5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Ski Trip

Sometimes, being out in winter surroundings is like being in a different world; there’s just you, the mountains and the snow-topped pines. Paradoxically, this sense of peaceful solitude persists even at the busiest of ski resorts. It’s not uncommon for skiers and snowboarders to describe feeling a Zen-like state of calm as they weave their way downhill, even if the slope they’re on is populated by many other skiers. Indeed, so frequent is this almost spiritual experience that Reverend Neil Elliot was prompted to write a PhD about it!

An ever-increasing number of people are discovering the enjoyment that can be had on a skiing holiday. And whether you’re travelling with your family or a group of friends there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your time on the slopes is all the more special.



1. See and Do: Pack as much in as possible during the day Ski resorts offer numerous activities other than skiing; for example, it’s possible to take part in snow shoe walking, tobogganing and ice skating during your holiday. Although skiing or snowboarding may be the main focus of your trip it would be senseless to miss out on these other winter activities. And, of course, there is also the evening entertainment to think of. Aprčs-ski is a key part of any ski holiday; whether that means relaxing in the resort bar or a local village restaurant, or partying the night away with your fellow snow-lovers.

2. Eat and Drink Well: Due to the physical exertion of skiing, it’s vitally important to eat and drink well, particularly if you aren’t used to regular exercise. This is, of course, not too much of a burden, you are on holiday after all! Ski holidays offer you the chance to indulge in as much delicious food as you like, and you don’t have to worry about your waistline as you will be burning off calories all day. As many ski resorts are located at high altitude it’s also important that you consume lots of water, as you dehydrate faster the higher you are above sea level.

3. Don’t Forget about the Weather: It seems obvious to say but skiing climates are cold, very cold; it’s therefore important to wear the right clothing. While it’s hard to ignore the latest trends in skiwear, one thing that many novice skiers forget is sun cream. In the low temperatures it’s easy to overlook the sun, this has resulted in many a burnt face. Apply sun cream throughout the day to prevent this happening to you, especially at sun-drenched French ski resorts.

4. Family Adventures: Skiing holidays are perfect for families; children will love spending time in the snow with their parents, and most find learning to ski fairly easy (after all the smaller you are the less far you have to fall). However, it is worth thinking about whether you will be spending every day together. If you are an experienced skier then you may wish to tackle a harder slope at some point; you will therefore need to organise some form of childcare. Most ski resorts will run children’s clubs, allowing you to spend some time practising on the harder runs and giving your children the chance to make some new friends. If you have much younger children you will need to look into whether the resort has a crčche or nanny service.

There are also many other activities you can enjoy as a family while on a ski holiday. For the true winter wonderland experience, take a trip out on a snow safari; or why not see things from a different perspective, up above, on an exclusive helicopter ride?

5. Enjoy! It’s still possible to book last minute ski deals for this coming winter; so if you haven’t organised your holiday yet you won’t have to miss out on the enjoyment. And at the end of the day that’s what skiing (and snowboarding) is all about: pure unadulterated fun. Whether you reach that Zen-like state that so many skiers talk about, or just enjoy mucking about in the snow with your kids; skiing is something that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Source: Flipnomad

Posted in: Tips,Vacations