First Time Skiing

Hi
My husband and I are planning our first skiing holiday for February. Neither of us have ever been skiing before so I am looking for some advice!

We are both 34 and based in London. We would like to go to a quiet enough resort that is friendly, not too far of a transfer time and that we don't have to travel too far to ski.

We are not sure what type of accommodation to go for, we would like to meet people but like privacy at same time so was thinking of serviced chalet, would this be a good choice?

We don't want to spend a fortune either as we are not sure whether we will like it or not!

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Many Thanks
C x

Hi there,

I've been to a good selection of resorts in France and Austria with my nervious snowploughing other half. I'd have to say the best resort we came across for beginners was Val Cenis (France). Its reasonably traditional and pretty (not a purpose built ski resort) but most of the acommodation is only a short walk from the lifts and there are loads of nice cruisey beginner slopes so you can get around the place without too much bother. The transfer from the airport was about 2 hours I think, so not too far but there are closer resorts. I seem to recall we stayed in a catered chalet with Crystal. I recommend catered chalets in general if you can afford them. Ours was only £299 including flights about 5 years ago..a right bargain but not exactly what I would class as good food..the host was a seriously unskilled chef, we were there over christmas and we had to take over the cooking! Great resort though if you can find a good deal.

Enjoy skiing, whereever you end up.

Personally i would recommend Austria,
Fly into Salzburg & lots of great ski resorts within a hour transfer plus if you don't go with a tour operator there are plenty of budget flights from the south of the u.k.
I would also book a good hotel with as least breakfast as chalets tend to be expensive for groups of less than 6 unless you can bunk up with strangers..

Oh and start saving!
you will get hooked & have to find the the cash to feed your new addiction every year :-)

I will say what I say to all new skiers, go and try it out on a dry slope or indoor slope before you go on holiday. This will, as a minumum, teach you how to put the boots and skis on properly and you will learn something about fit and comfort (or lack of it). It's a bit of a challenge first time.

I started on our local dry slope and had a few adult beginners lessons, and it was invaluable. It gave me a bit of confidence knowing that I had some idea of how to stop (or at least I learned the theory) and that when I arrived in my first resort I knew I could at least dress myself on day one!

Also don't be put off by not being able to do it straight off, you have to persist. And it is easier on proper snow, so if you can do it a bit on the dry or artificial slope, you will find you slide better on real snow.

I am still pretty awful at it, but I have a great time trying and you meet some lovely people, like all the J2Skiers on here :-)

I will say what I say to all new skiers, go and try it out on a dry slope or indoor slope before you go on holiday

I can't agree with this more. Not sure where abouts in London you are but I'd try and get a few hours worth of lessons at a Snowdome.

It makes a massive difference as you'll learn all the basics (doing up your boots, snow plouging, using the button lift etc). Which will free to enjoy your first lessons on piste.

I did a day at Ackers but Hemel Snowdome is really good.

I regularly go to Hemel at the beginning of the season to get my ski legs.

Best of luck!

T1b

Hi, I work in an Austrian resort called Scheffau am wilden Kaiser. The ski school there is fantastic for beginners, there are lots of different priced chalets/hotels/guest houses ranging from very cheap to expensive! There are 3 main airports no more than 1hr40mins away. The advantage of Austria over France is that it is considerably better value, and extremely beginner friendly (Where I live anyway!)I can give you all the info you need with regards to this resort!

Hope this helps!

I agree about Austria, it is good value. Also think about Italy as it is also cheaper than France and the food is awesome. If you feel adventurous self book via Trip advisor etc. Fly cheap airlines to Turin, Train to Oulx in the the Milky Way (about 10 euros each way) and get some seriously cheap accom in Sauze D'oulx.DO get lessons at the Dome though as you will benefit from day one. Enjoy!!! :D :D

Ever thought of France Knocks the spots off of Austria or maybe Italy a nice place to ski friendley locals and reasonable prices -)