

These days you can hire everything from ski clothes to ski’s and it can work out cheaper than buying everything brand new especially where you are new to skier. However if you do want to buy some clothes and equipment the essentials are thermals, salopettes, jacket and goggles. Some people also prefer to have their own boots, this way you can also get a pair that really suit you and can get used to them before your holiday. Ski’s only take up extra luggage, which most airlines charge extra for, and are big and bulky so unless you’re an avid skier it is best to hire your skis.

Getting ready

Skiing and snowboarding can be physically demanding and to help prevent injury on the slopes you should for begin doing exercises to prepare your body. You will need to strengthen you leg muscles – squats are good for this, and increase your endurance – cycling helps build this. It can also be beneficial to go to a local dry-ski slope so you can learn some of the basic techniques of skiing/boarding.