Tips for ski virgins

Never been on a skiing holiday? Fear not. We’ve got top tips on the best ski wear, when to go and what to actually do…

At last! Countless winters dreaming of "schoop schoop" are finally over - your ski holiday is booked. But just how hard is it, what should you pack, and how much will it all cost?

Skiing for beginners
Skiing is easy compared to your first few attempts at negotiating chair-lifts or walking in ski boots! It's all about gliding and balance, with a bit of co-ordination and confidence thrown in.

You'll need to be reasonably fit to enjoy it, mainly for finding your feet after a fall, but also for avoiding those aches and pains. Think strength and endurance - most gyms run pre-season ski-fit classes, and Body Pump and cycling classes are also great preparation.

What to pack
Starting out requires a little waiting around. Imagine waiting in a blizzard for your instructor to explain the finer points of the snow plough. So wrap up, it gets chilly. Especially when the sun doesn't have his bobble hat on!

If you've got cash to splash, invest in ski pants and jacket, ski gloves or mittens and polarised sunglasses (ski goggles if you're going in the depths of winter). But don't be put off by cost. Borrow kit from friends, or think ahead and shop at end-of-season sales. You can hire ski suits from www.simplypiste.com for £2 per day.

Put a hat and scarf on your Christmas list, together with a few pairs of long ski socks. Brands like Bridgedale or Thorlos are well worth the investment.

Rummage through your running kit for under layers: dry-fit thermal pants, long-sleeved tops, T-shirts and fleeces. Don't forget your sports bra.

For après ski-style, you'll get away with boots, trainers, jeans and some glam tops for going out in. Don't even consider packing heels!

When to go
If you can bear the cold, in January and February European ski resorts have more snow. Constant supplies of fresh flakes equals fluffy "powder" pistes. It's easy to ski in and funny to fall in. Late season is sunnier and warmer but conditions can be hard-going and tumbles can hurt.

Lessons
You won't get far without them! Most ski resorts have a ski school, like ESF in France. Book on arrival. Most group lessons include the cost of your piste pass, which allows you to use chair lifts and other ludicrous modes of alpine transport.

A great budget option for beginners is www.action-outdoors.co.uk. Ski holidays cost from £303 including kit hire, instruction, food and accommodation.

Stay beautiful
You've got the moves, you've got the kit - but chapped lips and a rosy nose is not a good look. Air at altitude can be dry. Add to this wind, cold and high levels of UV rays and you could be heading for a beauty disaster.

Moisturise! Go for an oil-based product. Aloe Up have a range of mountain sports moisturisers and sun-blocks (available from Snow + Rock). And, of course - this is another job for Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream.

Check handbag.com's Ski survival guide

See the celebrity skiers, plus get cold weather beauty advice, ski clothing for fashionistas, the best skiing holidays and more.

 

 

 

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