10 tips for first-time skiers

Find someone who you can learn with. Ideally you want to be able to ski with someone of your own standard. You can have fun learning the slopes, and your diehard skier buddies can meet you in the bar later. You’ll all have a great day without that awkwardness of holding people up, while they try not to show their frustration. 

Book lessons from good professionals, and book early. Soon you’ll soon be skiing with your more experienced friends rather than watching them vanish down the mountain. You’ll also learn the best restaurants, coffee shops, quiet pistes, and short lift lines. (We recommend looking through our database of more than 4,000 instructors – often the instructor assigned by your ski school isn’t the best fit for what you’re looking for.)

Save some money on your first year with a bit of creative packing and borrowing off friends. You needn't wear your sailing wets and gardening gloves (it’s been done), but no doubt there is some stuff in the wardrobe that will come in handy. Gym kit is a good place to start. 

Rent your equipment from a shop that is easily accessible If you have to swap gear because it’s broken or unsuitable, and the shop is convenient, then it’s not an issue. If the shop is halfway up the mountain then it might be. The closer to the chalet or hotel, the simpler it will be to pick up and drop off when required. 

Pack sunscreen, lip balm, water, chocolate and a good pair of sunglasses. You are doing a lot of exercise at altitude. Less atmosphere and the sun bouncing off the snow results in a higher concentration of UV. Thinner, drier air will further dehydrate you. Don’t eat the snow – especially not yellow snow. 

Shop around for a package from a tour operator. It’s amazing how expensive self-drive, self-catered holidays can become. Check your package holiday options against the real costs of fuel, tolls, ferry, accommodation, booze and food. 

Wear protective clothing (especially when snowboarding). A helmet, wrist guard and the like are all worth it, especially if the equivalent is a holiday in A and E. Ask what the equipment supplier recommends.  

Choose your bars wisely. While some of your party may be able to drink and ski, it’s not uncommon to see a beginner more than a little worse for wear, with lifts closing and the sun setting over the peaks, setting themselves up for an accident. Save the boozing for the après-ski. 

Take an extra pair of gloves for the evening. While your day gloves are drying on the radiator, you can head out in the evening with warm and dry hands. The worst injuries can happen after-hours and you don’t want to slip with your hands in your pockets.