Here's a few tips...
Ski Boots
Visit a local ski shop in the ski resort that you're visiting, here you'll be able to hire boot’s, ski’s and pole’s. Ski shops generally have good experienced boot fitters.
Ski boots must not be too big when fitted or else your foot will move around from the forces of skiing and become uncomfortable and un-responsive. Ensure the measurement is as tight as comfortable. Your boot fitter should correctly measure the length of your foot as well as inspecting your general foot shape.
If it’s your first time skiing then hiring boots is preferable to buying them as it can be a big outlay to an already expensive holiday.
If you eventually return for a second ski holiday, deciding that skiing is for you, then certainly consider buying your own ski boots as these are the first most important skiing hardwear purchase. Always search out a highly reputable boot fitter.
Ski Socks
Wearing a thin ski sock is ideal. Ski boots are meant to fit snug, therefore you do not need large thick ski socks.
Don’t double up with your ski socks, this will cause your foot to move about in the ski boot and will also be very un-responsive and uncomfortable.
Jacket, Pants and Thermals
A breathable waterproof ski jacket and ski trousers are a must as you may fall a few times. If the snow sticks to you as it can do depending on the humidity levels, then high quality waterproof outer garments are essential.
Ski Jackets or pants can be either padded, shell like or both. The secret to good efficient warmth is to use multiple layers underneath your outer waterproof garments. Modern thermal garments are designed to breath efficiently, wicking away your body moisture.
Make sure your ski jacket has plenty of pockets. Not only will you need these for your ski pass but also for the common accessories that you will need on the mountain ski slopes such as face and lip cream, an energy bar or two, your mobile phone, piste map, hat, googles / glasses, cash / credit card and so on.
Neck warmer - A must have
This is a great garment that sits around your neck, keeping the cold wind out of your jacket top and helping you to maintain a warm body core. On really cold days, a neck warmer is crucial as not only does it cover your neck, chin, nose and head but it will let you get on with learning in comfort, shielded from the cold. This garment is a real joy to wear, don’t leave your ski home without one!.
Check out the local ski shops in your ski resort, they should have a selection of neck warmers to choose from.
Gloves / Mittens / Inner Gloves & Hand Warmers
Ski gloves with individual finger slots should allow your fingers to move freely yet not be too large in fit, you will need a reasonably good fit so that you can hold your ski pole handles, carry your ski’s, poles as well as accessing bits and bobs from your pockets.
If you're concerned about your hands getting cold then consider wearing mittens, these tend to keep your fingers tight together keeping them nice and warm on cold days high up in the mountains.
Buying thin inner gloves is a really useful tip, these are made of thin cotton / silk / synthetic type materials. When you go to remove your outer gloves, say on the ski slopes to get a better grip on your camera or grab a well earned 50 note for that morning hot chocolate round, these inner gloves will allow you the dexterity to handle finer personal effects, all the time shielding you from the mountain cold.
Last but not least is the trusty ‘hand warmers’, these can be purchased in small packs or individually. Set off by means of rubbing them together, they will last for a good few hours and are an essential hand warming back up.
Sunglasses & Goggles
Always invest in high protection eye wear.
Ski glasses should ideally wrap around your eyes so that the sun does not get in through the sides. The reflection from the snow, even when the sky is overcast is very bright. Glasses will come in different shades allowing for different levels of definition, these variances of shade will give you more choice for the daily weather conditions and much improved definition for the conditions that arrive that day. Pick up a sun glasses ‘string’ incase they fall off, at least your ski glasses have a better chance of staying on you incase of a fall and not lost in the snow.
Goggles like glasses come in different choices of shade for different light conditions. If you can afford it, having a couple of pairs with different shades will assist you in very dark and bright light.
Skiing Helmet & Hats
Like cycling helmets, ski helmets are very popular and a must for most people, especially children. When hiring or buying a helmet make sure that it fits properly. Whilst in use, make sure the chin strap is fastened to keep it in place.
Make sure to get a proper ski helmet (not a cycling or non skiing specific helmet) that allows space for your glasses, goggles and ventilation. You can and will want to wear a hat under your helmet in times of cold, always have a warm thin hat at hand that you may use when you buy or rent a ski helmet so that you can try these on together.
If you prefer to wear a hat then go for a hat with a fleece breathable material which can easily be pulled down to cover your ears.
Skis & Bindings
Be sure to buy or rent skis that are appropriate for your skiing ability, your ski shop assistant will advise you further.
Ski’s, their performance characteristics, length and brand do slightly vary from year to year. In general, ski’s are measured to your eye level.
Bindings hold your ski boots to the skis tightly, they will release your feet if you fall, they should only be adjusted by a trained professional at a ski shop.
Skiing bindings use a universal safety setting mechanism standard (DIN) that is set in accordance to your weight, height and skiing level, be sure to know your weight in both kilo’s and pound’s and height in inches and centimetres so that when you go to the ski resort shop you have this important information at hand for the ski / boot / binding fitters.
It's very important for bindings to be able to release in case of a fall to prevent injuries, this is why binding setting is taken very seriously.
Ski Poles
Skiing poles act as stabiliser's when skiing. Skiers become very dependant on ski poles, using them to guide and select their route as they descend the mountain. It is not unusual when learning to ski to leave them at the bottom of the ski run occasionally and to ski without them so as to help improve your ski technique during your early learning phase.
See your ski shop assistant for measurement advice.
Here is a list of essential items...
1) Ski pass (Buy this in resort or in advance online).
2) Piste / Slope Map (Pick one up from the local lift pass / tourist office in town).
14) Input the local piste patrol emergency telephone number into your phone.
Ski Instruction
Rule number 1, Don't hire an illegal ski instructor, they do operate.
Also, friends who are not qualified generally don't know what they are talking about.
It is highly unadvised to take any lessons from an illegal ski instructor.
The safest and best option for ski instruction is to book a professional, either a ski school group session or book a private ski instructor.
The fastest way to achieve improvement is to hire a private instructor.
Alternatively, if on a budget, go for the group booking with a ski school or if you have a group you are holidaying with who are all at the same level then booking a private instructor for a small group can work out just as cheap but with better results.
Whichever instruction you choose immerse yourself for the first couple of days in an all day instruction session and then go for either mornings or afternoon lessons, so you can meet up with your ski friends for some leisure skiing and enjoyment in between.
Which Ski Resort?
Make sure that the resort you choose has plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes with wide pistes.
Most resorts have detailed information on the grades of slopes and experience required so just do a little homework on each resort and all will be okay.
Before you embark on your ski holiday
The best way to prevent injury and enjoy your ski holiday is to make sure you are fit and healthy beforehand. Stronger muscles, healthy lungs and good flexibility will help you maintain better skiing control and enjoyment.
Skier Etiquette 1, 2, 3, domino...
1) Remember that skiers in front of you or below you on the slopes have the right of way. You can see them, but they probably can't see you, so it's up to you to avoid them.
2) Don’t stop in the middle of the slope, if you feel you need to stop move to the side of the slope.
3) Look uphill to make sure no one is coming toward you before you start down a piste or merge onto a new piste.
4) If you decide to stop next to your group / friends, always stop below the bottom skier to avoid the ‘Domino effect’!
What should you expect
1) Fun, the best holiday ever!
2) Be prepared to fall, but don’t be put off by this as this is normal, you are learning!
3) After about day two / three you will start to make progressive leaps.
4) You may well feel the cold so ensure you wear layered thermal clothing. If you get too hot, remove a layer.
“Like anything you do in life, preparation is key to enjoyment, so take time to plan what you can in advance.”
Enjoy your ski holiday!
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