Everyone has to make a start at a new pastime or sport and skiing is no different to any other activity, but it is one that, because of our lack of mountain resorts, is foreign to most of us. However skiing is a winter sport that is growing in popularity as each year passes with the European Alpine resorts improving their facilities year on year. It is not just about traditional alpine style skiing either, snowboarding is the “hot” activity for the young with most resorts catering for them with snow parks and half pipe structures for them to practice their skills. So as you embark on your first skiing holidays what are the essentials you should consider before you contact your ski holiday specialist and that would have to include equipment and suitable clothing.
Initially we should look at skiing equipment and here we would suggest, that for at least a couple of years, you stick to traditional skiing and leave snowboarding until you have got the basics of skiing which will teach you balance and turning techniques. There is absolutely no point in buying expensive equipment until you can perform basic ski movements and decide whether the sport is for you, but we know of few who having first been to a ski resort have not returned year after year.
Hiring skis, poles, and boots is the best option and your ski holiday travel specialist will help you here. Companies such as fasttrackski.co.uk have specialist knowledge of the very latest equipment and it is through them and others that you will get the very best deals, sometimes as an all in package. Modern ski equipment is “light years” away from the stuff that was in the rental shops, even as short a time as 10 or 12 years ago. Modern skis are designed to turn easily with the minimum of effort and you will soon be enjoying that downhill run.
Boots are another area where great “strides” have been made, a far cry from the old lace up leather devices that made you wish you had never put them on! However, do not take the first pair that is offered to you if they feel at all uncomfortable, keep trying pairs on until you are satisfied they fit without hurting, you are going to have them on for a few hours a day. If after your first day you feet are hurting, take your boots back and get them changed, your ski holiday company rep will always help you. Have fun and plan your next skiing trip when you get back home!
