Ski Holidays for Learners
Choosing a Ski Resort
For the novice skier, it is advised to select a ski vacation in a location that is suitable to all levels of expertise: That way all members of your group, no matter their level, can make the most out of the vacation. Most destinations do offer various ski runs, ranging from wide, smooth beginner’s runs, to expert courses, which can be to be complicated and a little dangerous.
Novice skiers should invest in ski lessons from professionals at the holiday resort. Ideally, the new skier should take classes prior to the vacation to learn the basics. A beginner should lease their ski equipment because buying it before knowing what one needs from the equipment may be a costly error.
What to Take with you
Novice skiers often underestimate how important correct ski clothing is: An average jacket and gloves are not going to be appropriate. Gloves need to be waterproofed with a good grip, jackets lightweight and wind-resistant and trousers (”salopettes”) designed for the demands of skiers.
In addition, skiers should purchase thick socks, a warm hat and scarf, sunglasses (the glare off the snow can be intense) and sunscreen (it is easy to get burned). For the best comfort and safety, a new skier should wear thin layers that allow for movement, rather than one extremely thick layer. Most ski resorts shops carry ski-clothing rentals.
Essential Extras
A lift pass is essential to allow access to the slopes. They can be purchased as part of a vacation package or purchased in resort each day (though you may experience long queues at the best resorts). Prices are dependent on where you are, but many offers can be found by searching on the internet, asking the hotel concierge, purchasing in advance or purchasing for a group.
Always know what time the last lift leaves the slopes each day and set up a meeting place and time with your friends. It is also a good idea to have a mobile phone with you for any emergencies.
A ski holiday for a beginner can be a great experience provided that they do a bit of research to make sure that the Thomson ski resort they have chosen is the right one for them. Get some tips from travel writer Lawrence Gilbert from Travel Bites
