Introduction
Ask any skier what their favorite annual holiday is, and they will probably tell you it is one they spend skiing.
It is such a fun and exciting sport that it has the bonus of taking place in a beautiful mountain environment, specifically if you are lucky enough to live in the Alps.
Are you planning to go skiing for the first time and need to know what factors to consider? Well... you are at the right place. In this article, we will run through things to consider. But first and foremost, where are you going to stay? I can reccommend staying in one of our lovely accommodation options in Vaujany, Alpe d'Huez, France... a truly magical location for all things mountain.
Tips For Skiing: Beginner’s Guidelines
1. Preperation and knowledge is key
Heading to the slopes with friends or family who are seasoned skiers? Ask them questions on what to expect to prepare yourself.
On the day, maybe consider arriving a bit earlier than planned. This will not only give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, sort out your skiing equipment but also allow you to get a map of the local area or app to download, before booking in some crucial skiing lessons.
Enjoying the mountain scenery and the thrill of skiing with your loved ones is fantastic. It is significantly better when you can navigate the slopes confidently and safely, so consult your map when you are on the chair to orinetate yourself regularly.
Moreover, attempting to ski without the proper skill level can lead to unnecessary accidents. So, consider taking time to prepare and ensure you can fully enjoy the experience alongside your experienced skiing companions. There are some general rules to the mountain, the most notable is that the person in-front has the right of way as they cannot see your movements. Take care of your speed and turn in a rhythm so tht others can acknowledge when you will turn.
2. Dress In Layers
Wearing the right clothes will ensure you stay safe and comfortable in almost any weather. As this is your first ski experience, pack suitable clothing and ensure you pack the right clothing.
We suggest you apply the three-layer strategy. You can start with the base layer, designed to keep you dry by wicking sweat away from your body. In addition, the mid-layer design will help you stay warm by regulating your body temperature. Lastly, the outer layer needs to be a waterproof jacket to break the wind and keep the moisture off your second layer.
So, plan the layers before you step out for skiing. You might be able to borrow a ski jacket from friends but make sure it is not too old as you don't want its waterproofness to have faded. If this is the case though, you can buy some solution (NIX wax) to rub in to help bring it bck to life.
3. Rent Equipment
Renting equipment offers several benefits to all levels but especially if you are a beginner. First, it will allow you to do try out the winter sports without any financial investment required to purchase gear, which is invariably very expensive to buy outright.
Second, renting allows you to try out different types of equipment. Therefore, this is crucial as preferences vary widely, and it may take some time to understand what best suits you regarding comfort and performance. As a beginner just get a ski boot that fits you and is comfortable and skis designed for piste. These are generally around 80mm under foot and get slighty wider towards the top of the ski, helping you to turn.
Lastly, you will find that rental shops typically update their inventory with the latest models each season. This ensures that you are not using outdated equipment, enabling you to learn quicker. Can you imagine seeing people using gear that is 20 years old? It all looks very different now with advances in technoogy and understanding.
Renting allows you to find what works best for you at each stage of your skiing journey.
4. Pack Snacks and Fluids
You should always take proper nutrition when you are planning to go skiing. That's food before you ski, snacks during and consider even having lunch on the mountain (or pack lunch).
Selecting the right food and drink will help you recover soon, remain hydrated to ensure you have plenty of energy throughout the day. The best option is to pack snacks such as nuts, chocolate, and fruit to eat when you need them. Similarly, you need to remember to stop at intervals for a drink. Sometimes it can be a very welcome break too, sitting in a restaurant and discussing funny moments of the day. Not to mention tips and tricks that you are all elarnign together.
Whether you are planning to go skiing in the French Alps or opt for a luxury ski yacht in Norway or Sweden, going from fjord and mountain to the next, food is alwasy key. A vacation without good food tends to remain incomplete. When the snow has gone, consider looking for budget-friendly holidays with food included, like booking a cheap yacht rental in Singapore.
5. Get In Shape
While people of all different fitness levels enjoy skiin, its best practice to get in shape before you put your body through the intensiy of skiing. Preparing for a trip, especially one that might involve a lot of physical activity, requires packing the right gear and ensuring your body is up to the task.
Maintaining regular cardiovascular exercise before your trip can be a game changer. It further helps improve stamina and endurance, making any exploration days much more enjoyable. Regular exercise can enhance overall health, reducing the risk of issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
The best exercise for skiing are squats. Afterall, skiing it is mostly about balance and leg muscle. There are of course so many other things you can do... but by squatting everyday for two weeks, before you trip as a minimum, you'll be in a much better place to enjoy your holiday.
Final Thoughts
Whether it is snowboarding or skiing that has drawn you towards this, you are about to experience winter in an exciting and new way! It's s very exciting an you will have the best time. As a beginner skier and snowboarder, you will spend most of your time on the most accessible terrain while you learn new skills. Just remember to have fun, don't put too much pressure on yourself to excell and don't compare yourself to others too much. It can lead to frustration and being disheartened. Instead focus on one thing to improve on each day... you'll be flying down the pistes in no time.
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