Have you always wanted to get out on the slopes and are finally ready to make it happen? Perhaps you’ve been before and not felt like it was everything you’d hoped. With participation in snow sports trending upwards in the UK, it’s a great time to get out there and enjoy the action-packed holiday of your dreams, and we’re here to offer advice on making it the best experience possible.
Choose the right ski resort
To enjoy your holiday as fully as possible, it’s important to select a resort that matches your skill level and preferences. Whether you book well in advance or find yourself looking for last-minute ski holidays, location will be the most crucial decision you make. If you’re only going for a weekend, for example, somewhere with quick access to the airport will be vital to giving you the most time on site.
Research how broad a range of slopes is on offer so that you can ski according to your experience level, and don’t forget considerations like food. Do you want to cook your own meals rather than rely on restaurants? Pick somewhere with self-catered accommodation and a conveniently located supermarket, and remember that you’ll need to eat and drink more as you use more energy.
Take ski lessons
Whether you’re travelling alone or as part of a larger group, don’t be shy about booking lessons for everyone who needs them – kids or adults, beginner skiers or seasoned amateurs. Even experienced skiers can benefit from refreshing their knowledge with seasoned professionals, and you can explore either group or private lessons depending on what works best for you. Don’t let a lack of understanding hold you back from finding joy in skiing.
Pack the right gear
Make sure you bring what you need to be both safe and comfortable on the slopes. A waterproof jacket and trousers are essential, while you’ll need to dress for warmth across the board – from neck warmers to ski socks, think layers from head to toe.
Don’t be afraid to splash out on high-quality equipment; it’ll give you a safer, smoother ride and hold up better to multiple uses when you catch the “ski bug” and come back year after year.
Make the most of your days out on the slopes
To get as much fun as possible out of your holiday, answer as many of your potential questions as possible before you go. Read up on your resort’s lift system and know where you’ll be going before you get there.
Maximising your experience can start with your choice of resort. You can look for locations with longer opening times, letting you ski away for more of the day, but also consider how quickly you can get there from your chosen airport. Use that knowledge to plan your overall travel and get you installed on site, ready to go, with as much time on hand as possible.
Explore off-slope activities
For many, apres-ski is as much a part of the experience as skiing. Your destination is more than just its slopes, so take the time to do some local sightseeing or explore by snowshoeing. Even if you’re self-catering, look to spend at least one evening trying local cuisine and immersing yourself in the atmosphere. Depending on how active you want your time away to be, you’ll be able to find busy bars and nightclubs or relaxing spas that’ll make your experience a more rounded one.
