I’m a ski expert – the three blunders first-time skiers make that can wreck the holiday
A SKI holiday is the perfect winter break, but first-timers heading to the slopes should be aware of some pitfalls that can make or break a trip.
One ski expert has revealed three common mistakes newbies make, and how they can be avoided.
Laura Hazell is the Sales and Marketing Director at Ski Beat, the largest UK tour operator offering package ski chalet holidays to the French Alps.
They have more than 50 ski chalets across seven top winter destinations, including Les Arcs and La Plagne.
She shared the three common mistakes Brits make before going on their first ski holiday.
Not taking lessons before a trip
Laura told Sun Online Travel: “For beginners, and rusty skiers, don’t even think about skiing for the first time without a couple of lessons.
“It just makes for snowy misery, or injury. These days, advances in ski
technology and tuition means almost anyone can start skiing, or get back on their skis, with the right guidance, and usually within a few hours, maximum a day or two.”
There are plenty of English-speaking ski schools and one-to-one instructors across every resort in Europe, but if you fancy getting a double head start, there are several indoor ski slopes with real snow in the UK.
One of those places is Snozone in Milton Keynes, but there are others too, including the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, and the SnowDome in Tamworth.
Brit skiers can also get in some practice at dry slopes too, including Gosling Ski and Snowboard Centre in Welwyn Garden City, the Midland Ski Club in Solihull, and the Suffolk Ski Centre in Ipswich.
Not getting into shape
Laura also advises doing some general exercise before the trip, because skiing is hard work if you don’t know what you’re doing.
She said: “Get into shape well before the trip, warm up muscles, and stretch, before and after skiing, just as for any sport.
“And be prepared to be tired because the fresh mountain air and higher altitude will take their toll, which may be why some of the liveliest apres-ski takes place late afternoon when the lifts are closing for the day.”
Wearing the wrong clothing
It seems obvious, but Brit holidaymakers need to make sure they’re equipped with the right gear too – and many aren’t.
Laura said: “Talking of misery, being too cold, or too hot, being blasted by icy air, or blinded by snow, dampens the overall experience.
“Proper ski socks, with padding in the right places, and a good pair of waterproof decent ski gloves are a must, as are sunglasses and sunscreen, to protect eyes and skin.
“Ski goggles are necessary for fast downhills, but also useful on the lifts and pistes if the wind gets up.
“Layers and waterproof fabrics are essential, a thin thermal and fleece with a waterproof ski jacket beats a thick woolly jumper and an anorak every day.”
Meanwhile, this French ski resort has everything from snowy slopes to stunning spas.
And here is the £400billion megacity’s ski resort that’s in the desert, with huge outdoor slopes and artificial snow