New to skiing/snowboarding
Going skiing or snowboarding for the first time can be a daunting experience, not knowing what lies ahead or what you might need to take with you are just a few of the issues. At Chamonix Access we aim to ease your mind with our advice and help you with all the queries that you may have. If there is anything that we have not covered and you would like more information or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Get the right gear
Whether skiing or snowboarding, it is really important to get the right gear. You might think you can get away with using a standard jacket or non waterproof gloves but the chances are you'll find you end up being freezing cold, way too hot or just completely uncomfortable and end up having to buy something in resort, which is always way more expensive. Beg, steal or borrow your stuff - ok, well don't steal, but certainly borrow if you can, otherwise hire or buy ski clothing and buy gloves, goggles, sunglasses, a hat, thermals and ski socks - the rest of the layers you probably have in your wardrobe. Take a look at our ski/snowboard checklist to see exactly what you need and why. Visit a specialist winter sports clothing retailer if you need further advice. The weather in ski resorts is almost guaranteed to be changeable, so expect it to be so - even if you are travelling at the end of the season you can still experience major snow fall and whiteouts for which you need to cater for. You get what you pay for - thinking that you are only going to use your gear for a short time as a reason to not invest can be a big mistake, get the best kit that you can afford to ensure you have the most enjoyable time you can afford. Skis/snowboards and boots are best left hired in resort. Most resorts have a wide range of good quality hard wear to rent for all levels and if anything goes wrong or you want to change the equipment, you can. It also saves you dragging the gear along with you. See our equipment rental info page for our advice on renting equipment.
Taking the kids?
Every mum and dad knows happy kids mean happy parents, so the first rule of taking kids with you is organise childcare. Most ski resorts are well geared up for looking after children and even if they are not old enough to ski, most kids enjoy the snow and will thrive in a mountain atmosphere - making snowmen, going on hot chocolate trips... Booking your childcare or ski lessons well in advance is sound advice - places get booked up fast and booking early can offer you the most choice, can ensure the greatest chance of them being in a convenient place for you and them having a great time whilst you are on the slopes. What more could you want? The second rule is make sure they too have the right gear - if your kids are cold, wet or both, they will be miserable and won't enjoy their time in the snow and that's the last thing you want. Check out our kids ski / snowboard checklist to see what you should bring and why. Skis and snowboards are best left hired in resort.
Book a taster session/lessons
If you are able to, booking a few sessions at the nearest ski slope or snowdome is one of the best things you can do to help your ski holiday get off to a good start. It saves the first few days of your holiday just getting used to your equipment and getting the feel of the snow and gives you a real head start allowing you to enjoy being in the mountains. Booking lessons is a must for your first ski trip, even just for the first few days if you have already had some taster sessions. Don't forget that you will be in a mountain situation with other people around you and you want to know how to be in control and get yourself out of trouble. Getting started off with a good basis of ski knowledge is important and with continued lessons, you'll be a better skier/snowboarder before you know it.
Exercise
Your general fitness can have a marked effect on the enjoyment you get from skiing, especially for beginners where the effort of repeatedly getting to and from your feet can become very tiring. You also find you'll use muscles that you never knew existed and add that to a few bumps and bruises (especially for snowboarders), you can generally be left feeling a bit sore especially on the first few days. Don't let that put you off though, with just a little regular exercise you can make a huge difference to your holiday and may find you will progress quicker. If you can, find a gym that runs a ski fit course during the winter as they will offer general fitness training alongside ski-specific strength exercises. All the effort made before you go skiing will be repaid many times over when you hit the slopes, as you'll be able to ski for longer, feel less tired and will enjoy your skiing a whole lot more.
Stay safe
Because ski lessons are usually half day it means you are left to practice on your own for the other half. Listen to your instructor's safety advice, always make sure you have a piste map so you know where you are (make sure you know how to read it) and always stick to terrain you know you can handle. Also be aware of lift closing times as you don't want to be left on an area of mountain that is not easy to get home from. Being at altitude and working new muscles means that you can get tired easily. Stopping and refueling is important, if you can, take a small backpack with you with a drink and a snack in so you always have something with you. Getting ski insurance is a must, it is not very expensive and it is well worth the reassurance, in the unlikely event of needing to be helicoptered off the mountain you don't want to be paying for that out of your pocket! Carrying a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is essential to get subsidised medical treatment so carry that along with you at all times along with a photo ID such as a drivers licence but even with that it is worth purchasing the 'assurance Carré Neige' which is a special ski insurance optional with most lift passes and instantly recognised in France so there is no delay in treatment.
Now that might have scared you a little but please don't let that stop you! Taking a skiing holiday can offer you one of the most memorable and exhilarating holidays you're ever likely to have, with the breath taking surroundings, fresh mountain air, superb food and of course the snow you will be left re-energised, full of life and will no doubt have caught the skiing bug!