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15 tips for a beginner skier’s survival

I recently recovered from my first ever ski holiday with the Iglu Ski team in Tignes, France. I had such a great time that I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to go again next year.

I learnt so much along the way, I thought I would share my new-found knowledge, from one non-skier to the next.

1. On sun cream & the goggle tan that divides opinion 

When you’re up in the mountains, you’re at a very high altitude and much closer to the sun. This means whether the sky is blue or grey, you are still being exposed to high intensity UV rays; so whilst you think you may not be affected, there might just be an unsuspected goggle tan creeping up on you.

Try to wear Factor 50+ on whatever skin is exposed. It might also be a good idea to get a lip balm with an SPF. Bring moisturiser and after sun too – just in case you only realise before it’s too late!

2. Onesies, meggings, glitter…everything goes

When you face such weather and temperature extremes, it’s difficult to know what to pack. I would recommend anything and everything, here, we have a breakdown of essentials; but what people don’t tell you is – the wackier the better.

3. Snow-ploughing is the one (sorry boarders)

To those that plan to snowboard – this is irrelevant, but to the skiers amongst you – snow ploughing will become a way of life. For some, parallel skiing may come naturally, but once you’ve got this move down, the rest of your week is set.

4. Ski boots are not.

Ski boots are not the most comfortable footwear. Non-skiers might be familiar with the cramp feeling you get from ice-skating boots – imagine this, and then imagine wearing and dancing it out in these all day. Take plenty of comfortable ski-socks with you – they’re worth the investment!

5. The importance of lessons

Allow yourself at least 3 half days for ski lessons. This is enough time to learn the basics and build your confidence; private lessons and group lessons both have their benefits – it depends what sort of holiday you are looking for.

6. It’s okay to fall

This means you have been working hard, plus, an element of fearlessness goes a long way. Falling over is all part of a beginner skier’s day’s fun so don’t let it knock your confidence.

7. And do you know what’s not lame? Safety.

Helmets, goggles, sunglasses, heavy jacket, light jacket, ski socks, sun-cream, gloves, salopettes (not trousers) – they all offer protection. Stay safe. Do as Jonah says.

8. Don’t forget your lift pass £££

When considering your holiday costs, don’t forget to account for your lift pass hire. Once you arrive in resort you still need to get up the mountain to learn how to ski down. For beginners, you may not need a full 6 day hire; 3-5 may suffice.

Beginners lifts are available in most resorts and these are often free – reference your local piste map or resort representative. If you are taking lessons, your instructor will take you through the basics.

If not included in your holiday package, you can often buy a pass by day or half day – depending on your mood. Pre-holiday, your travel agent can help you arrange this. You can also purchase this anywhere in resort or from your chalet representative. Recommended ski resorts for beginners.

9. But don’t sit down on the button lift!

Gently rest your bottom on the button lift as it gently pulls you along; sit down too comfortably and it might take you back into the air!

10. You can travel on foot too

In your first few days, you might not want to go for a full day’s skiing. Why not take a pedestrian pass and enjoy the piste on foot?

11. Brush up on your navigation skills

 Once lessons are over, it’s down to you to navigate your way around the slopes. I spent the first half of my week thinking everywhere looked the same, a piste map will help keep you on the right track. Normally, the difficulty of the slopes is signposted very clearly.

Remember: Green, Blue, Red, Black

12. Après après après

It’s not all about skiing or boarding, it’s about creating memories with your friends and family…or potentially losing them due to excess apres. There are hundreds of bars on the slopes and in resort for you to enjoy. With DJs, live music, dancing and great food to suit all tastes. Best ski resorts for apres ski.

13. The Chalet staff are your friends

More often than not and depending on which chalet or hotel you are staying in, you will be spending a lot of time with the same chalet staff throughout your stay. They will be with you at breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea. Look after them and they’ll look after you – a sure guarantee that there won’t be an empty wine glass in sight at dinner.

14. …& they need a day off too

During a week’s stay in the average chalet, there will be one day of rest for the kitchen and chalet staff. You will still get your usual continental breakfast but this means no cooked meals. Take advantage of this day to go out and experience some traditional local food – think fondue, tartiflette, steak amongst anything else you might not expect to see on the menu.

15. Some terms that you may need to know

  • ‘Powder day ‘– that morning when you wake up to see there has been a fresh snowfall overnight – no slush or ice for you to snow plough over! 
  • ‘Bluebird’ – blue skies and white snow, this makes for ideal skiing conditions and perfect for a little après on the piste.  
  • ‘White-out’ – when the sky is white it blends in with the snow making it difficult to see lumps and bumps in your way. Go cautiously under these conditions. 
  • ‘Jaeger Milk’ – yes, you heard. This is a creative take on the well-known Jager bomb, but instead we substitute Red Bull for milk – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, it’s delicious, we promise. 
  • ‘The Park’ –isn’t grassy green or home to any swings – this is a skate park on snow, probably best admired rather than played on for beginner skiers.

 

By Chloe