Skiing is not just a hobby; it is a lifestyle. Those of you who are going skiing for the first time will find yourself doing the same the following winter. It is a beautiful addiction that encompasses all the elements of a perfect holiday, from magnificent alpine panoramic views, adrenaline rushing downhill descents to the friends that you make while on the trip. In fact, you can explore some of the best skiing holidays at https://www.skifamille.co.uk/ for your next family vacation.
But before you go booking the holiday, it is essential to plan the trip well. It is not all that easy as it requires to take into consideration many things. Here is a checklist that could help iron out the basics of planning a ski trip.
Time it right
Skiing is a popular sport and also an expensive one, so timing your skiing holiday is of great importance to save some cash and avoid the crowds. Depending on where you are heading, the skiing season can be between 4-6 months. You could save a lot of money if you plan your vacation in the off-peak time, for instance, just before Christmas or after mid-March. It would be advisable to book in advance and cash in on early bird discounts.
Lock in a budget
A ski holiday can turn out to be very expensive if you take into account the ski gear, ski lessons, accommodation, meals and transfers. Hence, it is essential to decide on a budget before hand, taking into account all these factors and then start the research.
Book ski lessons for novices
If this is your first skiing trip, it is advisable to book skiing lessons with a professional in advance. A ski instructor will be able to teach you the correct techniques and offer a strong foundation as well as take you to the best slopes for your training. He will ensure that you enjoy this incredible journey of learning the sport without being scared of the daunting slopes.
Pack strategically
Packing for a skiing holiday can be tricky, especially if you are traveling by plane, as the gear itself is heavy and you don’t want to add onto the weight with excess clothes. So, be smart in the way you pack. For instance, roll the clothes instead of stacking them in neat piles. This will help save space and prevent wrinkling. Fill the small gaps and corners with socks, underclothes or any cables and chargers you may be carrying. Also, wear the ski jacket if you are traveling by air as it is very bulky and can take up a lot of space in your luggage. You can also carry small items, like a torch, mobile charger etc. in its pockets. You will be surprised to see how much you can take with you! Also, pack plastic bags around all your clothing because it is winter, and there is a good chance of it snowing or raining while your suitcase is on the runway while loading or unloading.
Choose the right equipment
Picking up skiing equipment for your holiday is one of the most exciting things for both novices and old-hands. The kind of equipment you pick up often depends on your experience, and of course your budget.
Here is a checklist of the must-have ski equipment:
- Ski boots
- Ski bindings and poles
- Ski helmet
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
- Climbing skins
Besides the ski gear, you need to have appropriate ski clothing too including;
- Ski Jacket
- Ski Pants
- Baselayers
- Midlayer
- Ski Gloves and Liners
- Down Jacket
- Ski Socks
- Hat
New ski gear is quite expensive. You might spend a small fortune getting kitted, and that could affect your overall budget. So if you can’t spend too much on buying the gear, it is perfectly fine to rent out most of it or look for second-hand items.
Special travel insurance
Your regular travel insurance may not cover winter sports like skiing as it is far riskier than a regular beach holiday. So it is best to check with the insurer if you are adequately covered both on and off the piste. In case your insurance plan does not include winter sports, buy a special cover just for this holiday.
Skin protection
You may be going to a cold, snow-capped mountain for your skiing expedition, but remember you are that much closer to the sun. So it is mandatory to protect the skin from UV rays. Carry strong sun protection and apply it at least 20 minutes before you step out. Re-application is equally essential. Ensure you do it every few hours. Remember, sunburn can leave your skin red, itchy and flaky. In the long run, it also increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer.
Get fit
Taking up skiing as a hobby may sound fascinating and cool, but it is a tough sport and needs a certain level of physical fitness. It can sap all the energy out of you and make your muscles hurt. So it’s best to go prepared. Start working out much before you intend to go on the trip and gradually increase your endurance. It will not only get you geared up for the holiday, but also make you feel fitter. The muscles to focus on are the core to maintain a structural alignment, biceps and triceps for poli-ing, the thighs to keep the skis together, calves, and quads to hold you in position.
Pick the right place to stay
Chalets are the most preferred accommodation on ski holidays. They are in different sizes and offer varied levels of luxury. Choose one as per your budget and requirements. For instance, newbies should book a chalet package that includes food, transfers, ski professionals for lessons, place to hire skiing gear etc. If you are traveling with family and have children, find chalets that offer appropriate facilities like childcare, entertainment for children and more.
Keep first aid handy
Skiing can be quite a challenging sport, especially for amateurs who are at a high risk of falling and getting bruised. So ensure that you carry a personal first aid kit with you with bandages, pain killers, basic medicines for pain and fever. It’s better to go well-equipped than be stranded in the middle of a cold, snow-capped mountain slope.
Keep in mind all the aforesaid points while planning your next skiing holiday and get set to enjoy a memorable and hassle-free vacation.
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