Time to start planning (part 1)
Published on 12th September, 2014
We have a few tips to help you preparing for your first ski holiday…
MYTH -“I’m afraid of heights. I won’t like skiing.”
During your first ski holiday it’s unlikely that you will be on any slope steeper than the average golfing green; in fact a lot of beginner slopes in the Alps are just that in the summer. If you notice the gradient the chance is that you’ve been taken to the wrong slope, and probably by your friends not your instructor. Skis need only a slight slope to get moving, their bases are specially made and waxed to glide easily over the snow.
MYTH- “It’ll be cold”
The European Alps are at the same longitude as Bordeaux and not far from the Mediterranean so, while there might be snow on the ground, bad weather is unusual. In the Alps a common weather pattern is a couple of days of snowfall followed by a long clear spell, often with warm sunshine. Most people turn up for their first lesson over-dressed and end up striping off – and even experienced skiers often spend more time overheated than chilled. However, in case severe weather does sweep in, you should always have warm clothing to hand – wearing layers is the best approach – through you can be almost certain that in the Alps it won’t last for a whole week.
Lift Pass
Although many larger, multi-resort areas have expensive lift passes to cover the whole of their terrain, you won’t need one as a beginner. Before buying a lift pass we know the area well and exactly what you will need; you can always buy an upgrade to your existing pass on a day-by-day basis.
Ski Equipment
Rent, don’t buy, on your first ski trip. We can organise delivery of excellent quality equipment – a full adult pack of skis, boots, poles and helmet is only 117€ .Take time and care fitting boots. Watch that you can flex your ankle slightly and that they hold your foot firmly. Boots should not be painful; if they are, Remi will swap them for another pair. At first walking in ski boots is difficult, but it’s surprising how quickly you’ll adjust. Although boots can be partially undone to “help” with walking, it’s better to leave them done up; as walking any distance in loose boots often starts blisters.