Ten Tips for the Ski Season

It’s getting to about that time of the year when the forward-thinking among you may start looking into your ski holiday this year. Here are 10 tips to make the most out of your ski holiday this year, whether it’s your 1^st or your 31^st trip.

1. Research the area

Find out how long it’s going to take to get to the slopes from your villa/apartment. Compare the size of your ski resort to ones you’ve been to before or ones your friends have been to, look at the number of runs etc.

2. Practice

If possible, hit the closest dry/artificial ski slope for a day before you go, especially if you haven’t been for a while or are a complete beginner. Dry slopes are more difficult than real snow, so you pick it up a bit quicker. By the time you get on your real holiday you’ll feel a lot more confident and really appreciate the feel of fluffy white powder.

3. Prepare your body!

Go for a run or work your legs at the gym just a couple of times before you leave. Don’t underestimate the leg aches you’ll get during your holiday otherwise. A little bit of exercise in preparation goes a long way.

4. Don’t skimp on ski gear

You need the proper kit. There’s nothing worse than realising that your jacket isn’t actually waterproof or that your cotton light-weight gloves don’t quite cut it at -10°C. You need a ski jacket and ski trousers, thick waterproof gloves, multiple light-weight fleeces and thermals (they can get a bit sweaty otherwise), goggles and/or sunglasses with UVA & UVB protection, woolly hats and walking boots as you won’t look so good in your trainers when you’re flat on your face in the snow.

5. Equipment – rent or buy?

Kids should always rent as whatever you buy, they’ll just grow out of them after a year or so. Beginners should always rent boots and skis as beginner skis are easier and breaking in new boots can be pretty painful. If you’ve been a couple of times and plan on going quite a few more, look into buying good quality boots before you go so you can break them in in front of the TV. If your looking to buy skis, its always best to do it out there with the shop experts to make sure you get the right ones for you.

6. Make sure you can carry your essentials

These include sun cream, tissues, lip salve, a water bottle, ski pass and a chocolate bar for the chair lift. You may need a bag.

7. Don’t be afraid to try ski school

Kids learn best with a real instructor (not just dad dragging them down the mountain). They’ll learn properly, meet other kids and have so much fun you might get jealous. If you are a little jealous have a look into the adult ski schools, you’ll be surprised how popular they are and how much you’ll enjoy it too.

8. Alcohol at altitude

It can be great, and you’ll love the feeling of floating on the snow after a glass of wine with lunch. But bear in mind you must still drink plenty of water as dehydration is not fun. 70% of ski accidents occur after lunch, mainly due to a combination of tiredness and alcohol.

9. Aprés ski

Speaking of alcohol, ski resorts are always full of warm, welcoming restaurants, bars and clubs. Don’t be afraid to try the local places, they’re always great. However, don’t forget you have another days skiing tomorrow…

10.  Understand the lingo

‘Pizza skis!’ = Snow plow technique, ie. pointing the ski tips together in a triangle, like a slice of pizza

‘French fries!’ = Parallel skiing ie. pointing both skis straight forward, so you can ski as fast as possible

‘Benzenees!’ = Bend the knees with a heavy French/Italian/German accent….

Hopefully this blog has given you some ideas to make the most out of your trip, but why not have a look through our ski properties. And why not check out our 10 best value Swiss properties?