Ask almost anybody that has been and they’ll tell you how much they love their ski holiday. Are you keen to find out what all the fuss is about? We've put together some useful pointers to help you along the way to booking the most amazing experience of your life, sure to be repeated next season.
Frequently asked questions about beginner ski holidays:
1. Which ski resort should I choose?
This can be a bit daunting if you don’t know much about skiing. First of all sit down with your intended group and work out what you are all looking to get out of your holiday and all of your practical needs. Make a list of the following:
- Where you all want to travel from?
- Do you all want to spend all of your time on the slopes or are you all looking to spend all afternoon relaxing in the luxury of your hotel or do you have a mix of opinions?
- Are you looking for a resort with lots of nightlife and activities other than skiing or do you think that the skiing will be enough to keep you busy before you turn in for an early night in your wonderful chalet ready for the first lifts the next day?
- Do you want to stay in a hotel, catered chalet or self-catered apartment?
- Are you all beginners or are there any experienced skiers in the group?
- Do you want ski or snowboard lessons all day or just half days?
- Do you want picturesque scenery by the bucket full or do you just want to be close to the slopes and ski school?
You need a resort with good, easily-accessible beginners' slopes - gentle, wide slopes without crowds of skiers and boarders racing through them at breakneck speed. There should be some slightly harder (and certainly longer) slopes to progress on to during the week - slopes where you can build up your confidence rather than shatter it. All of this applies even if you are an experienced boarder learning to ski: you will find even a slight incline surprisingly scary when you first step on skis. Take a look at our resort recommendations for beginners for inspiration.
2. What about if I want to take the kids?
Every parent knows that happy children mean a happy mum and dad! Make sure you book either the child care and / or ski lessons well in advance. Places are sought after and get booked up really quickly so do this as soon as you can. Find out more about family ski holidays
3. What clothing and kit do I need?
Get the right kit. There are a few places in the UK where you can hire ski clothing, gloves and goggles or you can purchase these. Visit a specialist winter sports clothing retailer for advice. There are several places where you can purchase the kit on a budget, such as TK Maxx, Mountain Warehouse, Decathlon and Aldi. Even if you are travelling at the end of the season, you can still experience major snow fall and whiteouts for which you need to cater. Get decent waterproof clothing and gloves. You won't want to carry on if you start feeling cold and damp.
Skis or snowboards and boots are best left hired in resort. That way you can always change the equipment if it doesn’t suit you. You can pre-book your ski or snowboard hire with Iglu Ski for special discounts through Skiset. Iglu Ski is your one stop shop for getting out on the slopes.
Take a look at our checklist for getting ready for your first ski holiday for packing tips.
4. How do I book a ski or snowboard lessons?
Get lessons for your first week. Even if you do have a patient and caring friend or partner willing to teach you, you probably won't ever want to see them again by the end of your first morning on skis. Let a professional instructor show you the ropes - they will have done it thousands of times and should know the best way to get you skiing confidently. You can choose group ski lessons or private ski lessons.
Enlist the help of ski holiday experts
It is a good idea to do your homework before you book your holiday, but this can feel like a steep mountain to climb. Not only can our experienced team at Iglu Ski guide you through finding the right resort, accommodation and travel for your various needs, they can also find it at the right price to suit your budget. Speak to one of our ski experts by calling the phone number above or email here.