I’ve tried to incorporate travel and holiday type posts on my blog a lot more recently because holidays, trips and even short weekends away mean an awful lot to me. They leave us with some of the best memories and photos to look back on and by writing about it, I get to reminisce all over again! My most recent trip was a weekend away in Shropshire on the Severn Valley Railway, which I’ve done twice now and thoroughly enjoy and back in March, I also wrote a post about some of my favourite holidays. You’ll see that one of the holidays I included in that post was skiing, which is what I’m chatting about today!
Skiing was one of my most memorable holidays and something I think everyone should try once. I think with skiing, there’s a little something for everyone and for all types of people. From the adrenaline junkies hitting the super big slopes to those that just want to relax in a beautiful setting, perhaps in a luxury ski chalet in France (where I went on my ski trip!) there’s so much to offer on a skiing trip.
I went skiing back in 2009, with my school. It wasn’t your typical school trip as only around 50 of us were asked to go so I got to spend valuable time with my friends, learn some new skills, see the beautiful scenery and make memories which will last forever. All whilst trying a new sport. I feel like I took a lot away from that trip and like I said, skiing is something I think everyone should try at least once, if you’re able.
There’s lots to think about when it comes to a skiing holiday, from ability to your hotel, Ski Transfers and more. But if you’re organized with your planning, you can have a really amazing skiing holiday!
So here is my advice for first time skiers!
Be open minded
Skiing probably won’t feel how you expect it to feel. Even if you go and practice on a dry ski slope before you go (which I did), the actual feeling of skiing on snow is vastly different. You might take to it quicker than you expected or you might find it harder than you expected. When we were at the dry ski slopes practicing, I was in the most advanced group but when we got on the snow, I actually moved down a few groups.
If you have an instructor or are given any advice by a professional, listen to it
It’s so important to listen to advice you’re given when it comes to skiing, especially if you haven’t done it before. There’s absolutely no need for heroics. The way to stop, the way to turn, what to wear – you’re being told for your own good and safety. Which leads me onto my next point…
Safety first
Skiing can be a dangerous sport. As with any sport or physical activity, accidents can happen and when you’re up a mountain in the snow, you want to be as safe as possible. So make sure you wear all the safety gear you have, look out for each other when you’re on the slopes and put you and your parties safety first.
Know your limits
If you’re going skiing for the first time, there’s literally no point heading straight for the biggest, fastest, scariest slope. Skiing is supposed to be a fun holiday for most people who do it and there’s absolutely no shame in always hitting the little slopes. In fact, when I went, my absolute favourite slope was one that gently wound through the trees down towards the town. It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t scary but it was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it every time we used it. So if you’re not comfortable with a certain slope, don’t use it. It’s that simple!
If your feet start hurting, get it sorted ASAP
Your feet are a crucial part of skiing, obviously and yes, the boots can be quite uncomfortable especially as they’ll be attached to your skis all day and you can’t bend your ankles but you should get used to them pretty quickly. However, if your feet start hurting for whatever reason, get it sorted as soon as you can. Maybe TMI but I get really bad hard skin on my feet and whilst I was skiing, it got so bad that I could barely stand up and had to sit out for a whole afternoon and sit with my feet in a bucket of hot water! Fun, eh?
Sun cream, sun cream, sun cream!
Snow? Sun cream? No way. Yes way. My friends face got so burnt when we went skiing. You’re higher up, the UV is probably high and the sun is always reflecting off of the snow. You definitely don’t want to deal with a painful, burnt face whilst trying to enjoy your holiday so slap a bit of factor 30 on a couple of times a day!
Eat enough and take snacks
Skiing makes you huuuuungry. You’re on your feet all day long so a big, hearty breakfast, a solid lunch and a nice dinner to finish up the day is crucial for you to keep your strength up whilst you’re having fun hitting the slopes! Also, most skiing jackets have pockets, so it’s a good idea to take a few snacks with you which will help keep your energy up between meals. Preferably no chocolate, which will probably melt all over your lovely new jacket but something packed full of good, energy boosting ingredients!
If you’re planning a skiing holiday, I hope you found this post helpful! If you’ve been skiing before then I’d love to hear about your experience. Where did you go? Did you enjoy it? Do you have anything else to add to this list?
