Activitybreaks Features: Are you a Skiing Virgin?

Are you a Skiing Virgin?

Are you a first time skier or maybe it has been some time since you have been on the slopes? Skiing is a great form of exercise and lot of fun too. But it pays to be prepared so that you don’t spend all of your ski holiday in Hospital. Here at Activitybreaks.com we have put together some tips, lingo and advice on how best to prepare for your ski holiday.

Ski Workout

It is important to recognize that skiing is a form of exercise and if you are not prepared then you pay the price of sore muscles, reduced time on the slopes and injury. Check out this Ski Workout, that will help strengthen the muscles used in skiing and builds up your core strength. Start to incorporate this workout into your lifestyle a couple of weeks before your ski trip and you will really feel the benefit.

Ski Lessons

Even if your friends offer to teach you, it is always best to arrange some ski lessons with a professional instructor, even if it is only for a couple of hours. All European Ski Instructors will speak English and they will teach you basic moves and most importantly you will learn how to stop.

What to wear:

It is important to be comfortable and warm while on a ski holiday as you will be skiing in extreme temperatures but it is also important to look trendy.

We would recommend you buy the following items as they are essential for any ski trip: Headwear, Eyewear, Ski Jackets & Trousers, Thermal Underwear, Thick Socks, Sunscreen and Gloves.

It is better to buy these items prior to departure as you will pay more for them in resort. All items can be bought through many high street retailers’ nowadays. It might be worth checking if any of your friends have any equipment that you can borrow. Some of it can be expensive so it’s worth trying the sport out first before splashing out on the latest stuff!!

The Lingo:

Apres-Ski: After a long day on the slopes, relax around a fire with drink, party, go to dinner or take a hot soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi.

Bindings: The connector between your ski boot and the ski

Carving: A tight turn made with the edge of the ski.

Cross-Country Skiing/Nordic Skiing: Skiing on a flat, snowy surface using the body for momentum and resistance.

Fall Line: The most direct route down the mountain, often taken involuntarily by falling skiers.

Goggles: Essential ski eye wear used to guard against ultraviolet rays, wind and snow.

Hot Dog: A person who takes jumps off small cliffs and performs tricks on skis.

Kick Turn: An easier option for beginners turning on steep slopes.

Mashed potatoes: Mushy, wet snow.

Milk Run: The 1st run of the day.

Off-piste: Designated off-trail areas that are ungroomed, unpatrolled and usually unsafe.

On Piste: Piste is the French word for trail.

Poma: A surface lift straddled by skiers, with a plastic disc to sit on.

Rope tow: A moving rope that skiers grab to be towed up the mountain.

Snowplow: A popular beginner technique for stopping and turning. The front tips of the skies almost touch, while the back tips are bowed outwards.

Ski Lifts: These take you up to the slopes, which you then ski down. Chair lifts that you sit on with your skis or board still on your feet are the most common.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does the ski pack include?

Your ski pack always includes your skies, poles and ski boots and Ski Pass. If you would like to snowboard there is usually a small supplement. If you are travelling with small children, then you will also need to hire a helmet for them as most resorts make it compulsory. If you package includes ski hire then this will include your skies, poles and ski boots.

What happens if the ski lifts are closed due to lack of snow?

Most major Ski resorts have snow cannons (the supplement natural snow but they do require very low temperatures to perform.) We will do our best to organise skiing in an alternative resort nearby or offer an organised activity however this differs from resort to resort and it is up to the local supplier. We would recommend that you check if your winter sports insurance covers piste closure as you may be able to claim back unused ski pass days.

Do I need a passport photo for my lift/ski pass?

This can vary from resort to resort however; most resorts now have electronic passes so photos are not needed. Your voucher will state if a passport photo is required.

When can I collect my lift pass and equipment?

In most ski resorts, collection of equipment is on the morning after your arrival. However if you arrive early to your resort you may be able to get your equipment that day. Please check with your supplier locally.

Check out our Ski Guides for more information on our ski resorts.