Skiing can seem like a pretty intimidating pastime, especially if you’re new to it. You’re hurtling down a snow-packed piste, with only your wits and your skis to steer and stop you. Get things wrong, and you could take a tumble—in some cases, a nasty one.
Accidents are rare, however—and rarer still if you approach your first week on the slopes in the right way. Let’s take a look at a few crucial tips for those new to this pastime.
Choosing the Right Ski Resort
Different resorts tend to cater to skiers of different skill levels. Some, like Chamonix, are notorious for being difficult, so you’ll only want to venture there when you’re comfortable with the reds and blacks of other resorts.
It isn’t just the difficulty of the slopes themselves that’s worth considering, but the support you’ll get along the way. Ski schools can help you get going, so it’s worth seeking out the best ones. Other amenities, like bars and restaurants, can make a difference to the quality of your holiday when you aren’t on the slopes.
If you’re heading to Austria for a skiing trip, it’s worth considering a few key resorts. The country provides plenty for new skiers to enjoy.
Essential Gear and Clothing
To ski, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. These include the skis, the boots, and the poles, each of which can be either bought or rented. For beginners, renting is almost always the best option, since it will allow you to get a taste for particular pieces of equipment before you learn what suits you.
The boots you wear will make the biggest difference. Look for something that fits perfectly and consider your skis afterwards.
You should also be wearing three layers of ski clothing. This will keep you safe, warm, and dry. Finally, a good ski helmet should be considered mandatory. In the event of a serious accident, this might be the thing that makes a big difference.
Mastering the Basics: Learning to Ski
The actual process of learning to ski might be the thing that intimidates you most. The good news is that it’s easy—by the end of the week, you should be off the nursery slopes and ready to tackle the wider resort. In some cases, you might progress in a matter of hours.
The first technique you’ll learn is ‘snowplough’, which involves creating a wedge with your skis. The wider your feet, the wider the plough, and the slower you’ll go.
When you get more advanced, you’ll be able to keep your skis parallel and control your speed by changing direction—often rapidly. Until you get there, the best approach is to try to internalise a particular skill at a time and to master the fundamentals before pushing yourself. Above all, what matters is that you’re having fun while you learn, which usually means finding the right, qualified instructors.
Staying Safe on the Slopes
Safety concerns should be foremost in your mind when you’re skiing. After all, this is a potentially dangerous activity. Try to stick to the piste, and be aware of the people and obstacles around you. Don’t push yourself too far, too fast; wear your helmet; and trust your gut when it comes to safety.
Making the Most of Your Ski Holiday
There’s more to a ski resort than the skiing itself. You might take a break from the slopes in the evening, with the help of après-ski activities, snowshoeing, snowblading, or sightseeing around the resort.
Ski holidays in Austria tend to provide a happy mixture of all of these things, thanks to a winning combination of pristine piste and vibrant nightlife.
To get the most from the trip, it’s vital to book in advance. Make sure that your lift passes and accommodations are sorted well before you board the plane; that way, you’ll avoid stress later on.
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