* This is a sponsored post
[…] I’ve been skiing before in La Plagne in France and I absolutely loved it. Although I went for a school trip and obviously I didn’t have any freedom on that holiday for our own safety. So I would love to go again and be able to do what I wanted, when I wanted – and also stick to slopes I felt more comfort on! […]
[…] remember going skiing with my school and had to sit out a whole afternoon sessions because my feet were in so much pain. […]
I’ve never been skiing as I’m potentially the clumsiest person alive and I don’t trust myself. However, after visiting Switzerland last year I feel like I’d love to learn. The scenery is amazing and I can’t imagine how freeing and amazing it feels to ski down those slopes!
Beth x
You should definitely go if you love the scenery and mountains. There are super small, easy slopes which don’t require much talent at all!
I’m so bad at skiing. I would love to go again though, and will probably take lessons. I could never get myself to stop, so I just had to keep falling over if I ever wanted to stop.
Haha oh dear! I’d definitely recommend lessons!
This is a very useful post! I’ve never skied and don’t plan on it just yet but when the time comes, I will refer back here.
Thank you 🙂
I have always wanted to go skiing but I am scared that I am going to break a leg or something. My best friend actually chose her university because of it’s proximity to good ski slopes, ahah!
Wow that’s amazing! It can be daunting but as long as you know your limits and don’t do anything stupid you’ll always be fine 🙂
I wish I was brave enough to go skiing! Xx
You definitely don’t have to be brave, it’s not all about huge slopes! xx
Awesome post! I’ve always wanted to go to a resort and try out skiing and snowboarding in the winter. I’ll keep these in mind for when I do!
That’s fab! I haven’t tried snowboarding, I can imagine it’s harder!
I know lol I bet it’s way harder. I want to try both though on the bunny slopes first of course 😂
Skiing doesn’t really appeal to me but it does look really good. I never knew that you had to take sun cream!
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
Skiing is so versatile, the holiday itself is for everyone it definitely doesn’t mean just whizzing down massive slopes!
I’ve never been skiing but it’s somethinf I’ve always wanted to try. I would never have thought of taking sun cream with me! So thanks for the heads up and the tips!! <3
Charlene McElhinney
http://www.charlenemcelhinney.co.uk
Ah neither would I have if I didn’t go with my school and was told to! Definitely something you’d likely overlook zxx
Haven’t been skiing but definitely looks like some useful tips especially the one about sun cream! x
Emily | thatcreativegenius.wordpress.com
Sun cream is a must have on the slopes.
What wonderful advice! I’ve never personally went skiing before and don’t think it’s for me. If I ever do though I know where to come to review some advice!
I think skiing can be for everyone cos you can do so much different stuff depending on what you like and enjoy!
I’ve never been skiing but I’d love to x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Would highly recommend!
Gosh, skiing has always been so tempting for me, I’ve never been before but seriously must start thinking about it 🤔
You really should! 🙂
I’ve never actually been skiing before but it’s something I’d love to try! I imagine it’s really fun and the scenery always looks stunning 💖. Thanks for sharing your tips Jenny, if I ever book a trip I’ll remember your advice 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
It is a super fun (but tiring) holiday!
I went skiing once when I was in my early 20’s and OMG I couldn’t move the next day. By the end of the week I could manage right turns and snow ploughs but for some reason, I couldn’t turn left! The apres ski was the best bit for me, haha 🙂
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
It is really bloody tiring isn’t it.
Sun cream!!!!!!! And lots of sleep. Burns your energy!!! Loved Italy mountains xxx
Lots of sleep is a good one!
For sure!!!
The value of lessons… listen to the professional you hired!! Love that advice
That’s why they’re a professional!
Skiing is my favourite! It is such an amazing activity, and I always love how free it makes you feel even though I’m awful at it now becaus of my knee!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It is so freeing!
Ah… Sun cream. I can’t explain how much my skin hurt after being burnt while learning to ski.
Right?! But it’s something you wouldn’t necessarily think of if you’ve not been before so easy mistake to make!
Not at all. I’m South African so cold weather & snow aren’t that common & not many of us go skiing so no one can warn you either