Right i've done it...I booked my first trip!

top tip for you - cut your toenails as short as possible, it'll make your boots much more comfortable.
and, if any of you get cold fingers, I'd highly recommend the hand warmer sachets, they really work.
you'll love it. enjoy :thumbup:

Thanks for all the tips guys, they are all appreciated and noted.

I have written down all the little things, such as plasters, so as our holiday is not ruined by something so trivial as a blister.

I am so excited even tho i am soooo terrified of flying. I haven't flown in years so it shows just how much i want to hit the slopes.

Can i ask if all the children are kept in separate classes? My daughter is an only child and it does worry me that she may be unhappy being away from us especially if we disappear off up the mountain without her.

Thanks again

Jon

Ps: AllyG- we are going to arinsal.

Hi Snapzzz, welcome to J2ski and how exciting to be going on your first ever trip! Can guarantee you will get hooked and become as obsessed as us about this brilliant sport. As you might have seen from other threads, we are all currently excited because it's snowing in Europe :D

Snapzzz, re your child: I've done two trips with my young kids (3 and 5 when they started) and it is UTTERLY essential that you are happy with the school/care your daughter gets, no matter what her age. She has to be happy and confident, and then you can relax and enjoy your experience too. I've not been to Arinsal but it has a reputation for English-speaking instructors. Ski instruction comes in two guises; groups, of between 6 and 12, where you all learn together and probably do two hours every day at set times, and private, where it's just you (or you and family) where you will pay more but probably learn faster. If you go for the former, find one that offers small group sizes, and SPECIFIES what 'small' means.

Getting all of you into your gear each morning, remembering everything, and into boots and then skis can be a stressful time.

So I would REALLY recommend you all find the nearest snow-dome (Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, Manchester, and I think Castleford and one in Scotland) and book a beginner lesson and just run through all the things you will do, to get everyone happy with putting boots on, handling skis, walking in boots, and the basics of how to stand, and how to stop.

Back to the ski school/care in-resort; she will not be in the same group as you unless she is, say, 15+. If you think she will be comfortable with a few other kids doing the same thing, then book your lessons at the same time she is having lessons so you can have time together before or after them. If you think she will not want to be away from you at all, book private; one instructor for all three of you should be OK, but they may charge an extra amount to teach more than two.

Finally, although all this sounds daunting, in reality - while it is all new to you - it will be fine.Just remember - 35% of people who went on a ski trip from the UK last year classed themselves as beginners. We all start somewhere; and it's a fantastic holiday.

I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

Remember that your feet are probably the most important part of your body skiing wise, so investing in a couple of good pairs of socks is well worthwhile.

A decent pair of gloves is also important - if any of you suffer from cold hands, mits tend to be warmer than gloves, and don't be afraid to wear more than one pair - I needed 3 pairs in Flaine last January!

Also, don't forget a hat and take it with you each day.

Makes you realise how much we take for granted once we've done a few trips

Thanks everyone for your detailed and enthusiastic responses......I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED NOW!!!!!!!! I'm gonna be like bond in no time!
Over the years i have taken part in some great, extreme, sports and have over 100 Skydives under my belt (had to give up for various reasons, mainly female) but nothing has aroused me more than the thought of blasting down the mountains.

Thanks again

One thing that has not yet been mentioned by the others is fitness. Your first time skiing can be extremely demanding physically. It really helps enjoy the experience if you are reasonably fit before you go. So unless you already have a healthy regime of physical activity, I would ge started now and try to build up your stamina. Anything will help but cycling is excellent as is a bit of hill walking.

Regarding your child and lessons. While she will probably be put into a different class from you, she will be with a bunch of other kids, probably most of them from UK/Ireland so she will make a bunch of new friends by lunchtime on the first day.

Good luck and welcome to the sport.