Skiing For the First Time

If you have never skied before, now is a great time to start. Modern skis make it easier to learn than ever before; in fact the majority of beginners will have mastered the ski basics within a weekend.

Modern skiwear will keep you warm and dry and doesn’t have to cost the earth. Many ski shops offer pre season or end of season discounts so there are usually bargains to be had. On your first ski trip it’s best to rent skis, boots and poles rather than buying, however it is now generally cheaper to buy your ski clothing rather than hiring. Ski jackets, pants and socks and goggles can be bought relatively cheaply.

A great place to learn to ski is one of the many indoor snow domes here in the UK. A few lessons before your ski trip can make a real difference in how quickly you progress during your week on the slopes. There are currently indoor slopes in Milton Keynes, Castleford, Glasgow, Tamworth, Manchester and Hemel Hempstead.

When selecting a ski resort it’s important to check how ‘beginner friendly’ it is. Many resort have great facilities for beginners, such as magic carpets (equivalent of an escalator on snow) and wide, gentle nursery slopes.

If you’re new to skiing it’s best to book some lessons with a recognised ski school. Using a ski school means your instructor will be qualified to the appropriate national or international standard. Learning in a group with other learners is a fun and quick way of mastering the basics.

Recommended Resorts

Bansko, Bulgaria – a great beginners resort, which offers great value and has recently seen lots on investment in its infrastructure, with improvements to the lifts and slopes. A good resort if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful introduction to skiing. Not great if you’re going on holiday with other intermediate/advance skiers as they may get bored of the limited skiing area.

Mottaret, France – offers plenty of nursery slopes for beginners whilst providing plenty of skiing for intermediate skiers in the 3 Vallees, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world.

Soldeu, Andorra – a great budget option, Soldeu has a well-established ski school with mostly native English-speaking instructors. Offer a surprisingly good natural snow record as well as extensive snowmaking facilities. Not much atmosphere, and traffic on the road through the village can sometimes be heavy.

La Plagne, France – a good choice for families, part of the Paradiski Ski Area, which includes the resort of Les Arcs. Offers a wide choice of slopes for all abilities. Not the liveliest of ski resorts but for a relaxing introduction to skiing it is worth considering.