Time to start planning (part 2)
Published on 23rd September, 2014
Clothing
If you feel the part in good-looking, stylish ski clothes it will help your confidence. However, at this stage, just a good-quality breathable ski suit, together with a fleece, will suffice – and you don’t need to spend a fortune. If you would like to indulge in some high-quality gear concentrate on sunglasses, gloves, sun-cream and lip balm. Choose a top-quality sun cream and lip balm – after all, a burnt face and swollen and cracked lips won’t help your chances in the après-ski bar! At high altitude factor 30+ sun cream is advisable as the sun’s rays are stronger, there is less dirt and pollution in the air to scatter their effect and the snow reflects rays under your eyebrows and behind your ears.
Don’t underestimate the sun’s effect. Carry your lotions with you and re-apply a couple of times a day. A “bum” bag, or even a small rucksack, can be a good idea to hold all the paraphernalia that invariably accumulates when you ski.
Ski Lessons
Ski lessons are a must. A good ski school will offer group lessons as well as private tuition. Private instruction, though relatively expensive, offers the beginner undivided individual attention and quicker progression and, if within budget, is a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, group lessons can be great fun and are a lot more affordable: you’ll meet other people, share a novel experience and have something to talk about during après-ski sessions. The Grand Massif offers a wide choice of ski schools, we work with Zigzag ski school and the ESF. Ski schools that have several levels running simultaneously also make it possible to move between groups if you pick the sport up quickly.
Your First Day
The first day should not be taken as an example of a good day’s skiing. You may have to walk up the hill for a few meters and take very short runs until you have the simple skills necessary to ride the lift. Usually you’ll start on the flat, to get used to the sensation of wearing skies, then progress to a gentle incline with a run out. An average person can expect to be skiing nursery slopes, or even a gentle beginner’s run, by day three.
A good instructor will not push you too hard on the first or second day and you really need to stay on the nursery slope to enjoy the learning experience and build confidence: don’t rush to get up the mountain.